Program Information
The PhD program in Political Science and International Relations provides students with in-depth knowledge and advanced research skills in the fields of political science and international relations, as well as their sub-disciplines. Students who successfully complete the coursework and the doctoral qualifying exam, which evaluates their knowledge in the discipline, conduct original research in their areas of interest and prepare a doctoral dissertation. This dissertation enables students to produce original work that contributes to the relevant field. The medium of instruction is English.
Graduates who are entitled to the highest degree in the disciplines of Political Science and International Relations;
1. Can pursue an academic career as a research assistant, researcher, instructor or faculty members in higher education institutions and institutes, particularly in universities;
2. Can take on research, executive and administrative duties in national and international non-governmental organizations, international and supranational organizations;
3. Can utilize the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their studies in their careers in both the public and private sectors
Students who successfully complete this program are awarded a Ph. D. Degree in Political Science and International Relations.
The Political Science and International Relations program is a Ph. D. degree program, classified as Level 8 in the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (TYYÇ).
The rules are set by the "TOBB ETÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations" and "TOBB ETÜ Scholarship Directive for Graduate Studies".
Having a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite. The "TOBB ETÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations" and the "TOBB ETÜ Scholarship Directive for Graduate Studies" describe the general rules and procedures regarding student admissions. In addition to these, there are exam and GPA requirements determined by the TOBB ETÜ Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences (SBE), YÖK (Council of Higher Education), relevant bodies of TOBB ETÜ. Besides, the SBE acknowledges the recommendations from the Political Science and International Relations Department to set the degree-specific criteria. These conditions are regularly re-evaluated and publicly announced on the relevant webpage of the SBE for each application call.
Upon their admission to the doctoral program, doctoral students may request exemption based on the courses taken and passed at a previously attended higher education institution, in order to meet the requirements of the doctoral program they have been accepted to at TOBB ETÜ. The student may be exempt from a course if (1) the content of the course taken at the other institution is equivalent to the content of the course offered at TOBB ETÜ and (2) the credit transfer is approved by the Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences (SBE).
Exams, assessment and evaluation are carried out in accordance with the "TOBB ETÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations". Students’ success in a course is determined by the relevant faculty member based on their performance in exams, participation in the course, and fulfillment of other course responsibilities. The grading system to be used is determined by the Senate. The Doctoral Qualifying Exam is planned and conducted in accordance with the "Political Science and International Relations Department Doctoral Qualifying Exams Preparation and Implementation Principles", which is prepared within the broader framework set by the "TOBB ETÜ Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences Doctoral Qualifying Exam and Thesis Monitoring Committee Rules”.
Full-time education at graduate level.
Students must meet all course, qualifying exam, and thesis requirements within the maximum period allowed by the Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences (SBE). For graduation, students must have fulfilled at least 241 ECTS credits, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00.
1) Academic Career: Working as a faculty member, lecturer, or researcher in universities and institutes is the most suitable and expected career path for those with a doctorate degree, i.e., the highest degree one can achieve for the academic training in a given field.2) Public Sector Career: A PhD in Political Science and International Relations can also open doors to high-level positions in government institutions. It is possible to work as an expert, consultant, or director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and other ministries and public institutions. 3) Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Career: A doctoral degree in Political Science and International Relations offers various career opportunities in the private sector and NGOs. It is possible to work as an analyst, consultant, or manager in international companies, consulting firms, and research institutions. In NGOs, positions such as policy analyst, project manager, or advocacy specialist are suitable for those who hold a PhD in Political Science and International Relations.
Doctoral degree is the highest academic degree conferred in higher education.