Detail programu/oboru

The study program International Relations is without specialization.

Admission procedure follows the Study and Examination Rules of the Charles University and the admission requirements published in the SIS.

The admission procedure is commenced on the basis of a research proposal for a PhD dissertation. Applicants are required to send the proposal by 12th May 2026 to cds-ips@fsv.cuni.cz.

The proposal should cover:

• clear definition and substantiation of the topic
• review of the literature and the current state of the art in the area of the project
• objectives of the project
• assumed methodology
• a list of references

For more details on requirements regarding the standards of social science research, originality and conditions of implementation, see the IR Department's webpage.

Applicants for the doctoral program in the field of International Relations may choose a dissertation topic from the list of priority topics provided by the Department of International Relations (IR) and the Department of Security Studies for the given academic year (these topics are published on the IR Department’s webpage by 14th February 2026 at the latest).

The applicants are strongly advised to consult a potential supervisor regarding the research proposal prior to its submission.

The admission procedure runs in two rounds.

In the first round, the admission board evaluates the submitted research proposals solely on the basis of their academic quality.

In the first round, a maximum of 20 points can be awarded. The evaluation focuses in particular on clearly formulated research questions and the research problem; the identification of gaps in the literature and a clearly defined relationship of the project to relevant scholarship; the originality and innovativeness of the topic and the theoretical grounding of the project (max. 10 points); as well as the availability, quality and selection of data, methodological grounding and overall feasibility of the project (max. 10 points).

The score awarded by the board is expressed as an arithmetic average of the independent assessments of individual board members. Based on this academic evaluation, the board sets the threshold for advancement to the second round, which takes the form of an oral interview.

The interview aims to assess the ability of the applicant to explain:

•           the objectives of the project
•           the innovativeness and originality of the project
•           the theoretical and methodological grounding of the proposed project
•           the feasibility of the research plan, including its limitations

The interview is evaluated in points as well, and the applicant may receive up to 20 points. The committee collectively assesses, in particular, the candidate's ability to defend their dissertation project and answer questions related to the submitted project, as well as the candidate's knowledge of relevant literature and the topic (max. 10 points).

In the second round, applicants may also receive a bonus for the compatibility of their proposed research with the research profile of the department, the priority themes announced for the given academic year, and the feasibility of the project in light of ongoing and planned research (e.g., grant) projects and the current capacity for expert supervision (max. 10 points).

A maximum of 20 points may be awarded in the second round.

The total maximum score for both rounds is 40 points.

Criteria for final assessment:

The candidate must be a Master degree graduate, preferably in the fields of social science and humanities.

The point limit for accepting applicants is set by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of Charles University, taking into account the number of applicants and the capacity of the faculty.

See also the General and faculty requirements

Podmínkou přijetí ke studiu v doktorském studijním programu je řádné ukončení studia v magisterském studijním programu.

Graduates of the doctoral program of International Relations are well-equipped to find work as highly qualified experts in academia, i.e. in research institutions, universities, as well as think-tanks. Their qualification allows them to apply their skills in managerial positions in government agencies, the administration of international organizations, international NGOs and a whole spectrum of private-sector institutions.