PhD studies

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLMENT ON THE STUDY PROGRAMME OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

There are general and specific requirements for enrolling on the first cycle studies.

The general requirements are as follows:

A certificate on completion of a four-year secondary school (points are awarded based on the average grade throughout the entire schooling).
A certificate on medical condition of a candidate (issued by an accredited medical institution).
An application form filled in.
The entrance exam passed.

The specific requirements are determined at an entrance exam consisting of:

A Serbian language test
A general sociology test
A general knowledge test
A general culture test

METHODOLOGY AND DURATION OF STUDIES

The studies are regular, organised at the seat of the Faculty and following the 4+1+3 design, with the first cycle lasting for 4 (four) years, that is, 8 (eight semesters), and the second one for 1 (one) year, that is, 2 (two semesters). The latter figure refers to the third cycle (doctoral studies), to be launched soon.

With regard to the teaching process, there are following forms applied over the course of four or five mandatory subjects and one elective per semester: regular lectures, practical exercises, one-to-one classes (office hours instructions), seminars, and internship. Upon completion of the first cycle, students can choose between two study courses at the second cycle: Journalism Studies and Communication Studies.

Students at this study programme are obliged to actively participate in lecture and exercise classes, to submit essays, seminar papers, and research projects, as well as to give presentations and be engaged in other academic activities, for which they are awarded points. At the beginning of a semester, the professor in charge of the subject introduces topics and issues, methodology and forms of work, and credits awarded to particular activities that make up of the overall subject workload. The passing grades range from 6 to 10 in a 5-10 grading system, the former being the lowest and the latter the highest grades. With regard to the aforementioned, the grades of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are awarded for the respective point ranges: 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, 81-90, and 91-100. The grade of 5, marking a failed exam, is awarded for scores below 51.

The projected duration of studies is four academic years or eight semesters, upon the successful completion of which a BA in Journalism and Communication Studies is acquired, with the workload being expressed in ECTS credits.

CREDIT VALUE OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME EXPRESSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ECTS SYSTEM

The credit value of each teaching subject is expressed in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). With regard to this system, every subject is assigned a certain number of credits, with the total of 30 credits in each semester, that is, 60 in an entire academic year, thus making it the total of 240 credits upon the completion of the first cycle. The second cycle features the workload of additional 60 credits, with the master’s thesis being assigned 14 credits.

SIMILARITY TO OTHER STUDY PROGRAMMES OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

The study programme is similar to the ones offered at the following higher education institutions:

1. Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Belgrade (Republic of Serbia)

2. Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Zagreb (Republic of Croatia)

3. Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Montenegro (Republic of Montenegro)

CRITERIA AND METHODS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE

Since 2008, there have been regular annual assessments of the teaching process at the University of Banja Luka through students’ surveys. Among other things, these assessments feature many indicators of the quality of the study programmes themselves. In addition, there are exam pass rate analyses conducted, with students’ progress being monitored throughout their studies. Currently, an assurance quality strategy is being designed, to elaborate on other forms of evaluation, as well as on procedures to deal with possible mistakes and raise the quality of a study programme.

CONDITIONS FOR TRANSFER FROM OTHER STUDY PROGRAMMES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE SAME SCIENTIFIC FIELD

According to the Rulebook on Studying at the First and Second Cycles Academic Studies (Article 24) of the University of Banja Luka, the conditions for transfer from another study programme are determined by the Senate of the University of Banja Luka at the request of the Staff Council of the respective faculty. With regard to identical study programmes, there are no special conditions. In case of other study programmes, only similar ones are eligible, with the term ‘similar’ referring to a study programme featuring at least 70% of the subjects belonging to the narrow scientific field of journalism and communication studies. A candidate can make a transfer from another first-cycle study programme to this study programme if they pass a list of exams determined by the staff of the Study Programme of Journalism and Communication Studies, based on the insight into the curriculum of the study programme in question.

