The Doctoral Program in International Relations under the PhD in Political Science
The PhD program is primarily oriented towards academia, preparing graduate students for a career in research and university-level teaching. The emphasis is on the development of professional-level research and analytical skills. Under the broad scope of political science, the areas of specialization are largely defined according to comparative politics, political theory, public policy, international political economy, and international relations. Within this, however, the Department of International Relations and European Studies welcomes in particular proposed research in the following areas: international relations and international political theory, critical security studies, EU enlargement and neighborhood policy, European security and defense policy, the political economy of the EU, and approaches to ethnic conflict.
During their studies at CEU, doctoral candidates are actively introduced to research networks in their field through participation in major research projects in which CEU faculty are partners or lead personnel. Travel support from CEU to participate in major academic conferences is offered; there are also opportunities to participate in graduate student workshops that the Department of Political Science regularly organizes in collaboration with some of the most outstanding European and US universities.
Doctoral enrollment may continue up to a maximum of six years. Students admitted into CEU doctoral programs are eligible to receive a full CEU Doctoral Fellowship for up to three years. Further information on CEU’s doctoral programs can be found in the CEU Doctoral Regulations.
Sample Courses for the Doctoral Program
Qualitative Methods and Research Design; Research in European Union Studies; International Relations Theory: The Contemporary Debates; Critical Security Studies: Constructivist, Feminist and Postmodern Approaches; The New Political Economy of Development; Prospectus Seminar.
