University of Silesia in Katowice

Political Science is an interdisciplinary science. The programme has a general academic character. Political science is most strongly associated with sociology, psychology and law, with politics at the centre of its focus. The studies provide an understanding of political processes and phenomena on a local, national, regional, and global scale. They develop the ability to analyse and evaluate relationships and correlations between the functioning of political institutions, states, local, regional and international organisations, societies and individuals. Political science graduates have a broad knowledge of politics, media, and international relations, which allows them to understand the dynamics of political change and decision-making strategies on a national and international scale. As a result of the interdisciplinary nature of the Political Science programme, graduates are able to use the acquired knowledge and skills to negotiate, persuade, and communicate with social and political environments. Internships in a field related to the chosen major are an integral part of the studies. Studies in Political Science aim to prepare graduates for employment in: government and local government administration, international institutions and organisations (both governmental and non-governmental), public institutions, parliamentary offices, public relations agencies, advertisement agencies, research companies, diplomatic and consular posts, economic, social, and educational organisations, specialised research institutes and think tanks, and also for a political career.

1st and 2nd cycle studies in Political Science offer the following majors:

1. Public Administration – the aim of this major is to train specialists with broad substantive and practical knowledge useful in the organisational structures of government and local administration. Students get familiar with the rules of appointing various public administration bodies, their tasks and competencies as well as the role they play in the political system of our country. They also acquire knowledge of public finances, state, regional, and local party systems and human resource management.
2. Contemporary International Relations – is a major dedicated to people interested in the issues of international relations, foreign policy, national and international security, threats to peace and stability, and contemporary armed conflicts; choosing this major lets you better understand the conditions affecting contemporary international relations, including the specific character of political systems of selected countries, significance of energy resources, contemporary relations between religions, cultural differences, the process of globalisation, mechanisms shaping the world economy, and norms in international relations.
3. Social Policy – is a major intended mainly for people who are interested in social issues and their nature in the public space, both the current one and the widely discussed one. The issues of employment, education policy, health and social security, and housing are undertaken within the framework of specialised subjects. Cross-sectional subjects are concerned with e.g. non-governmental organisations, acquiring European funds, demographic problems, and sustainable development. All courses combine theoretical and practical aspects, allowing students to acquire broad knowledge and skills in fields related to the major.

Employment prospects:

• political career;
• journalism;
• government and local government administration;
• diplomatic and consular posts;
• international institutions and organisations (both governmental and non-governmental);
• economic, social, and educational organisations;
• leading teams to carry out delegated tasks;
• specialised research institutes and think tanks.