STUDY PROGRAMME OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

METHODOLOGY AND DURATION OF STUDIES

The studies are regular, organised at the seat of the Faculty and following the 4+1+3 design, with the first cycle lasting for 4 (four years), that is, 8 (eight semesters), and the second one for 1 (one) year, that is, 2 (two) semesters. The latter figure refers to the third cycle (doctoral studies), to be launched soon.

With regard to the teaching process, there are following forms applied: regular lectures and practical exercises. Upon completion of the first cycle, students can choose between two study courses at the second cycle: Political Studies and International Studies, each featuring five mandatory subjects and one elective, as well as the final paper, on the basis of which candidates choose their field of expertise.

The second-cycle studies last for 2 (two) semesters. In order for an MA in Political Science or an MA in International Relations to be acquired, candidates are required to complete the 60-ECTS workload, to pass all the exams, and to publicly defend their master’s thesis.

PhD studies

The PhD (doctoral) studies of the Faculty of Political Science are designed as a unique faculty-level programme encompassing four research areas – sociology, political science, social work and social policy, and media studies – which are differentiated between in terms of the list of subjects and requirements at the first, second, and third year respectively, as well as in terms of the dissertation itself.

Apart from mandatory, that is, core subjects, that outline the identity of the Faculty itself and the study area in question, there have been a number of electives introduced that enable the candidates to actively define the programme they are going to attend, in line with the ECTS load intended.

With regard to the aforementioned design, an imperative is a unity of theory classes and field research work, which can be realised at the Faculty’s Institute for Social Research, where candidates can join an ongoing project or submit an application for a project of their own.

The reasons for integrated PhD studies in social sciences featuring four study areas are as follows:

increase in scholarly, teaching staff, and research capacities;
harmonisation of academic criteria, given the similarity of the aforementioned study areas;
encouragement and promotion of interdisciplinary studies, which is the current trend in social sciences
application of theoretical and empirical research and knowledge that can be utilised within a wider social context
a more economical design.

CONDITIONS FOR ENROLMENT ON THE PhD STUDIES OF THE FACULTY OF POLITICAL SCIENCES

The candidates eligible for PhD studies at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Banja Luka are as follows:

candidates that have completed their second-cycle academic studies – MA degree in Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, Social Work, or Journalism and Communication Studies (300 ECTS);
candidates that have completed their second-cycle academic studies – MA degree in similar area of social sciences or humanities (300 ECTS);
candidates that have completed their MA studies prior to the introduction of the Bologna Declaration system and who have gained their MA degrees in the respective areas of sociology, political science, international relations, social work, and journalism and communication studies, as well as in other similar areas of social sciences or humanities.

The criteria for enrolment on the PhD studies of the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Banja Luka are the following:

average grade at the first and second cycle academic studies respectively;
time spent completing the first and second cycles;
scholarly and research results in the area of enrolment (published academic papers, conference attendance, scientific research projects etc.);
candidates that have completed studies that are not in the least 70% compatible with/ similar to the ones offered by the Faculty of Political Sciences are required to take an additional list of exams from the area of enrolment

Academic title gained upon the successful completion of PhD studies in social sciences

Upon the public defending of their PhD dissertation, candidates complete their PhD studies featuring the total workload of 180 ECTS. Depending on the research area selected, candidates gain one of the following academic titles:

1. Research area: Sociology

PhD in Sociology – 480 ECTS

2. Research area: Political Science

PhD in Political Science – 480 ECTS – Politology

PhD in Political Science – 480 ECTS – International Relations

(There are two study courses within the research area of Political Science. In accordance with a candidate’s preferences and the contents of their PhD dissertation, the respective PhD titles in Politology and International Relations are gained.)

3. Research area: Social Work and Social Policy

PhD in Social Work and Social Policy – 480 ECTS

4. Research area: Media Studies

PhD in Media Stuies – 480 ECTS – Communication Studies

PhD in Media Studies – 480 ECTS – Journalism

(There are two study courses within the research area of Media Studies. In accordance with a candidate’s preferences and the contents of their PhD dissertation, the respective PhD titles in Communication Studies and Journalism are gained.)

