KNOWLEDGE

The graduate has extensive general knowledge of current priorities for the development of the field of study and society, which serves as a basis for their own research and the creation of new knowledge, innovations and originality of the field and also in the field of social practice. The graduate has a broad knowledge of the methodology of social sciences, knowledge about the development and interactions of state and non-state actors through the paradigm of globalization, whose effects exceed national borders and affect political, security, economic, cultural and other relations in different parts of the world. The graduate has an overview of the latest theories of international relations and security, has extensive knowledge of political behavior, decision-making and participation in politics, especially in times of crisis.

SKILLS

The graduate is characterized by critical, independent and analytical thinking in changing conditions. He is able to anticipate, examine and evaluate problematic situations and their impact on political processes. The graduate can identify problems and priorities necessary for the development of society, can create, formulate and evaluate new hypotheses and strategies in relation to the further development of the department, respectively branches of social practice. He is able to evaluate and logically choose specific scientific methods of basic and applied research and conceptualization of a scientific problem in the field of study.

He practically masters the chosen research methods and uses them in the search for new procedures, analysis of relevant details and important interdisciplinary links. To prove theories, concepts and innovations and demonstrates the ability to find out the findings resulting from theoretical analysis and own scientific research on a complex and interdisciplinary nature. Based on its outputs and findings, is able to design, verify and implement new research and working practices in a broader context and in unpredictable and changing societal conditions. He has well-developed communication skills and demonstrates the ability to scientifically complete and present the results of research and development to the professional/academic community and the public in the Slovak Republic and abroad.

COMPETENCES

The graduate is theoretically and methodologically prepared to solve political, international, economic and other social problems and changes. He is able to determine the focus of research and coordinate the team in the relevant scientific field in academic institutions, research, respectively analytical organizations. It takes into account social, scientific and ethical aspects when formulating research intentions and interpreting research results. He is qualified to perform pedagogical, scientific research, publishing and educational activities at the university, respectively in other scientific research or analytical institutions. The graduate is qualified to participate in the authored, respectively co-authored form in the active outputs of these activities. The graduate is competent to communicate scientifically, he is ready to lead lectures, seminars and exercises from selected topics, evaluate students, lead and oppose the final theses for the relevant degree, create new study materials and aids, can organize, methodically and content excursions and professional student practice. He is able to plan his own professional growth in the context of the current stage of scientific development and on this basis, he can participate in planning the development of society as such.

Assistant professor (SK ISCO-08: 2310003)

Assistant (SK ISCO-08: 2310004)

Research fellow

Political analyst – specialist

Faculty of International Relations, University of Economics in Bratislava, Dolnozemská cesta 1/b, 852 35 Bratislava 5

The Institute of Political Science of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 841 04 Bratislava

https://uplatnenie.sk/?degree=V%C5%A0&vs=714000000&faculty=714060000&field=&year=2019

https://uplatnenie.sk/?degree=V%C5%A0&vs=714000000&faculty=714060000&field=&year=2018

In accordance with Directive No. 2/2022 Rules for Evaluating the Quality of Education at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, the evaluation of the quality of the study program by employers is considered an optional part of the evaluation of the quality of education. However, employers have the opportunity to send their feedback via the address zlepsovanie.kvality@umb.sk.

The basic rules for designing the study programme´s curricula are primarily found in the following documents:

Directive No. 7/2021 on Doctoral Studies at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (Articles 6 – 7)

The Academic Policies and Procedures of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica for Students in Study Programmes Accredited from 1. 1. 2013 (Article 3, Section 5 – 6; Article 6, Section 3, 5; Article 8, Section 2, 3, 5, 7; Article 15, Section 6 – 7)

Quality System of Education at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (p. 17, Section 7)

OSP_POL_E3_22_SK

Number of credits from compulsory courses:36 ECTS (study part) + 70 ECTS (scientific part)

Compulsory-course credits from practice:0 ECTS

Number of credits from elective courses: min. 15 ECTS (study part) 

Number of credits from optional courses: min. 9 ECTS (study part) 

Number of credits for state examination: 40 ECTS (included in the compulsory courses of the scientific part)

