PhD Program with concentration on International Relation & Cultural Diplomacy
The PhD Program in International Relation & Cultural Diplomacy is a three-year program offered by the University of Bucharest in partnership with the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy.
Description
In our increasingly globalized world, knowledge and understanding of bilateral and multilateral relations now holds greater importance than at any time before. As a result, international cooperation and diplomacy are now imperative in maintaining and improving the economic, political and social environment in countries worldwide. The processes of international relations pervade almost all areas of human activity, and the issues that foreign policy makers address at the highest level increasingly affect the ordinary lives of people around the world. Nation states are no longer capable of resolving many of the most significant issues single-handedly, whether they be international terrorism, global (and often national) financial crises, or climate change. Moreover, the emergence of asymmetrical security threats and the international convergence of social, political and economic relations have underlined the need for a renewed focus on diplomatic relations and soft power, of which cultural diplomacy is a crucial component.
These developments have heightened interest in the study of International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy and, concurrently, have created a need for professionals who understand those subjects. University programs striving to provide students and young leaders with the fundamental understanding and practical skills necessary for careers in international affairs have had to adjust their programs accordingly to include commerce, development and culture as topics of study, as well as including multinational and supranational organizations as additional core subjects. Expertise in one field no longer guarantees professional success, and it is therefore vital that those aspiring to work in international relations and diplomacy have an advanced understanding of a number of relevant disciplines, including, but not limited to, international politics, international economics, diplomacy, culture, philosophy and history.
Operating under a joint partnership, Bucharest University and the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy are the first institutions to offer a PhD program that will educate students from around the world in several academic disciplines related to International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy.
Program Curriculum
The Doctoral courses represent the third cycle of studies offered (and awarded) by the University of Bucharest in partnership with the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, with the purpose being to expand knowledge through original scientific research. Students will acquire a level 8 qualification according to both the European and National Qualification Frameworks.
It consists mainly of research conducted under the direct supervision of a Ph.D. supervisor.
The duration of the program is three years; with the first composed of courses offered on Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin. In addition, students are welcome to undertake a professional development program. At the end of the first academic year, students will then be required to present the first research report on their specific chosen topic, allowing the commission of professors and, in particular, the student's individual supervisor to guide them in the development of their final thesis.
During the second and third years of the Ph.D program students are not obliged to reside in the doctoral school, but are required to stay in close and direct contact with the doctoral supervisor. A working schedule is established between the student and the PhD supervisor and will include at least two periods where the student must be present at the University of Bucharest each academic year. When in Bucharest, further to meetings with the PhD supervisors and continuing work on the thesis, the PhD students will also interact with other doctoral students and members of the teaching staff with whom they share academic interests, whilst also participating in the activities of the doctoral school of the University.
During the second year, progress reports are to be submitted according to a time schedule, and a format established by the supervisor and the student in compliance with the requirements of each doctoral school.
Also within the second, and then the third year of the program, according to the rules of the doctoral school where they are enrolled, students will submit 2-3 research reports which they will be required to present to a committee according to a schedule agreed with the PhD supervisor.
During the second semester of the third year, students are required to complete the thesis. Once the thesis has obtained the approval of both the guiding commission and individual supervisor, it will then be submitted for public defense. This will take place 2-3 months after the thesis has received the approval of the PhD supervisor, and represents the final step of the program.
The final step of the Program is the public defense of the Thesis.
Admissions
To Start the application process, individual are required to submit the online application found on our website.
Once submitting the online application form, we will then refer to you with an e-mail, indicating your application reference code and will outlining all the next steps, including the supporting documents required for the application.
Applications are being processed on a regular base, as enrolment to the program is possible towards fall, winter and spring start, each year.
Financials
Scholarships, equaling up to 10% deduction of tuition costs are available for students based on educational excellence and financial need. Although each scholarship request will be evaluated on an individual basis, students are expected to have an above-average grade point of 4.5 (of 5.0) in order to qualify for a grant and then to prove financial need. The Financial Aid application is a two-step process; Students interested in applying for a scholarship are required to submit their initial aid application request as soon as they have formally applied to the program, completed the first step of the application, and have been accepted into the program. Scholarships are then determined for the second and 4th semesters.
For more information, please visit our website:
http://www.ccds-berlin.de/index.php?about-the-degree