Structure and organisation of PhD studies in social sciences

The PhD studies organised at the Faculty of Political Sciences last for 3 (three) academic years, that is, 6 (six) semesters, and they are realised through the following academic activities: classes, seminars, workshops, panel discussions, office hours, individual research work, and making and defending of a dissertation. Candidates are required to complete their studies within the period of 4 (four) years, starting from the day of enrolment. In certain cases, this period may be extended to additional 2 (two) years, with a written explanation submitted by the candidate to the Council of PhD studies. Upon the expiration of the extended deadline (total of 6 years), candidates are no longer eligible to pursue their academic career at this institution.

Mandatory and elective subjects and activities and their respective workload

At the PhD studies of the Faculty of Political Science, theory classes do not exceed 40% of the total workload expressed in the ECTS system. The remaining 60% imply an active involvement in research work through mandatory and elective activities. The former are conceived of as a means to developing aptitude for scholarly research, to developing the necessary methodological knowledge and skills, and to strengthening critical thinking.

No.	Mandatory activities	ECTS
1.	Mandatory subjects exams	44
2.	Elective subjects exams	32
3.	Authoring two papers from the area of research in a reviewed journal	12
4.	Research work for the purpose of submitting a doctoral dissertation application	8
5.	Doctoral dissertation application	14
6.	Making and defending of a doctoral dissertation	60
Total:		170

With regard to the latter, candidates are required to gain at least 10 ECTS over the entire course of PhD studies. In this respect, candidates are left with a free choice of how to fulfill this requirement. The aforementioned ECTS score is realised and registered in a candidate’s personal records in 6th semester and is one of the requirements for defending the dissertation. The activities selected are assessed by a three-member board consisting of the supervisor and two experts/professors for the research area concerned appointed by the Council of PhD studies.

No.	Elective activities	ECTS
1.	Participation at a PhD students conference with a presentation	5
2.	Participation at a national academic event from the research area with a presentation	4
3.	Participation at an international academic event from the research area with a presentation	5
4.	Participation at a summer school from the research area	4
5.	Participation at a workshop from the research area	2
6.	An online panel from the research area (monitored by supervisor or co-supervisor)	1
7.	A paper published (author or co-author) from the research area in a reviewed journal	6
8.	A chapter (author or co-author) in a published book covering the research area	6
9.	A book published (author or co-author) from the research area	7
Available total:		40

First year (semesters I and II)

The first year of PhD studies is comprised of mandatory and elective theory classes. With regard to this, the methodology subjects group, mandatory for all research areas, is organised through theory classes and methodological seminars, aimed at equipping candidates with the necessary methodological knowledge and skills and at enabling them to independently conduct theoretical and empirical research. In addition, the mandatory subject related to the research area (sociology, political science, social work and social policy, media studies) covers key features of the research area in question: theory, history, disciplines, and new approaches to research. In order for interdisciplinary ambience to be achieved, candidates are allowed to choose electives from other research areas.

Upon the completion of theory classes and mid-term and end-of-term exams passed, candidates are entitled to sitting exams in mandatory and elective subjects. Final exams in all subjects are taken in front of a three-member board consisting of the professor in charge of the subject in question and two experts/professors for the research area concerned appointed by the Council of PhD studies.

Second year (semesters III and IV)

During the second year, candidates decide on their supervisors to work with them on the research related to their doctoral dissertation application. After the aforementioned research has been successfully conducted, which is assessed by the supervisor in a written form, candidates are entitled to having this activity registered in their personal records. In order for the quality of PhD studies to be assured, especially in areas that imply an interdisciplinary research and collecting empirical data, candidates have an option of deciding on a co-supervisor as well.

Prior to submitting their doctoral dissertation applications, candidates are obliged to have authored two papers from the research area, either published or accepted for publishing in reviewed journals or publications. These papers have to be published over the course of PhD studies, which implies that papers published before the enrolment on the studies are not eligible for consideration.

