International Relations Program Focus Areas

International Relations students at UNYP can tailor their studies through three focus areas: Diplomacy and International Law, Conflict and Security Studies, and Global Governance. These focus areas allow students to build expertise in a specific area of international affairs while completing the core International Relations curriculum.

Academically, each focus area is offered as a concentration and consists of 12 credits (24 ECTS), a related thesis topic, and successful completion of the Czech State Exam. The concentration is recognized in the diploma supplement.

ℹ️ Looking for a full degree overview? Explore the Bachelor of International Relations program to learn about admissions requirements, curriculum structure, study abroad opportunities, and career outcomes.

Explore the Three Concentrations

Below, explore each focus area as an academic concentration, including what you’ll study, selected courses, and possible career paths.

🔷 Diplomacy and International Law Concentration

This concentration covers diplomacy and the legal foundations of international politics. You’ll learn how states and non-state actors negotiate, how international institutions work, and how international law shapes conflict, cooperation, and accountability. You’ll also develop the ability to:

• Use diplomatic tools and modern negotiation practices
• interpret key concepts and debates in international law
• analyze institutions, treaties, norms, and enforcement challenges
• communicate policy positions clearly in writing and presentations

Selected courses

Career Opportunities

Graduates typically pursue roles in:

• Diplomacy, foreign affairs, public administration
• International organizations and legal/policy environments
• Political risk analysis, research institutes, think tanks, and advocacy organizations

🔷 Conflict and Security Studies Concentration

This concentration explores the drivers of conflict and how security is understood today across military, political, economic, social, cyber, and environmental dimensions. You’ll study how conflicts emerge, how threats evolve, and strategies for prevention, management, and resolution. You’ll also develop the ability to:

• Assess traditional and non-traditional security threats
• Analyze conflict drivers, escalation, and peacebuilding efforts
• Work with case studies using modern analytical tools
• Evaluate counter-terrorism and security policy approaches

Selected courses

Career opportunities

Graduates typically pursue roles in:

• Security analysis and policy (public or private sector)
• Risk, intelligence, and strategic advisory roles
• NGOs, humanitarian organizations, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding

🔷 Global Governance Concentration

This concentration focuses on how global challenges are addressed through international cooperation and institutions. You’ll examine how international organizations, regional bodies, and governance frameworks tackle security, development, sustainability, rights, and crisis response. You’ll also develop the ability to:

• Understand how global institutions and regimes operate
• Evaluate policy coordination across states and organizations
• Analyze global issues through governance and system-level thinking
• Develop research and writing skills for policy and program contexts

Selected courses

Career opportunities

Graduates typically pursue roles in:

• International organizations, policy institutes, and NGOs
• Government/public sector roles connected to international policy
• Sustainability/ESG, compliance, advocacy, and program management
• Graduate study in IR, public policy, or area studies

Not sure which IR pathway fits you best?

Talk to our admissions team, and we’ll help you choose the right path.