Program summary

The MA program in Conflict and Democracy Studies is open to students holding a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the social sciences or humanities (e.g., political science, international relations, European studies, and related disciplines, including history, law, economics, etc.) from a recognized institution of higher education. For admission to the program, candidates must have a minimum B2 English language level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at the time of enrolment (see the list of recognized English certificates).

Most courses are taught by the members of the Department of Political Science, although many workshops and simulations are led by domestic and foreign experts in particular fields.

Degree 

Students will be awarded a Master‘s Degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies from Masaryk University.

Program objectives

1. Prepare students for careers in fields concerned with various types of conflict and (the quality of) democracy. The program’s courses introduce students to relevant concepts and theories that describe and explain the dynamics of democracy, democratization, and conflict.
2. Equip students with skills and tools to explore how various political actors (e.g., governments, international institutions, non-state actors) interact and influence both the course of conflict and the quality of democracy. Students will learn to analyze and critically examine how the quality of democracy affects approaches to homeland and international security and, in turn, how security environments shape the quality of democracy.
3. Expand students’ ability to think independently and critically. The program’s courses aim to improve students’ capacity for understanding the concepts and events from various perspectives, including institutional, social, psychological, historical, and cultural. Students also develop communication, analytical, research, and other transferable skills.

Language of instruction

English

Admission semester

Fall/Spring

Start of classes

September/February

Program duration

Two years (four semesters)

ECTS credits

120

Program structure

The core courses cover relevant theoretical concepts in the study of democracy, democratization, and conflict. Students receive methodological and methods training to carry out their own research.

Elective courses offer students an opportunity to specialize in their field of interest. These courses cover topics like information warfare and propaganda, terrorism, populism, Eurasian security, militant democracies, etc.

Internship

Optional.

Forms of assessment

Position papers, essays, individual/group in-class presentations, coursework, written or oral exams, Master’s thesis, final state exam

Diploma supplement

Yes

Tuition fees

€1,500 per semester (or €3,000 per year)

See the “Tuition and scholarships” section for more information.

• Program summary
• Who should apply?
• How to apply
• Tuition and scholarships
• List of mandatory courses
• Life in Brno