Upon the completion of theory classes, along with all the exams passed, the two academic papers published, the supervisor decided on (and co-supervisor), and the research related to their doctoral dissertation application successfully conducted, candidates are entitled to submitting a doctoral dissertation application. As far as its contents are concerned, the following elements are mandatory: the title of the dissertation, the explication of the topic and the expected scholarly outcome, the basic and the auxiliary hypotheses to start with in the research, the suggested list of references, and the general data on the candidate. The doctoral dissertation application is defended publicly before a three-member board consisting of the supervisor (and the co-supervisor) and two professors from the research area appointed by the Council of PhD studies. Other PhD students are entitled to attending the event, along with any other interested party. If the Board rules out that the application has not met all the aforementioned requirements, the candidate is given an additional period of 30 days to make the necessary amendments to it and sit the exam again.

Third year (semesters V and VI)

During the third year of PhD studies, that is, semesters V and VI, candidates are occupied with making of the dissertation and with preparations for its public defense. Over the course of these activities, the duty of the supervisor (and the co-supervisor) is to be actively involved in the process and direct the candidate. With regard to the procedures concerning the assessment of the dissertation and its defense, they are determined by the Law on Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska and the Rulebook on Third Cycle Studies of the University of Banja Luka.

RESEARCH AREA: POLITICAL SCIENCE

The instability of the political system of Bosnia and Herzegovina, conditioned, on the one hand, by subjective (internal) weaknesses related to the process of transition from a post-Communist society to parliamentary democracy, to post-war (1992-1995 civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina) tensions, to the respective structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska as designed within the provisions of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (also known as the Dayton Agreement), and to historical legacy of the relevant political and social factors and, on the other hand, by objective (external) ones, resulting in the extremely dynamic nature of contemporary social transformations caused by globalisation, represents a large field for credible research in the area of political science.

The range of legitimate research topics in this area is virtually unlimited in terms of the current socio-political design of Bosnia and Herzegovina, starting from constitutional issues that are closely related to the Dayton Agreement itself, over the issues of the state of contemporary democracy in ‘divided’ societies, the issues of sovereignty, of (non)existence of democratic political culture, and of post-conflict societies, to the issues of (in)complete social transition, of political economics of transitional societies, of social changes related to the EU-access negotiations, of the political instability of the region of Balkans etc. With all this in mind, Bosnia and Herzegovina could, to some extent, be referred to as a real-time experiment for political scientists and scholars in similar disciplines.

Unfortunately, with regard to the University of Banja Luka, there has not been any attempt so far to organise research of this kind into a form pertaining to PhD studies. In that sense, the Faculty of Political Sciences proposes that such studies be launched in the research area of political science as a means to overcoming these shortages and to responding to an ever-increasing social need.

The curriculum proposed is predominantly focused on field research, with theory classes serving as the necessary background. This is clearly visible both from the subject structure and from the contents of each particular subject. There are two major study courses, with the ‘International Relations’ one aimed at providing candidates with the knowledge on the status of Bosnia and Herzegovina in its immediate surrounding as well as in wider terms, while the ‘Political Theory’ one deals with analytical research of contemporary political processes.

The curriculum of the research area of Political Science

First year of PhD studies
Sem.	Title of the subject	Status		Class/Research	ECTS
I	Methodology of social research	Mandatory		6 / 4	15
	Politics in globalised world	Mandatory		6 / 4	15
II	Methodology of scholarly research	Mandatory		3 / 5	14
	International research in 21^st century	Elective		4 / 2	8
	Theory of crises	Elective		4 / 2	8
	Dynamics of contemporary political institutions (A candidate chooses one of the three electives offered within the main research area.)	Elective		4 / 2	8
	Electives offered within other research areas (A candidate chooses one elective)	Elective		4 / 2	8
Second year of PhD studies
III	(Dis)integrative processes in Southeast Europe	Elective		4 / 2	8
	Postmodern conflicts	Elective		4 / 2	8
	Sub/regional policies in the Balkans (A candidate chooses one of the three electives offered within the main research area.)	Elective		4 / 2	8
	Electives offered within other research areas (A candidate chooses one elective)	Elective		4 / 2	8
	Publishing a scholarly paper from the area of research. (A candidate is required to publish two scholarly papers in renowned reviewed journals/publications)	Mandatory		0 / 5	6
	Research work concerning a doctoral dissertation application (individual work with the supervisor)	Mandatory		0 / 5	8
IV	Publishing a scholarly paper from the area of research. (A candidate is required to publish two scholarly papers in renowned reviewed journals/publications)	Mandatory		0 / 5	6
	Elective research activity (attending seminars, academic conferences, participation in research projects, etc)	Elective		0 / 5	10
	A doctoral dissertation application (A candidate is allowed to submit a doctoral dissertation application upon completion of theory classes, passing all the exams, and publishing two academic papers	Mandatory		0 / 10	14
Third year of PhD studies
V	Research work concerning the making of doctoral dissertation	Mandatory		0 / 40	60
VI	Completion and defense of the dissertation	Mandatory
TOTAL:			180

