Jagiellonian University

What you'll study

This two-year master's programme brings together political science, development studies, international relations and security studies. Core topics include theories of international security, human security, conflict analysis and resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, development theory and practice, global governance and geopolitics. Methodological training covers qualitative and quantitative research methods, policy analysis, project design and monitoring and evaluation.

• Security theory and practice — contemporary security concepts, state and non-state threats, asymmetric warfare and terrorism.
• Development policy and practice — development economics, sustainable development, aid architecture and community-based interventions.
• Conflict analysis and peacebuilding — drivers of conflict, negotiation, peace processes and transitional justice.
• Human security and migration — humanitarian response, displacement, human rights and protection frameworks.
• Research methods and project management — advanced social science methods, impact evaluation, donor procedures and programme management.
• Regional and thematic seminars — focused study on regions (e.g. Eastern Europe, Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa) and thematic issues such as energy security, cyber security or climate security.
• Capstone — a supervised master's thesis or applied internship project that integrates theoretical and practical learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as international relations, political science, development studies, economics, law, sociology or security studies. Selection typically considers academic transcripts, a personal statement or motivation letter, and a curriculum vitae. Admissions panels may require letters of recommendation and, where relevant, evidence of prior professional experience in development or security fields.

Because instruction and assessment for the programme are conducted in English, applicants whose previous degree was not taught in English will normally be asked to provide proof of English proficiency through an internationally recognised test or an institutional equivalent. International applicants must also meet the university's requirements for study in Poland, including any visa or residence-permit procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for a range of roles in the international public, private and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Policy analyst or advisor in ministries, national security agencies and international organisations
• Programme officer, project manager or monitoring and evaluation specialist for development agencies and NGOs
• Positions in international organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union and regional development banks
• Researcher or analyst at think tanks and research institutes focused on security, development or foreign policy
• Consultancy roles in risk assessment, humanitarian response and post-conflict reconstruction
• Further academic progression to doctoral study in international relations, security studies or development studies

Why study at Jagiellonian University

Jagiellonian University, based in Kraków, offers this programme within a long-established academic environment with strong regional expertise in Central and Eastern Europe. Students benefit from interdisciplinary teaching staff with research and policy experience, opportunities for fieldwork and applied internships, and links with government bodies, NGOs and international institutions active in the region.

The university’s central location provides access to a broad network of international conferences, guest lecturers and exchange options through European mobility programmes. Small-group seminars, language-support services and a vibrant campus life in one of Poland’s major academic cities help prepare students for professional careers in international security and development.