International Relations (MAIN)

The programme provides students with the knowledge and analytical skills to understand the international context of politics, economy, and security. The tensions among major world powers are on the rise. At the same time, the world is growing ever more inter-connected. Thus, major political decisions, influencing our everyday lives, are made not only domestically but increasingly also internationally. The programme helps students understand how international and European politics work, and what are the challenges faced by states, as well as business, NGOs and individuals, in the globalized world. Within an interdisciplinary framework, students learn about the key points of contestation in world politics, but also about the functioning of the European Union and the key global institutions. They study how international conflicts can be productively transformed into cooperation. In addition, the programme puts an emphasis on the development of students’ analytical capabilities and critical thinking. Successful graduates become highly valued experts in national and European administrations and diplomacy, but also businesses, NGOs, media, etc.

The programme offers a double degree option in cooperation with the prestigious Department of political science and public administration at the University of Konstanz. Thus, the selected students have the opportunity to obtain the master's degree in Politics and Public Administration from the University of Konstanz, in addition to the master's degree in International Relations from Charles University. Applicants for the double degree programme are selected, based on merit, after the first semester of their studies.

Early bird application deadline: 28. 02. 2025

Regular application deadline: 30. 04. 2025

Important note for visa-seeking students: Please read about the visa process carefully before applying. You are responsible for organizing your legal stay in Czechia and the visa application process can get quite lengthy. For students from visa-seeking countries, the early-bird deadline is therefore strongly recommended. 

Programme Duration: 2 years

Language of Instruction: English

Programme Director: doc. PhDr. Jan Karlas, M.A., Ph.D. (jan.karlas@fsv.cuni.cz)

Programme Coordinator: Mgr. Viera Martinková, Ph.D. (viera.martinkova@fsv.cuni.cz)

Admission Administration: admissions@fsv.cuni.cz

Tuition Fee: 7 000 EUR per year

Reduction or Waiving the Fee: The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a set of scholarships and fee reductions. Conditions and terms can be found here.

Admission Requirements: See the full list here.

Study Prerequisites: The programme is open to students who have completed a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a demonstrated active interest in international politics.

Programme Structure: For a detailed presentation of the programme and the outline of its structure and content, see the MAIN Student Prospectus. For the full course structure of the programme, please see the programme guidebook Karolinka.