RESEARCH AREA: SOCIOLOGY

The Phd studies in the research area of sociology represent a continuation of schooling of sociologists upon completion of the first and second cycles, that is, the studies of sociology before the introduction of the Bologna Declaration system. In this respect, the basic reason for launching the PhD studies is rounding up sociological education at the Faculty of Political Sciences by providing the necessary prerequisites stated both by common sense and the Law on Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska.

As far as sociological studies are concerned, they are an integral part of almost every university curriculum worldwide. In fact, they are seldom taught as a general subject only. It is especially difficult to imagine any teacher-producing institution where students are deprived of an opportunity to get to know their own society better and gain knowledge on theoretical reflections on contemporary social phenomena, regardless of their future profession. These facts only add to the necessity of studying sociology at the highest academic level.

Under the current social conditions of post-Communist countries, there is a series of objective reasons for topicalization of sociology as one of the most important disciplines that analyse society and social relations. The society in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been going through a social transition on its way to parliamentary democracy in its full capacity, which is burdened with social changes that need to be scholarly researched. In addition, the existing differences at the levels of ethnicity and religion clearly present potential issues, so they need to be researched into and analysed in order for possible conflicts to be prevented. These conflicts are common in societies similar to the one in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which further emphasises the necessity of sociology and sociologists as experts to deal with such situations. Yet, there are other perspectives on this matter, resulting in hyper-production of quasi-sociologists at various higher education institutions, often lacking adequate references. Given all the aforementioned, the launching of PhD studies seems to be the proper response.

Furthermore, the necessity of studying sociology at the highest academic level is amplified by the fact that the social issues recorded during the said transitional period are coupled with phenomena such as unemployment, uncontrolled urbanization, population ageing, environmental issues, drug abuse, aggression etc. Thus, all of them require the sociological approach, as well as an approach by other disciplines, and designing a solution for successfully coping with them. The future Phd studies are conceived of as being well-equipped to rise to this challenge.

The new social reality demands that a series of changes be introduced at the level of education. Bearing that in mind, special attention should be paid to producing future social analysts. For that purpose, it is necessary to modernise research, advisory, and educational programmes of sociology studies, especially in terms of doctoral studies. Regardless of the criticism aimed at the position of sociology within the Communist regime of the former Yugoslavia, sociologists were allowed to pass on their knowledge to a wide range of organisations and institutions, such as companies, public media, state administration etc. In any society, sociologists are indispensable as regards shaping social potentials of development. If such goals are suppressed and, instead, particular interests are highlighted, then sociology is confronted with a large extent of revulsion. Such an attitude towards sociology is the best indicator that a society is ill and that it serves particular interests.

To summarise, there are numerous reasons for initiating the PhD studies in the area of sociology at the Faculty of Political Sciences, in particular due to the tranisitional nature of the society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a well-known fact from the history of sociology that the more progressive level of society, the more highly esteemed the discipline is. On the contrary, if the authorities are those to block this progress, sociology plays an insignificant role. The situation depicted is just the one that is characteristic for societies in transition, thus asking for sociology studies at a PhD level, offering primarily research activities and projects.

