Master in International Security and Development
Kraków, Poland
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Oct 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 4,500 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
The international discussion on the most troubling global problems of the modern world, such as the war in Syria, the difficult situation in Ukraine, the European migrant crisis as well as the threat of terrorist attacks, shows the huge demand for specialists and strategists in the field of security and development. It also indicates the need to raise public awareness of the correlation between aid transferred to developing countries and the sense of security among developed countries' societies.
In order to respond to these two trends, Jagiellonian University launches the International Security and Development program. ISAD aims to foster creative thinking about complex problems of global security and development, as well as to equip students with analytical tools, language expertise, and cross-cultural understanding. It also helps gain the professional skills needed for managing global security and development in an international environment. The two-year master's program will be run by both international experts and lectures from Jagiellonian University. Academic courses will be taught in English, and additionally, students will learn the second, chosen foreign language. There are two academic tracks (specializations): international security and crisis management as well as development and security. The program includes professional traineeships and workshops with experts.
The Faculty of International and Political Studies is the most international and interdisciplinary unit at the Jagiellonian University. Its offer includes unique courses in English, many of which are implemented under agreements with foreign universities. The faculty allows you to study in a nationally and culturally diverse environment, both in Polish and foreign languages. It promotes mutual getting to know each other and translates into development perspectives in the field of further studies or professional work. The faculty has an extensive structure, reflecting the diversity of scientific research carried out there, which allows you to study with a group of specialists dealing with almost every corner of the world.
The International Security and Development program is conducted at the Center for International Studies and Development (CISAD), which is a part of the Faculty of International and Political Studies and is located near the Jagiellonian Library, in the green surroundings – Jordan Park and Błonia Park. The Center is an ideal space for the development of research and interests in the field of international relations, security, and global development issues, thanks to the qualified international and interdisciplinary academic staff, excellent experts, and, above all, thanks to the rich student community. CISAD conducts interesting, innovative research, that combines international, development, and security issues and on this basis we build study programs for people from around the world, creating the opportunity for an intellectual dialogue.
Admissions
Curriculum
Structure
The courses and modules we outline are divided into two major categories: mandatory modules prevailing in the first two semesters will give you a solid foundation in security and development studies. Academic tracks courses taught in the third and fourth semesters will provide more focused knowledge and competence in your chosen area.
Apart from these, there are a number of optional courses offered every year. Additionally, we offer a language course in one of the following languages: German, French, or Polish. Other languages may also be offered.
ISAD, as a two-year program, is divided into four semesters. Students need to complete modules worth at least 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits each year and 120 ECTS in total.
Academic tracks
International Security
The aim of this academic track is to extend knowledge of the causes of contemporary conflicts and crisis response based on the analysis of empirical cases, as well as intercultural communication including different regional conditions in different parts of the world (Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America). The studies include analysis of non-traditional threats (hybrid war, cyberterrorism, international terrorist and criminal networks spreading, energy security, climate protection) and conflict management, as well as peacebuilding on many levels.
International Development
This academic track provides knowledge in difficulties that governments, international institutions, aid agencies, and NGOs have to face in case of conflicts, humanitarian crises, poverty challenges, post-conflict reconstruction, etc. We focus on basic skills within planning, designing, conducting, and managing aid policies. The studies also include challenges associated with development effectiveness and human security.
Rankings
Rankings, Distinctions, Accreditations
Scientific Category A in the main discipline of Political Science and Public Administration was awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science.
Program Outcome
Graduate of ISAD is prepared to work in various types of institutions and organizations dealing with security and development; national as well as international, governmental, and non-governmental. The graduate has not only substantial knowledge but also a range of soft skills, necessary to work in an international environment and at different levels of organization and institution management. Since we care about effective communication, our graduate is fluent in English and in the second language – the language of his choice – communicates at the B2 level.