The Academic Policies and Procedures of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica for Students in Study Programmes Accredited from 1. 1. 2013 (Article 18; Article 19, Section 3; Article 21, Section 7, 9)

Directive No. 7/2021 on Doctoral Studies at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (Article 7, Section 8 – 12, Section 15; Article 14, Section 5 – 7, Section 9 – 10, Section 12; Article 16, Section 10, 13 – 15)

The Academic Policies and Procedures of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica for Students in Study Programmes Accredited from 1. 1. 2013 (Article 15, Section 9)

Directive No. 7/2021 on Doctoral Studies at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (Article 7, Section 16 – 17)

The topics of dissertations are announced by the faculty before the start of the admission procedure for doctoral studies and published on the faculty’s website in accordance with Law no. 211/2000 Coll. on Free Access to Information and on Amendments to Certain Acts (Freedom of Information Act), as amended, with a trainer designated for each of the topics listed. An applicant for a doctoral study applies for a dissertation, thesis by submitting an application for a doctoral study. Simultaneously with the admission to doctoral studies, the dean of the faculty will appoint a supervisor, a dissertation topic and a department. The topics of dissertations assigned to students admitted to study are then registered in the academic information system.

Rules for the assignment, processing, review, defence and assessment of final theses in the study programme:

The Academic Policies and Procedures of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica for Students in Study Programmes Accredited from 1. 1. 2013 (Article 22, Section 2 – 5)

Directive No. 7/2021 on Doctoral Studies at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (part 3, Article 15 – 17)

Directive No. 9/2021 on Final, Rigorous and Habilitation Theses at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

Opportunities and procedures for participation in student mobility:

Directive No. 4/2019 on Erasmus+ Mobility at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

Supplement No. 1 to Directive No. 4/2019 on Erasmus+ Mobility at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

The Academic Policies and Procedures of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica for Students in Study Programmes Accredited from 1. 1. 2013 (Article 11, Section 5 – 7; Article 15, Section 9)

Rules for adherence to academic ethics and consequences of non-adherence:

Code of ethics of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

Disciplinary regulations of the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica for students and rules of procedure of the Disciplinary Commission of the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

Procedures applicable to students with special needs:

Informations for students with special needs

Procedures for filing complaints and appeals by students:

The Academic Policies and Procedures of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica for Students in Study Programmes Accredited from 1. 1. 2013 (Article 17, Section 2b)

Directive No. 2/2017 on Handling Complaints at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

The information sheets of the subjects of the study program can be found in the academic information system and are published on the website of the faculty.

Academic calendar: https://www.fpvmv.umb.sk/14852/harmonogram-akademickeho-roka

Course timetable: The plan of consultations (concerning subjects included in the study part of the recommended study plan for doctoral studies) is published well in advance of their implementation.

Full name (including titles): prof. PhDr. Ján Koper, PhD.

Position: profesor

Telephone number: 048/446 1311

E-mail:jan.koper@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff: https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/812

Link to the staff member’s research / art / teacher profile (RATP): https://ais2.umb.sk/ais/start.do

Full name (including titles):prof. PhDr. Ján Koper, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1311 / jan.koper@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff : https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/812

List of courses: Methodology of Social Science

Full name (including titles): doc. PhDr. Branislav Kováčik, PhD., EMBA

Contact:048/446 1222 / branislav.kovacik@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff : https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/814

List of courses: Globalization in Comparative Politics

Full name (including titles):doc. PhDr. Eleonóra Kováčová, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1414 / eleonora.kovacova@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff : https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/11425

List of courses: Decision-making in a Crisis Situation

Full name (including titles): doc. Ing. Katarína Liptáková, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1414 / katarina.liptakova@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff : https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/11232

List of courses: Actors and Processes of the Global and National Economy

Full name (including titles): doc. PhDr. Lucia Rýsová, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1224 / lucia.rysova@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff : https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/825

List of courses: Postmodernist Paradigm in the Theory and Practice of International Relations

Full name (including titles): prof. Mgr. Jaroslav Ušiak, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1614 / jaroslav.usiak@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff :https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/11596

