International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy Programme code: W3-S1MS21.2024

The study programme of the International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy I degree has an interdisciplinary character. It is set in the field of political sciences, with particular emphasis on the international perspective. Students also learn about issues from the field of law, economics, sociology, history and psychology. The study profile is all-academic. Its main determinants are multidisciplinarity and multilingualism, a novelty in the didactic offer of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the University of Silesia. Compulsory classes are conducted in Polish and English. In addition, students learn the basics of French and Spanish with particular emphasis on specialist vocabulary in international relations, public administration and diplomacy. The high level of linguistic competence is intended to enable the graduates to pursue a rewarding professional career in an international and intercultural environment. The main goal of the studies is to prepare graduates for employment in government administration, civil service, local government administration and, above all, in Polish diplomatic missions, international institutions and organisations, including European ones. The programme of the first cycle studies equips the graduates with multifaceted knowledge and competences in the field of social sciences and humanities, the ability to synthesise, analyse and critically interpret the surrounding political, social and economic reality, with particular emphasis on the relations between institutions in the European and international dimension. The aim of the graduate's education is to equip him/her with the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong learning (self-education) in response to constantly changing criteria for effective professional work. Creative professional activities in an international environment also require ethical and intercultural awareness which is reflected in practical solutions. The study programme of the bachelor's degree in International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy equips graduates to face the challenges in the fields mentioned above and shapes the skills of making decisions and perceiving their consequences. The programme is the first of its kind offered to both Polish and foreign students. Within the programme, two specialisations are offered: 1. Government Administration and Diplomacy - modules conducted in Polish and English; 2. Leadership in International Relations - modules conducted entirely in English. The study programme realises an optimal concept of combining theoretical and practical issues. Classes are taught by research and teaching staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Silesia and external experts, including specialists in political science, law, diplomacy, and international relations. Experienced professionals have the opportunity to become mentors for students of the course. Study visits to diplomatic missions and internships in institutions related to diplomacy and international relations are a key element of the programme realised within International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy. The need to prepare a graduate person to work in an international environment is related to the requirement for proficient use of foreign languages. Graduates speak English to an advanced degree. They also demonstrate knowledge of French and Spanish. Knowledge of foreign languages should also include specialized terminology necessary for the profession. The bachelor's degree in International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy was created as a reaction of the academic environment of the University of Silesia to the needs resulting from the functioning of Polish diplomacy in the structures of the European Union. It is now necessary to prepare a cadre of young, optimally trained graduates who can support diplomatic representations and public administration units.

The condition for admission to the diploma examination is to achieve the learning outcomes provided for in the study program, to obtain a certificate of an appropriate level of language proficiency in a foreign language and to obtain positive grades for the diploma dissertation. The condition for graduation is to pass the diploma examination with at least a satisfactory result. A graduate receives a higher education diploma confirming obtaining the qualifications of the appropriate degree. Detailed rules of the diploma process and the requirements for the diploma thesis are set out in the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the diploma regulations.

The course of International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy is related to the following elements of the Development Strategy of the University of Silesia in Katowice for 2020 - 2025: 1. internationalization of education - offer of education in foreign languages - lectures by visiting professors from renowned scientific centers 2. individualization of education - development of interdisciplinary education paths - education in cooperation with external entities 3. improvement of the quality of education, in particular through the dissemination of modern methods of teaching using new technologies based on interactivity - use of innovative educational methods - mixed forms of education (stationary classes and online classes - videoconferencing) 4. cooperation with the socio-economic environment. ma menu kontekstowe