The curriculum of the research area of Sociology

First year of Phd studies
Sem.	Title of the subject	Status	Class/Research	ECTS
I	Methodology of social research	Mandatory	6 / 4	15
I	Sociology of identity	Mandatory	6 / 4	15
II	Methodology of scholarly research	Mandatory	3 / 5	14
	Gender, identity, and development	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Contemporary theories on social conflicts	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Religion and ethnicity (A candidate chooses one of the three electives offered within the main research area.)	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Electives offered within other research areas (A candidate chooses one elective)	Elective	4 / 2	8

III	Globalisation and phenomena concerning social pathology	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Issues related to social transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Social capital and family (A candidate chooses one of the three electives offered within the main research area.)	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Electives offered within other research areas (A candidate chooses one elective)	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Publishing a scholarly paper from the area of research. (A candidate is required to publish two scholarly papers in renowned reviewed journals/publications)	Mandatory	0 / 5	6
	Research work concerning a doctoral dissertation application (individual work with the supervisor)	Mandatory	0 / 5	8
IV	Publishing a scholarly paper from the area of research. (A candidate is required to publish two scholarly papers in renowned reviewed journals/publications)	Mandatory	0 / 5	6
	Elective research activity (attending seminars, academic conferences, participation in research projects, etc)	Elective	0 / 5	10
	A doctoral dissertation application (A candidate is allowed to submit a doctoral dissertation application upon completion of theory classes, passing all the exams, and publishing two academic papers	Mandatory	0 / 10	14
Third year of PhD studies
V	Research work concerning the making of doctoral dissertation	Mandatory	0 / 40	60
VI	Completion and defense of the dissertation	Mandatory	0 / 40	60
TOTAL:			180

RESEARCH AREA: SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL POLICY

Educational activities in the area of social work and social policy are in constant interaction with social changes and contemporary social processes, and they must provide viable concepts of social development and original solutions to scholarly issues. Today, social work does not only refer to social care and dealing with social issues, but also to other forms of social interventions, such as social planning and researching into new social risks. On global scale, the focus is on scholarly-based planning and scholarly evaluation of interventions at all levels – from social policy to interventions aimed at individuals, families, and communities.

Apart from traditional issues, contemporary societies are confronted with numerous threats, such as: new forms of poverty and social exclusion due to an inadequate approach to new information and communication technologies or to privatised public services (utilities); changes to employment patterns that question the functioning of developed systems of social security and that lead to a feeling of social insecurity in certain number of people as a result of expressing uncertainty over their future welfare; crime rate; new social diseases; relation between multi-cultural and traditional identity because of comprehensive globalisation processes etc. The revised 2004 Strategy of Social Cohesion of the Council of Europe warns of these new threats and demands that Europe find ‘ways to adapt the accomplishments of its social policy to the changed needs and circumstances’. The 2000 recommendation of the Council of Europe for social workers points to the influence of political and social development on the practice and education of social workers by emphasising the significance of research activities for the area of social work and by emphasising the need for constant training of social workers. ‘Every social worker should be able to apply research results, be able to interpret them, and be able to undertake a research project or take part in it.’

Keeping track of and studying social issues of contemporary societies demand high level of research activities due to their complexity, comprehensiveness, and impact they leave on an individual and social relations. With regard to the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is no research institution that, in a systemic manner, either monitors issues that prevent the country from making any progress in a multitude of areas, or seeks for solutions regarding employment issues, reforms of pension and disabled persons’ funds, building up a viable health security system, fight against poverty and social exclusion, securing human rights, development of housing policy, issues related to expenditure of various levels of authorities concerning inefficient social allowance, efficient management of social services, accessibility of social care to citizens, and involving citizens and civil society organisations in social programmes.

The curriculum of the PhD studies in the area of social work and social policy is designed to develop theoretical, methodological, and empirical background for the purpose of scholarly engagement. Prospective candidates should be able to independently and in a competitive manner take part in scholarly research and to cope with complex theoretical, methodological, and practical issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. With regard to concrete benefits from these studies, there are, among other things, creativity, skills of analysis and synthesis, ability to predict consequences and offer solutions in the area of social work and social policy, critical usage of international and comparative perspectives, ability to use complex research methods, procedures, and processes, as well as ability to transfer the theoretical knowledge into practice.