List of courses: The Issue of Securitization in the Political Sciences

Full name (including titles): doc. PhDr. Adriana Vasiľková, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1228 / adriana.vasilkova@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff :https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/11435

List of courses: Globalization in Comparative Politics

https://ais2.umb.sk/ais/start.do

Full name (including titles): PhDr. Martina Benčeková, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1918 / martina.bencekova@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff : https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/11433

List of courses: Specialized Communication in English

Full name (including titles): doc. PhDr. Peter Ondria, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1411 / peter.ondria@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff : https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/822

List of courses: Theories of Public Power

Full name (including titles): doc. PhDr. Peter Ondria, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1411 / peter.ondria@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff : https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/822

List of final thesis topics: Historical-conflict approach to the study of the origin and development of political parties and its application in practice

Full name (including titles): doc. PhDr. Daniela Škutová, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1317 /daniela.skutova@umb.sk

Link to record in the Registry of University Staff : https://www.portalvs.sk/regzam/detail/11426

List of final thesis topics: Limits of the concept of tolerance in the political theory and praxies

https://ais2.umb.sk/ais/start.do

Full name (including titles): Mgr. Matúš Babják

Contact: matus.babjak@umb.sk

Full name (including titles): Ing. Peter Cibuľa

Contact: peter.cibula@umb.sk

Full name (including titles): doc. PhDr. Adriana Vasiľková, PhD.

Contact: 048/446 1228 / adriana.vasilkova@umb.sk

Link to webpage: https://www.fpvmv.umb.sk/vasilkova-adriana

Study Officer:

Full name (including titles): Bc. Anna Kyseľová

Contact:048/446 1237 / anna.kyselova@umb.sk

Full name (including titles): Eva Žalmanová

Contact:048/446 1225 / eva.zalmanova@umb.sk

Full name (including titles): Ing. Tomáš Vida, PhD.

Contact:048/446 1227 / tomas.vida@umb.sk

Officer for International Relations (mobility):

Full name (including titles): Mgr. Margaréta Krkošová

Contact:048/446 6728 / margareta.krkosova@umb.sk

FPSaIR MBU is located on the Kuzmányho Street in Banská Bystrica. The spatial, material and technical equipment of the faculty meet the standard requirements that are necessary for the provision of study programs offered by the faculty. In the faculty building there is an assembly hall with a capacity of 132 seats, 4 lecture rooms with a capacity of 48 to 120 seats and 11 seminar rooms with a capacity of 14 to 26 seats. All these areas are equipped with stationary computers with internet connection and data projectors. There are also two specialized language classrooms, equipped with multimedia technology for the needs of teaching professional subjects in a foreign language. Throughout the day, students have access to a computer room with 16 computers with a permanent internet connection. The faculty also has excellent audiovisual equipment, interpreting equipment and streaming equipment, which are used not only during conferences organized by FPSaIR MBU but also to ensure the normal teaching process. The faculty building is covered by WiFi wireless technology with the possibility of connecting to the Internet for all students. There is also a political science study room of the University Library of the UMB with a book collection of more than 18,000 titles of book documents and 33 titles of periodicals in the faculty building.

