Political Science
Coordinators: dr Michał Kuś michal.kus2@uwr.edu.pl; dr hab. Piotr Sula piotr.sula@uwr.edu.pl
About the programme
Are you interested in contemporary political life, functioning of states and power relations in societies? Do you want to understand the most important political events, functioning of institutions and their impact on citizens’ lives? Do you want to know how election campaign are organised, the differences between the functioning of political parties in countries with various political systems, and the essence of relations between the worlds of politics and the media?
Political science is a speciality which you will give you extensive and well-organised knowledge of various social and political processes. You will learn the most important political doctrines and find out how historical events shaped the world governance in different periods. You will learn to analyse and understand positions and strategies of the most important actors of public life as well as get to know tools of political marketing, social communication, diplomacy and management of organisations.
Studies in political science will equip you with interdisciplinary knowledge of political sciences, sociology, philosophy, economics, psychology, history of politics and many others. You will learn mechanisms which cause people join together in specific-interest groups and undertake public activities. You will understand the roots of conflicts and different grounds for cooperation between various actors of public life.
If you dream of a career in the world of politics, media, public administration, business, international organisations or research institutions or you just want to understand the world around you, this speciality is the best choice you can make.
Our graduates are highly valued specialists working in the public sector and State institutions as political advisers and consultants, in research institutions, media, advertising agencies and public relations. Some of them are successful entrepreneurs operating in the above-mentioned sectors, among others.
About the Institute
The Institute of Political Science at the University of Wrocław, operating since 1969, is one of the largest scientific and 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 systems, political communication, social policy, political theory and political thought.
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 interested in politics, the functioning of states, economic and legal systems, and the media. You want to deepen your knowledge of one of the following four areas: political communication and media functioning, international security, European integration or comparative studies.
You have graduated from secondary school with a secondary school certificate (matura). 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 an English-language Bachelor Programme or English is their native language).
Political Science constitutes a three-year programme whose graduates receive a Bachelor’s degree. It is open to Polish citizens, citizens of other member states of the European Union and non-EU candidates. There are no age limits.
Learn more about criteria of admission to English-language studies and documents required
Specializations
In the third year of studies you may choose one of these four specialities, due to which you will deepen your knowledge in the chosen area and profile your professional career.
Media and Politics
The media play a key role in contemporary political communication as they are the main communication channels with voters. Media transformations, for example, the emergence of social media, have a great impact on many political processes and communication rules. Studies in the subject of Media and Politics will give you practical skills in the scope of modern social and political communication. You will deepen your knowledge of the functioning of the media market, public opinion formation, organisation of election advertising, creation of the image of politicians and political parties, etc. You will be prepared to work as a media adviser, content architect, journalist, political media specialist or social communication specialist.
Comparative Politics
Are you interested in issues connected with the theory of politics, functioning of different political systems and analysis of public policies’ impact on the functioning of society? Do you want to gain practical skills in the scope of comparative analysis and evaluation of different systemic or institutional solutions? Completion of the Comparative Politics speciality will give you the base knowledge necessary for work as an analyst in research institutions, think tanks, non-governmental organisations, political organisations, units of public administration and business. You will also have the opportunity to continue your studies by doing a Master’s degree and, later on, PhD Programme.
Global Security
Are you interested in issues concerning international security and threats to the world governance? Do you want to know how to diagnose, monitor and address these threats? Are you thinking about a career in state or international security organisations, crisis management centres, organisations dedicated to promoting human rights or international business? The Global Security studies will equip you with knowledge of the most important challenges to international security, specific features of threats in different regions of the world and management of security crises.
Europe in the World
The Europe in the World speciality is a good choice for people who are most interested in issues connected with the functioning of the European Union, its institutions, integration processes and crucial challenges faced currently by the European community. Studies in this speciality will equip you with detailed knowledge concerning the social, economic and political dimension of the EU integration, decision-making processes at the EU levels, and the manner of the law creation. You will gain interdisciplinary knowledge of such scientific fields as political science, integration theory, regionalisation, international relations, economics and history.
Curriculum
The studies comprise six semesters. The first four semesters are general and practical courses in which students of all specialities take part. They cover such subjects as political science, history of political thought, theory of state, party systems, politics and religion, social policy, economic policy, public administration, self-governance, law and research methods. Some of classes are practical courses concerning political marketing, social and political communication, social engineering, and management.
The last year includes speciality courses specific for each speciality. Students spend one of the semesters abroad within the Erasmus, ISEP and CEEPUS programmes. Education ends with the submission and defence of a BA thesis.
Full list of courses:
Workshops, internships, conferences
During the Bachelor’s Programme, each student has the opportunity to broaden their competencies within internships offered by the Institute of Political Science in cooperation with partner institutions. In the inter-semester period, they have the opportunity to do an internship in international companies operating on the local market (Credit Suisse, UBS, IBM, Google, LG, Toyota, Volkswagen, Lufthansa, Daimler, Amazon and many others), organisations (e.g. the representation of the European Parliament, diplomatic representations, commercial and economic chambers, etc.), think tanks or cultural institutions.
It is also possible to receive a grant for a 5-month internship in a foreign organisation or company. Such a possibility is available not only for current students of Political Science, but also for graduates, who may use this option for a maximum of one year after the completion of their studies.
Diploma
After graduating from political science at the Institute of Political Science at the University of Wrocław, you will obtain a Bachelor’s diploma in political science with the indication of the speciality completed (one of the following four specialities: Media and Politics, Comparative Politics, Europe in the World or Global Security).
Details concerning the application process
Students who are Polish nationals (with a PESEL number) register in the IRK system
Students who are not Polish nationals (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.