Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The University of New York in Prague (UNYP) offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in International Relations, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of global politics, economics, and social issues. The program allows students to specialize in one of three concentrations: Diplomacy and International Law, Conflict and Security Studies, or Global Governance.

Concentrations

• Diplomacy and International Law: This concentration focuses on the diplomatic and legal foundations of international politics. Students learn how states and non-state actors negotiate, how international institutions function, and how international law influences conflicts, cooperation, and accountability.
  • Key skills developed include:
    • Using diplomatic tools and modern negotiation procedures
    • Interpreting key concepts and debates in international law
    • Analyzing institutions, treaties, norms, and challenges in enforcement
    • Clearly communicating political positions in writing and presentations
  • Selected courses:
    • Democracy and Democratization
    • European Law
    • Foreign Policy Analysis
    • War, Peace, and Violence in IR
    • Problem Management and Crisis Communication
    • Special Topics in Diplomacy and International Law
  • Career opportunities:
    • Diplomacy, foreign affairs, public administration
    • International organizations and legal/political environments
    • Political risk analysis, research institutes, and advocacy organizations
• Conflict and Security Studies: This concentration examines the causes of conflicts and how security is understood today, encompassing military, political, economic, social, cyber, and environmental aspects. Students study how conflicts arise, how threats and strategies for prevention, management, and resolution evolve.
  • Key skills developed include:
    • Evaluating traditional and non-traditional security threats
    • Analyzing the causes of conflicts, escalation, and peace efforts
    • Working with case studies using modern analytical tools
    • Evaluating approaches to counterterrorism and security policy
  • Selected courses:
    • Cyber Security and New Forms of Warfare
    • Human Security
    • Terrorism and Counterterrorism
    • The United Nations in World Politics
    • War, Peace, and Violence in IR
  • Career opportunities:
    • Security policy analysis and creation (public and private sectors)
    • Risk management, intelligence, and strategic consulting
    • NGOs, humanitarian organizations, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding
• Global Governance: This concentration focuses on how global challenges are addressed through international cooperation and institutions. Students explore how international organizations, regional bodies, and governance frameworks address issues of security, development, sustainability, rights, and crisis response.
  • Key skills developed include:
    • Understanding the functioning of global institutions and regimes
    • Evaluating policy coordination between states and organizations
    • Analyzing global issues from a governance and systemic perspective
    • Developing research and writing skills for policy and program contexts
  • Selected courses:
    • Regional Studies (Africa, Asia, Latin America)
    • Environmental Crisis and Global Sustainability
    • Religion in World Affairs
    • The Emerging World
    • The United Nations in World Politics
  • Career opportunities:
    • International organizations, policy institutes, and NGOs
    • Government/public institutions related to international policy
    • Sustainability/ESG, compliance, advocacy, and program management
    • Further study in IR, public policy, or area studies

Program Specifications

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
• Field of Study: International Relations
• Concentration Options: Diplomacy and International Law, Conflict and Security Studies, Global Governance
• Concentration Requirements: 12 credits (24 ECTS) + thesis topic + Czech state exam
• Recognition: Concentration listed in the diploma supplement

Conclusion

The International Relations program at UNYP, with its three distinct concentrations, offers a robust and specialized education in global affairs, preparing students for a wide range of careers in diplomacy, security, governance, and more. By focusing on both theoretical foundations and practical skills, the program equips graduates to navigate the complex landscape of international relations effectively.