Library information services are provided by the University Library of Matej Bel University at the central workplaces at Tajovského 40 and 51, at the deployed workplaces at each faculty, and in the form of partial libraries at individual departments. The university library provides absenteeism, attendance, consulting, and research, reference, copying services and internet access 54 hours a week. Users can use online services (available from the library's website or through an online catalog) and access to electronic information resources 24 hours a day. The library fund contains more than 278,000 scientific and professional monographs, scripts, university textbooks, anthologies, encyclopedias, dictionaries and other types of documents. The acquisition, in cooperation with teachers, is guided by the current study and scientific research tasks of the university. The fund includes 231 titles of periodicals, of which 114 are foreign. The final and qualification theses defended at the university have been accessible in electronic form since 2009. More than 750 scripts, university textbooks and textbooks published by the university are available through the UMB Virtual Study Room. There are almost 250 e-books in the library fund. The University Library manages access to databases from national projects - Web of Science, Scopus and full-text scientific databases ACM Digital Library, ProQuest Central, ProQuest Ebook Central, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Springer Nature, and Wiley Online Library. It supports access to full-text databases Cambridge Journals, Emerald and educational videos on the HSTalks platform from its own resources. The library regularly updates the list of freely available e-resources from various disciplines and has provided permanent access to collections of open access publications on the EBSCO and ProQuest Ebook Central platforms. Access to full texts in licensed e-resources, purchased e-books and digitized study literature is tied to the IP addresses of the UMB Metropolitan Network. Users with a valid university library registration to work with e-resources from computers outside the UMB network can use remote access via Virtual Private Network (VPN). At lending points and study rooms, users have access to computer stations with internet connection and the possibility of printing. The study rooms are also equipped with a specialized computer set for users with special needs, which includes software for reading and enlarging the PC screen, software for optical recognition and color multifunction devices (Braille line and electronic magnifier are available in the Universal Study Room and EDC). All areas of the library are covered by a Wi-fi signal. More than 18,200 book documents and 33 titles of periodicals are available in the Reading Room of Political Science, located directly in the FPSaIR MBU building. Study room opening hours: Monday - Wednesday from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Thursday - Friday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. Access to study literature, to information databases and other information sources and information technologies is also provided through the services of the State Scientific Library in Banská Bystrica in Banská Bystrica (Lazovná 9, 974 01 Banská Bystrica).

Distance education at FPSaIR MBU is implemented by using electronic study support (e-learning), which is based on the effective use of information technology. More detailed information and guidelines on e-learning are included in the Directive No. 3/2016 on the Use of E-Learning at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica. The main e-learning tool is the MS Teams platform and the Moodle e-learning management system (SMEV / LMS), which has been used within the university since 2011. The UAKOM University Department (Department of Informatization and Communication, Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica) provides with the use of these tools various trainings and publishes instructional videos facilitating work in LMS Moodle and orientation in the MS Teams environment.

During distance learning, the LMS Moodle mainly ensures the distribution of study materials, basic information about the course of teaching and knowledge testing, assignment collection, student testing, etc. Telecommunication means designed for communication with students, conducting lectures, consultations, oral exams, etc. is a platform of MS Teams, and after the tightening of measures and regulations of distance education in the period of pandemic associated with the spread of COVID-19, teachers had the opportunity to adjust the conditions of successful completion of subjects by adapting the forms of continuous and final assessment while maintaining the content standards of the course and set time.

The main partners of the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations of the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica in providing educational activities for this study program are the Faculty of International Relations of the University of Economics in Bratislava and the Institute of Political Science of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. These are recognized educational and scientific institutions confirming that the study program indicates professions for the performance of which the acquired qualification is required. At the same time, they are partners participating in the modifications of the study program in the position of an external stakeholder providing an opinion on the proposed modifications. Among the faculty partners involved in providing educational activities can also include various other Slovak and foreign partner universities and scientific institutions regularly organizing international scientific conferences, in which 3rd degree students gain valuable experience, especially in the form of presentation of partial research results. At the same time, these institutions actively contribute to the doctoral students successfully completing the subjects included in the scientific part of the recommended study plan (in addition to the already mentioned participation in international scientific conferences, it is also publishing various types of scientific results, internships or exchanges projects). Another form of participation of these institutions is the work of their employees in the positions of dissertation opponents or external members of dissertation defense commissions. Various public administration bodies, non-profit organizations or other platforms (Ministry of foreign and european affairs of the Slovakia, Ministry of Defense, GLOBSEC, Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region...), whose representatives come to the faculty as important experts from practice, can also be considered as partners participating in the provision of educational activities of this study program, and share with students their experiences and professional opinions in various lectures and discussions.

