International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy Programme code: W3-S2MSA24.2024

The curriculum of the International Studies of Political Science and Diplomacy II degree reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the discipline (political science) in its international aspect. The profile of the studies is all-academic. Their main goal is to prepare the student for professional work in international institutions and organizations, European institutions, diplomatic and consular posts, as well as in government and local administration. The second-degree program equips the graduate with interdisciplinary knowledge and competencies in the area of social sciences and humanities, as well as the ability to analyze, understand and critically interpret the surrounding political, social and economic reality, with particular emphasis on the relationship between institutions in the state, European and global dimensions. The goal of the graduate's education is also to build an awareness of the need for self-education and lifelong learning (Life Long Learning), making him capable of responding to the ever-changing requirements of the modern labour market. Thanks to the implemented program, the graduate is fully prepared to continue his education in diplomatic and consular application. The competencies obtained also enable him to study at the Doctoral School. The study program was based on the concept of a dual combination of theoretical and practical issues. It involves entrusting the conduct of modules to two groups of lecturers. One is made up of researchers and academic teachers affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Silesia in Katowice, as well as foreign visiting professors. The other is composed of prominent representatives from the world of diplomacy, public administration and the socio-economic environment of the university. An important element of the program implemented as part of the International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy is study visits to diplomatic missions and institutions related to the deepening of practical knowledge in the field of international relations and politics. Due to its multilingual and interdisciplinary nature, the offered program occupies a special place in the didactic offer of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the University of Silesia. The basic assumption is to prepare students to solve problems and work in international teams, which is reflected in the introduction of obligatory modules in foreign languages. Compulsory modules are conducted in Polish and English. Therefore, candidates are required to have language skills at a level that allows them to participate in mandatory bilingual classes (English at the B2 proficiency level of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The study program also includes compulsory classes in French and Spanish. Acquisition of competence in this area begins at the basic level. Candidates for study, therefore, do not need to know either French or Spanish beforehand. Language learning is aimed at acquiring specialized terminology necessary for professional work (French and Spanish in diplomacy). The course of study was created as a response to the still unmet needs arising from the functioning of Polish diplomacy and administration in EU structures. Indeed, there is an urgent need to prepare a cadre of young, competent graduates who, in the future, will be able to supply Polish (and foreign) public administration units and diplomatic representations. As part of the International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy program, students who obtain the best results in the recruitment round will also have the opportunity to obtain a double diploma: a Polish one (issued by the University of Silesia in Katowice) and a Lithuanian one (issued by Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas).

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.

Internships are an integral part of the study program, carried out by students in individual fields, levels, profiles and forms of study. Internships are to help in confronting the knowledge acquired during studies with the requirements of the labour market, acquiring skills useful in the profession, learning about practical issues related to working in positions for which the student is prepared during the course of studies. The internship is to familiarize the student with professional language relevant to a specific industry and work culture. The rules for the organization of internships are set out in the Rector's ordinance. Detailed rules of apprenticeship taking into account the specifics of particular fields of study are set out in the field's of study apprenticeship regulations, in particular: learning outcomes assumed to be achieved by the student during the apprenticeship, framework apprenticeship program including a description of issues, dimension of apprenticeship (number of weeks of practice); form of internship (continuous, mid-year), criteria for choosing the place of internship, obligations of the student staying in the internship, obligations of the academic tutor, conditions for completing the internship by the student and conditions for exemption from the internship obligation in whole or in part. The number of ECTS and the number of hours are specified in the course structure.

The course of International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy is in line with the important goals of the Development Strategy of the University of Silesia in Katowice for 2020-2025 in the area of "Education": Objective 1 (PDS): Modify the educational offer in order to link it more closely with research activities, considering the directions for the development of higher education presented in the Agenda for the Modernization of Higher Education: Europe - A New Vision for Development to 2025. The course of study considers the educational needs of candidates and students and the labour market. In addition, the direction of International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy connects the educational offer with the socio-economic environment; some of the classes in the study program are taught by external experts of diplomatic and consular missions, international institutions, and government administration. Objective 2: Internationalization of education The degree program in International Political Science and Diplomacy is offered entirely in English. In addition, as part of the study program, students take mandatory courses in two other languages: French and Spanish (French in Diplomacy and French in Spanish). Some classes are taught by distinguished visiting professors from renowned foreign centres. As part of the study program, those students who obtain the best results in the recruitment call will also have the opportunity to obtain a double diploma: a Polish diploma (issued by Silesian University in Katowice) and a Lithuanian diploma (issued by Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas). Objective 4: Increasing the quality of education, in particular, through the dissemination of modern educational methods using new technologies based on interactivity. The course of International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy is also in line with the important goals of the Development Strategy of the University of Silesia in Katowice for 2020-2025 in the area of "Cooperation with the Environment". Objective 1 (PDS): Cooperation with the socio-economic environment. The study program also includes regular meetings with professionals and external experts. External stakeholders share their experiences and knowledge with students, which helps them in their professional development and preparation for entering the labour market. During the meetings, students can also establish contacts with potential employers and obtain internships or apprenticeships at selected institutions and organizations.