Geopolitical Studies is a two‐year long multidisciplinary programme offering the students a chance to learn from renowned academics and experts. The programme is primarily focused on the geopolitical analysis but also includes aspects of the international relations theory and international law.

Specifically, it focuses on how the interactions between the world politics and geography have unfolded in the most relevant geopolitical settings. The programme gives the students an opportunity to gain a profound knowledge of geopolitics and geostrategy, two disciplines which are becoming ever more important. The mandatory courses provide the necessary theoretical background, while the electives enable the students to choose their thematic and/or regional specialization according to their preference. Some of the areas that the specialized courses and modules focus on include:

 - World politics, great powers geopolitics, global power shifts, border hardening;

 - Disintegration processes, failed states, violent non‐state actors, unrecognized states;

 - War, natural resources and conflicts, international law;

 - Political risk analysis, foreign policy analysis;

 - World regions and their position in the current global order;

Students will be introduced to the key concepts and theories and to the methodology and approaches to conducting a proper research in this field. Simulation and practical exercises are also employed to enable the students to apply the knowledge gained to solve problems, which could occur in real‐world scenarios.

Kick‐start Your Career!

The goal of the Geopolitical Studies programme is to produce graduates able to analyse and interpret the world which we live in, linking together not only facts but also various theoretical approaches and overreaching doctrines. The emphasis of the programme is placed on the practical application of the knowledge and skills earned; in this regard, the internship programme provides an opportunity for all the students to enhance their educational experience by applying them in a workplace setting. Our Geopolitical Studies Research Centre allows MA students to be directly involved in the life of the faculty, network, and engage in debates with policy‐makers, external experts, MA and PhD students, and faculty members at events and activities such as our Annual Geopolitical Conference, professional development seminars, or round‐table discussions with diplomats and other guest speakers.

Interested students can also take advantage of a wide selection of international academic exchange programmes arranged with renowned universities around the world. Beginning with the academic year 2019/20, students of the first year might enroll for the Double Degree of Geopolitical Studies and East Asian Studies with the National Taiwan University.

Who are we looking for?

Applicants to the GPS Programme may come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds. It is not necessary to have studied political science, international relations or geopolitics. Admission may be granted also to students whose previous studies were in the humanities, economy, law or even technical or natural sciences. Although a background in political science and related sub‐disciplines is not formally required for admission, it is an advantage for GPS applicants to have an aptitude for political science. The programme has so far welcomed students from 30 countries from all around the globe.

All students must have a good command of the English language in order to successfully complete all the course requirements, including the ability to discuss specialised topics. Our tutors will not be concerned only with what students know but they will also care about the clarity of their thinking, the capacity of explaining ideas in public, how well they are able to work in teams and to absorb or expand new knowledge in the social sciences. They will seek evidence of students’ interest in social and political issues and their ability to discuss them critically. If you like reading Foreign Affairs of watch Fareed Zakaria GPS or BBC HARDtalk, you are a prospective programme applicant. If you have not tried yet, please do so and test your aptitude to the social phenomena of this study.

Costs and fees

The tuition fee for the GPS programme is 3 000 EUR per semester. Tuition covers the costs of studying at Charles University, sitting examinations and participating in international student exchanges. There are also scholarships and bursary funding available, such as scholarships for students from developing and transition countries. Additionally, the Faculty of Social Sciences is able to offer a discount in school fees for students of all Master's programmes who are in the closing stages of their studies.

How do You join?

The early admissions deadline for the academic year starting in September/October is 28th February 2021. The early admissions deadline is strongly recommended for students from non‐EU or non‐EFTA countries who will need a student visa in order to study in the Czech Republic. The regular deadline for the academic year is 30th April 2021.

Apply online at: fsv.cuni.cz/en/admissions/masters‐degrees/geopolitical‐studies‐gps

For more information, get in touch!

Programme Coordinator: Dr. Martin Riegl, martin.riegl@fsv.cuni.cz, +420 606 462 351

Admission Administration: admissions@fsv.cuni.cz

Our webpage: geopolitics.fsv.cuni.cz/GEO‐4.html

Our Facebook: facebook.com/geopoliticalstudiesinPrague