If interested, students can take advantage of the relatively diverse opportunities for social, sports, cultural, spiritual and social activities, offered by the faculty, university and the city of Banská Bystrica itself For sports and art enthusiasts, there are several university sports clubs (UMB Sports club, UMB Hockey Team, MBU Biathlon Team) and artistic ensembles (University Mixed Choir Mladosť, University Folklore Ensemble Mladosť, University Chamber Orchestra Mladosť). In addition, students can participate in the activities of the student theater ensemble UNIS, or in dance courses University Dance Center. Those who like to work in the field of volunteering will certainly be pleased that the Matej Bel University has been actively cooperating with the Volunteer Center for more than 20 years, n. o., in Banská Bystrica, which involves students in various volunteer programs and supports their involvement in the community. The program also presents an important opportunity in this area The Duke of Edinburgh´s International Award. It is a comprehensive development program that enables young people aged 14 to 24 to develop their real-life skills and characteristics, fulfill their potential and help them succeed in life. UMB is the only university in Slovakia to be the local center of this award. We can also find the University Pastoral Center (UPC) Banská Bystrica at Banská Bystrica universities, which provides space for spiritual growth, community facilities, the possibility of self-realization and relaxation. At the faculty level, the Faculty Day has been held in April for several years on the initiative of students, offering a rich sport and cultural program and, as already indicated, the city of Banská Bystrica.

The possibilities for students to participate in mobility and internships are closely linked to the area of internationalization, which is one of the basic priorities of Matej Bel University, enshrined in the Long-Term Plan of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica for the years 2021 – 2026, in the Internationalization Strategy of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, in the Erasmus Policy Statement UMB and in the Directive No. 4/2019 on Erasmus+ Mobility at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica and its supplement (hereinafter Directive No. 4/2019). 

In accordance with the UMB Erasmus Policy Statement at 2021-2028, the program Erasmus + is the basic instrument for supporting mobility. This program is implemented at the level of all UMB faculties and its administration is subject to UMB's internal regulations. The goal of UMB is to participate in all key Erasmus + actions, in all sub-activities and calls as needed by the academic community. UMB is systematically dedicated to the precise administration of the Erasmus + KA1 event, which has been bringing the university positive results in the field of internationalization for a long time. The goal of international-learning mobility within the key activity 1 (KA1 - Educational mobility of individuals) is personal development, improvement of educational results and increase of employability of graduates, improvement of professional competencies of employees, improvement of readiness for changes in modernization and internationalization of educational institution and increase of quality in teaching and learning.

Erasmus + mobility within projects 103 (mobility of individuals between program countries) and 107 (mobility of individuals between program countries and partner countries) of the key action KA1 are implemented on the basis of bilateral agreements concluded between higher education institutions. The university has concluded approximately 130 bilateral agreements, others are concluded at the level of individual faculties.

In accordance with the common philosophy of all faculties, the completion of mobility is offered to every UMB student. Mobility allocation criteria, defined in Directive No. 4/2019, take into account in the first place the interest of UMB to send as many students as possible to mobility, secondly to satisfy the interest in repeated mobility or its extension. Increasing student mobility is particularly encouraged for third-degree students, as completing a study or research stay abroad is an integral part of the recommended study plan for doctoral students.

The organization of individual mobilities is governed by Directive No. 4/2019. The call for mobility applications is published every year in the first half of the winter semester. Those interested in mobility submit an application and a letter of motivation. In the application, they have the opportunity to indicate the selection of 3 beneficiary institutions they are interested in. Subsequently, a pre-selection of participants takes place, which consists of an evaluation of the submitted documents and a personal interview. The evaluated selection criteria are: 

• school result (max. 40 %), 

• participation in the Student Scientific Conference or another form of representation of the UMB in the field of sports, art, etc. (max. 10%),

• other activities for the benefit of UMB / faculty / department, including volunteer activities (max. 15%),

• linguistic preparation (max. 10 %), 

• motivation (max. 10 %), 

• preliminary study plan (max. 15 %). 

In cooperation with the department coordinators and the Vice-Rector's Office for International Cooperation, students prepare a preliminary study plan in advance. The results of the pre-selection are the basis for drawing up the grant application, which is submitted annually to the Erasmus + National Agency. The results of the pre-selections are announced to the students after the grant is awarded by the National Agency. The stage of practical administrative preparation for mobility follows. It is about communication with partner institutions and nomination of students. The student sends the Learning Agreement and other documents to the partner institution according to the partner's request (extract from study marks, proof of secured accommodation, or language certificate). The Vice-Rector's Office for International Cooperation prepares the financial agreement and accompanies the student in the process of providing insurance, accommodation and the trip itself.

