PhD Programme in Political and Administrative Sciences
Director: dr hab. Agnieszka Makarewicz-Marcinkiewicz
agnieszka.makarewicz-marcinkiewicz@uwr.edu.pl
About the programme
Are you fascinated by political science, theories of international relations, integration processes or issues of public administration? Do you want to develop your knowledge and understanding of these phenomena within your own research? An education at the Doctoral College of Political and Administrative Sciences at the Doctoral School of the University of Wrocław is a good choice for those who want to become independent researchers in the discipline of Political and Administrative Sciences and to continue their career in the academic world or as highly educated professionals of public institutions, social organisations, diplomacy, etc.
During their education at the Doctoral College of Political and Administrative Sciences, PhD students perform their individual programme directly connected with the topic of their research work. They are treated as young researchers who fully participate in the activities of the Institute and contribute to the development of science.
Your main task as a PhD student will be to focus on your own intellectual development and to carry out research resulting in your dissertation. You will benefit from participation in courses on the theory of politics, integration and international relations, methodology of research, logic, etc. On the education path, you will also obtain a number of practical skills necessary for moving skilfully in the world of science, such as designing research, writing academic texts or obtaining resources for the implementation of scientific projects.
You will have the opportunity to try your hand at teaching – all PhD students may carry out professional practice in the form of running classes with students. It is a great chance to test oneself in the role of a lecturer and to practice skills in public speaking.
Graduating from the Doctoral College of Political and Administrative Sciences at the University of Wrocław is a jump-start to an academic career – both in the role of a researcher and a lecturer. The PhD degree in Political and Administrative Sciences also makes you an attractive candidate qualified for work in public administration at the national and foreign level, non-governmental organisations, think tanks, media, etc.
About the Doctoral College
The Doctoral College of Political and Administrative Sciences is a part of the Doctoral School of the University of Wroclaw. The seminars within the Doctoral College are carried out by highly qualified academic staff affiliated to the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Institute of Political Sciences of the University of Wroclaw. The Institute of Political Science is one of the largest scientific research institutes of this kind in Poland. We are part of the University of Wrocław, which last year was the winner of the “Excellence Initiative – Research University” competition organised by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education. We publish two scientific highly regarded journals and carry out research in the area of international relations, political marketing, political communication, social policy and political systems.
We offer the possibility to attend classes run by outstanding experts in selected fields, both researchers and practitioners, as well as opportunities to participate in international exchanges and research projects. Students are supported in conducting research and pursuing their own interests. They will also have individual consultations with lecturers and support in planning and developing their careers.
Candidate’s profile
You are fascinated by political science and administration and have an idea for research in this scope. You have a Master’s diploma in any speciality. You have a good command of English (level B2) and have a certificate confirming your skills (IELTS score of 5.5 – 6, TOEFL score of 550 or other exam; this requirement does not apply to candidates who completed their previous studies in English or English is their native language).
Candidates for the Doctoral College must take an oral exam and present a written opinion on the draft PhD dissertation obtained from one of the researchers from the Faculty of Social Sciences in the discipline of Political and Administrative Sciences, who will declare their supervision as a adviser. During the exam, the candidate discusses their project with the commission and presents knowledge in the discipline of Political and Administrative Sciences. Passing this qualification procedure gives the admission to the study programme, with a guaranteed scholarship for each participant.
Specializations
During your education at the Doctoral College of Political and Administrative Sciences you do not choose a specialisation. The educational profile is determined by the chosen research topic and the individual research plan is developed in cooperation with the adviser.
Curriculum
The educational plan is prepared in cooperation with advisers. PhD students participate in speciality courses on the theory of politics, international relations and integration, political institutions in democratic system, etc. and in selected monographic lectures. The programme also comprises practical classes, such as methodological subjects, the ethics of carrying out research, writing scientific texts, preparing a research project, obtaining resources for research and teaching at a higher school.
However, PhD students spend most of the time on their own research and the preparation of scientific publications connected with their PhD dissertation. The education of a PhD student ends with the submission and defence of a PhD dissertation.
Full description of the programme
Workshops, internships, conferences
Within their education at the Doctoral College of Political and Administrative Sciences, PhD students have the opportunity to take active part in scientific conferences, research symposia, guest lectures and summer schools. They are also engaged in organisational works at the university and activities aimed at the popularisation of science. The education includes professional practice in the form of running classes or participating in classes run by another academic teacher.
All PhD students have also the opportunity to take part in national or foreign mobility within the cooperation with other research centres, for example in the Erasmus+ and MOST programmes. They may be research or scientific internships lasting one or even two semesters.
Diploma
After graduating from the Doctoral College of Political and Administrative Sciences at the Doctoral School of the University of Wrocław and defending your PhD dissertation, you will obtain the PhD degree in political and administrative sciences.
Details concerning the application process
Students who are Polish citizens (with a PESEL number) register in the IRK system
Students who are not Polish citizens (without a PESEL number) register in the IRC system
In order to register, it is necessary to create an account in the recruitment system and to fill in the application form online.