The curriculum of the research area of Social work and social policy

First year of PhD studies
Sem	Title of the subject	Status	Class/Research	ECTS
I	Methodology of social research	Mandatory	6/4	15
I	Social work and social policy in contemporary society	Mandatory	6/4	15
II	Methodology of scholarly research	Mandatory	3/5	14
	Social issues	Elective	4/2	8
	Theoretical and methodological approaches in social work	Elective	4/2	8
	Freedom, rights, and social work	Elective	4/2	8
	Elective module from other areas of research
Second year of PhD studies
III	Social work and risks related to living conditions	Elective	4/2	8
	Social policy, social development, and demographic processes	Elective	4/2	8
	Social management	Elective	4/2	8
	Elective module from other areas of research	Elective	4/2	8
	Publishing a scholarly paper from the area of research. (A candidate is required to publish two scholarly papers in renowned reviewed journals/publications)	Mandatory	0/5	6
	Research work concerning a doctoral dissertation application (individual work with the supervisor)	Mandatory	0/5	8
IV	Publishing a scholarly paper from the area of research. (A candidate is required to publish two scholarly papers in renowned reviewed journals/publications)	Mandatory	0/5	6
	Elective research activity (attending seminars, academic conferences, participation in research projects, etc)	Elective	0/5	10
	A doctoral dissertation application (A candidate is allowed to submit a doctoral dissertation application upon completion of theory classes, passing all the exams, and publishing two academic papers	Mandatory	0/10	14
Third year of PhD studies
V	Research work concerning the making of doctoral dissertation	Mandatory	0/40	60
VI	Completion and defense of the dissertation	Mandatory	0/40	60
Total:				180

RESEARCH AREA: MEDIA STUDIES

The media studies taught at the Faculty of Political Sciences are harmonised with current trends in the field, offering an interdisciplinary approach to the matter. With regard to this, candidates choose between two courses: Journalism and Communication Studies, with their respective PhD titles reflecting these two areas. Once a candidate has opted for one of these, they publish their academic papers, perform their elective research activities, and make and defend their dissertation in the area selected.

The PhD studies in this area are launched with an idea of forming a pool of experts gathered around the home institution and well-equipped for scholarly and educational work, with the curriculum offering a wide range of knowledge and skills necessary for this goal to be achieved.

The curriculum of the research area of Media studies

First year of PhD studies
Sem	Title of the subject	Status	Class/Research	ECTS
I	Methodology of social research	Mandatory	6 / 4	15
I	Theoretical approaches in media studies	Mandatory	6 / 4	15
II	Methodology of scholarly research	Mandatory	3 / 5	14
	Information society and new media	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Contemporary journalism	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Public broadcasting systems and commercial media (A candidate chooses one of the three electives offered within the main research area.)	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Electives offered within other research areas (A candidate chooses one elective)	Elective	4 / 2	8
Second year of PhD studies
III	Media literacy and media culture	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Genres and public discourse	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Theory and models of public relations (A candidate chooses one of the three electives offered within the main research area.)	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Electives offered within other research areas (A candidate chooses one elective)	Elective	4 / 2	8
	Publishing a scholarly paper from the area of research. (A candidate is required to publish two scholarly papers in renowned reviewed journals/publications)	Mandatory	0 / 5	6
	Research work concerning a doctoral dissertation application (individual work with the supervisor)	Mandatory	0 / 5	8
IV	Publishing a scholarly paper from the area of research. (A candidate is required to publish two scholarly papers in renowned reviewed journals/publications)	Mandatory	0 / 5	6
	Elective research activity (attending seminars, academic conferences, participation in research projects, etc)	Elective	0 / 5	10
	A doctoral dissertation application (A candidate is allowed to submit a doctoral dissertation application upon completion of theory classes, passing all the exams, and publishing two academic papers	Mandatory	0 / 10	14
Third year of PhD studies
V	Research work concerning the making of doctoral dissertation	Mandatory	0 / 40	60
VI	Completion and defense of the dissertation	Mandatory	0 / 40	60
TOTAL:			180

PhD studies

PhD studies

PhD studies

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