After returning from the mobility, the evaluation obtained from the subjects completed at the host institution is registered in the academic system AiS2. UMB has committed itself to promoting the automatic recognition of study results obtained through individual student mobility in Directive No. 4/2019. Credits' recognition in the ECTS system is made possible by precise monitoring of mobility activities before, during and after mobility. Prior to mobility, maximum attention is paid to motivating students and facilitating communication between students and host institutions so that a realistic personalized learning plan can be developed for each student, taking into account the requirements that students have to meet at home, as well as the opportunities offered by the host institution. The learning agreement remains a key and binding document in the next phases of mobility implementation. During mobility, the Vice-Rector's Office for International Cooperation, in close cooperation with the departmental coordinators, provides ongoing support to students sent on mobility. Any possible discrepancy between the obligations defined in the learning agreement and the reality at the host institution is resolved so that the student has the opportunity to obtain the necessary ECTS credits for the period of mobility. The student has the opportunity to draw attention in time to discrepancies in the offer of subjects so that a suitable solution to the situation can be proposed in cooperation with all parties involved. After the mobility, the staff of the Vice-Rector's Office for International Cooperation, in cooperation with the study departments of the faculties and departmental coordinators, will confirm the recognition of ECTS credits obtained abroad. Subjects outside the recognized compulsory subjects are enrolled according to the student's preference (as a compulsory or optional subject).

UMB also supports the recognition of blended and virtual mobilities in accordance with applicable domestic and European legislation. The Vice-Rector's Office for International Cooperation also mediates internship opportunities.

FPSaIR MBU regularly publishes up-to-date information on the Erasmus + program and the possibilities of mobility and internships. The faculty has concluded a total of approximately 100 bilateral agreements, which are regularly renewed based on the history of cooperation. At the same time, new contracts are being concluded. In the next period, FPSaIR MBU plans to focus, inter alia, on the support of virtual mobility in the context of the new Erasmus programming period - Erasmus without paper and expanding mobility opportunities and the ability to join other international mobility programs. Of course, in addition to the Erasmus+ scheme, students also have the opportunity to use the support of CEEPUS, NŠP, etc.

Contacts:

1. Department office for International Relations of FPSaIR MBU/ Erasmus + Mobility Coordinator: prof. Mgr. Jaroslav Ušiak, PhD. (048/446 1223, 1614 / erasmus.fpvmv@umb.sk)
2. Contact person for the Erasmus+ UMB program: Mgr. Margaréta Krkošová (048/446 6728 / margareta.krkosova@umb.sk)
3. Erasmus + National Agency: https://www.erasmusplus.sk/
4. Erasmus + on the European Commission's website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
5. FPSaIR MBU coordinator for mobility in the CEEPUS program: doc. PhDr. Rastislav Kazanský, PhD., EMBA (048/446 1616 / rastislav.kazansky@umb.sk)

KNOWLEDGE:

• the applicant has advanced knowledge of the field and its specific components at the level of evaluation and synthesis
• the applicant knows modern theoretical and methodological approaches from several areas of the field as well as current development trends 
• the applicant is familiar with the functioning and structure of various political systems, knows the conditions, mechanisms, actors, and strategies for their transformation; is also familiar with the methods of political communication and political marketing, and masters the theoretical foundations of the language of politics
• the applicant has knowledge of the threats of the modern political system, which are related to the current geopolitical changes worldwide and the promotion of new political ideologies, radicalism, and extremism

SKILLS:

• the applicant can apply theoretical and specialised knowledge of political sciences and their specific components in solving specific specialised problems 
• the applicant is aware of the interdisciplinary nature of the field and, based on knowledge of crucial theories and methods, consciously connects it with the core topics of the field's knowledge, especially in connection with the close link between politics and economics, economic policy and public administration
• the applicant is able to obtain information and use it to solve practical tasks
• the applicant is able to search, collect, analyse, select, verify, process, store and publish information at an appropriate level, or evaluate data on current events at home and abroad, based on which they clarify various phenomena, and events
• the applicant is able to put acquired knowledge into practice of political decision making 
• the applicant is characterized by critical, innovative and creative thinking 
• the applicant critically reflects, analyses and evaluates current socio-political problems, formulates recommendations, assumptions, conditions and possibilities for their solution and actively participates in their implementation
• the applicant has advanced skills that demonstrate a reasonable degree of excellence and a sense of innovation required to address the complex and unpredictable challenges of a specific area of activity or research 
• the applicant has well-developed communication and foreign language skills
• the applicant is skilled in the creation of instructions, projects and evaluation procedures for activities within the field

