Master in International Security and Development Jagiellonian University

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 fourth edition of the MA program of studies - International Security and Development. ISAD aims at fostering 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.

Our goal is to educate specialists in understanding the importance of problems in the modern world and seeking solutions for them. We want to educate strategists to be able to implement actions that ensure appropriate targeting of aid projects, and thus greater stability in international relations - emphasizes Marcin Grabowski, the director of ISAD studies.

The two-year Master's program will be run by both international experts and lecturers 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 first ISAD class was launched in the academic year 2018/2019, and the recruitment process starts on 9th February 2023. Find out more about program structure and recruitment on our website: www.isad.uj.edu.pl. We also encourage you to familiarize yourself with our online prospectus.

ISAD as an innovative project was awarded the grant of the Polish National Centre for Research and Development and is co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund.

The Jagiellonian University in Krakow

Join us at Jagiellonian University, the best and the most prestigious university in Poland, with a very rich tradition of academic excellence that dates back to the fourteenth century.

Live and study at the academic heart of Central Europe, the home of excellent researchers in many disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, medicine, mathematics, and natural sciences. The University has many international partners, and our students benefit from various forms of study exchange, shared virtual classrooms, visits of guest professors, and many other aspects of international cooperation. The Faculty of International and Political Studies, which will be your home department, is widely recognized for its research on areas and countries, politics, international relations, and intercultural studies.

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.

Graduate’s profile

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.

Who is it for?

The program is designed for students with a BA diploma in social sciences, humanities, and other relevant fields. It is ideal for people who want to increase their knowledge of international security and development. It is perfect for those who are interested in both fields but from different perspectives and different academic disciplines such as politics, history, economy, culture, and sociology. With the ISAD program, they will gain a solid grounding that will develop their career.

Graduates of ISAD are ready to work in a variety of public and private institutions and organizations, both national and international, including governmental and international bodies dealing with development and security issues, as well as non-governmental organizations. In addition, they have a very good command of English and a second language at the B2 level.