COMPETENCES:

• the applicant demonstrates a high level of independence and foresight in a dynamic environment in solving problems and projects in the field 
• the applicant has the ability to present their own stance, the results of their own specialised observations, analyses, interpretations and generalizations to the professional community, as well as to the public in an appropriate, specialised and professional manner
• the applicant is able to work independently with documents, specialised materials and information sources 
• the applicant is able to identify social and political problems and processes and offer qualified expert opinions (formulate solutions) with possible use in state administration and self-government, in third sector institutions, in political parties, civic associations, in the media and marketing sphere, in international organizations
• the applicant is able to propose their own, less standard solutions to problems related to methodological or scholary matters
• the applicant is able to organise professional and social events and is able to analyse, comment, interpret, evaluate and publicly present information, or appear in the media
• the applicant is prepared to take responsibility for the overall form, content, shape, up-to-dateness, factual accuracy, impartiality, balance, and professional integrity of the information used for publication
• the applicant is able to responsibly perform activities related to ensuring the fulfilment of educational and scholarly research tasks and is ready to take responsibility for the performed activities 
• the applicant is competent to formulate a scholarly text, implement authorial and editorial activities, plan and manage their own professional growth 
• the candidate is characterized by a strong system of attitudes and values 

The basic condition for admission to doctoral studies is the completion of the second degree study program and the successful completion of the entrance examination. (Article 4, Secion 1 Directive No. 7/2021 on Doctoral Studies at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica).

Other conditions for admission (such as sending an application, submitting a written dissertation project and certified copies of master's degree documents, payment of the fee, passing the entrance exam, etc.) are part of the principles of the admission procedure for the relevant academic year and are published well in advance for the applicants on the faculty's website.

Admission procedures for doctoral studies are regulated primarily by Art. 4 Directive No. 7/2021 on Doctoral Studies at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (hereinafter only Directive No. 7/2021) and Principles of the Admission Procedure for the relevant academic year.

In accordance with these regulations, the faculty will announce, at least 4 months before the deadline for submission of applications, admission requirements, the date and method of verification of their fulfilment, the form and general content of the examination, the method of evaluation of its results and information on the planned number of applicants to be admitted. Simultaneously, it will publish the topics of the dissertations, while a supervisor is appointed for each of the listed topics.

The applicant fills in the application for doctoral studies, and the application is accompanied by documents according to Art. 4, par. 3 Directive no. 7/2021.

At the request of the candidate with special needs, the form and the method of the execution of the entrance examination will be evaluated, taking into account their special needs. An applicant who does not prove the fulfilment of the basic conditions for admission for studies by the set deadline will be admitted to study conditionally; provided that they are obliged to prove the fulfilment of the basic conditions for admission to study no later than on the day designated for enrollment. The applicants who had completed a previous level of education abroad are obliged to submit the recognition of a certificate of education achieved outside the territory of the Slovak Republic under the Act n. 422/2015 Coll. on the recognition of certificate of education and on the recognition of a certificate of education achieved outside the territory of the Slovak Republic as amended, whereas the decision on the recognition of diplomas must be submitted by the admitted applicant no later than on the day of enrollment. If the applicant does not meet the set conditions, the faculty will return the application to the applicant for doctoral studies together with the attached documents with a brief justification. The faculty will send the candidate a written invitation to the entrance examination no later than 14 days before the date of the examination.

The entrance exam consists of the defence of a dissertation project, 10 pages long, which must include:

•        title page with the name of the university and faculty

•        the title of the selected topic of the dissertation with the subtitle "Proposal of the dissertation project"

•        name, surname and titles of the applicant

•        name of the field of study, or more precisely, study programme

•        the form of study to which the applicant applies

•        the name, surname and titles of the supervisor

•        the relevant year in which the project was submitted

•        justification of the motives for choosing the topic of the dissertation

•        definition of basic directions and goals of the dissertation

•        description of methods that will be used in processing the topic of the dissertation

•        a brief description of the current state of knowledge of the dissertation issue prepared on the basis of scientific literature

Part of the entrance exam is also a verification of language competencies related to the selected topic of the dissertation. It is a standard requirement to command one foreign language at the B1 level, According to Art. 4, par. 9 Directive No. 7/2021.

The entrance examination takes place in front of an admission committee of at least three members. It consists of a chairman and at least two members appointed by the dean on the proposal of the chairman of the admission committee. The admission committee will evaluate the result of the admission examination in a closed session and determine the order of the candidates according to their success in the entrance examination. In determining the order, it also takes into account the scope and quality of the applicant's scholarly publishing activities and the results of their other specialised activities (eg results in the competitions of student scholarly and professional works, etc.). The results of the placement according to the acquired number of points with the applicant's numerical code will be published by the faculty on the official notice board or on the faculty's website. Minutes on the result of the entrance examination will be drawn up. The admissions committee will submit a proposal for the admission of successful candidates to the dean. The decision of the dean on admission or non-admission to doctoral studies shall state the study program, field of study, form of study, standard length of study. The decision must contain a statement, justification, instructions on the possibility of submitting a request for review of the decision and be delivered to the applicant to their own hands. The decision on the result of the admission procedure must be made in writing within 30 days of the verification of the fulfilment of the conditions for admission to study. If the applicant has submitted an application for review of the decision on non-admission to the study within the set deadline, the Rector will change the decision if it was issued in violation of the Higher Education Act. The accepted applicant becomes a doctoral student on the day of enrolment.

The results of the admission procedure are published on the website of the faculty after the end of the entrance examination and are part of the minutes of the admission committee.

Procedures for monitoring and evaluating students' views on the quality of the study program are regulated by the Directive No. 2/2022 Rules for evaluating the quality of education at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica.

Graduate feedback of the study programme was not realized in the previous period. In the following period, the graduate feedback of the study programme and the adoption of measures to increase the quality of the study program will be carried out in accordance with Directive No. 2/2022 Rules for evaluating the quality of education at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica.

Student Residence Hall Rules, Administration of Special-Purpose Facilities, MBU :

https://www.umb.sk/studium/student/sprava-ucelovych-zariadeni-umb/informacie/internatny-poriadok.html

Matej Bel University Career Center in Banská Bystrica:

https://www.umb.sk/univerzita/karierne-centrum-umb/ponuka-pre-studentov/

Directive No. 7/2022 on Tuition and Fees Related to Studies and Awarding of Scholarly-Pedagogical Titles at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica for the 2023/2024 Academic Year :

https://www.fpvmv.umb.sk/14376/vnutorne-predpisy-tykajuce-sa-studia

Directive No. 3/2021 on awarding a pregnancy scholarship to students of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica:

https://www.fpvmv.umb.sk/14376/vnutorne-predpisy-tykajuce-sa-studia

Directive No. 11/2021 on granting ECTS credits for extracurricular activities at UMB:

https://www.fpvmv.umb.sk/14376/vnutorne-predpisy-tykajuce-sa-studia

Study Guide of Faculty of Political Science and International Relations MBU in Banská Bystrica:

https://www.fpvmv.umb.sk/14855/sprievodca-studiom

Study Guide of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica:

https://www.umb.sk/studium/student/know-how-pre-studenta/sprievodca-studiom/

ECTS User Guide:

https://www.umb.sk/studium/student/kreditovy-system-studia/kreditovy-system-studia.html

Scholarships and loans:

https://www.umb.sk/studium/student/stipendia-a-pozicky.html

Student ID cards:

https://www.umb.sk/studium/student/preukazy/

University Support and Counseling Center MBU:

https://poradenstvo.umb.sk/

Recognition of educational documents:

https://www.umb.sk/studium/student/uznavanie-dokladov-o-vzdelani.html