Energy Security Studies (Eng.)

Energy matters.

Master's degree programme, full-time study mode, single-subject, English, 2 years 
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The field focuses on detailed study of energy security issues in the context of international relations. Multidisciplinarity is its unique feature - it combines social studies with findings of more technical fields, economics and law. It aims to equip students with sufficient knowledge to analyze problems and use the skills they acquire in practice. The study field thus reflects the growing demands of the energy sector for experts in political and strategic issues, who unite knowledge of international/political relations with technical, economic, and legal aspects of energy. Instruction takes on a critical, demanding form that develops students' analytical and conceptual abilities as well as their skills in communication, creativity, and teamwork. Students become acquainted with the terminology, concepts, and methods used in energy security and international relations with the aim of their application in practice.
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After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

  • define and explain the basic patterns of international relations and energy security and apply them in practice;
  • determine relevant actors and understand their actions;
  • define the principles of the functioning of the Czech energy sector, and analyze the position of the Czech Republic and the region of Central Europe from the point of view of energy security;
  • determine the dimensions and basic mechanisms of the EU Common Energy Policy, define key actors and instruments, and analyze the concequences of EU energy policy for Member States and beyond;
  • use theories and concepts of from international relations and energy security studies in an informed and creative way.
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Graduates of Energy Security Studies can pursue a career in many fields; e.g. they may take part in the creation of energy legislation in the European Union, in the formation and implementation of state energy policies, in relevant areas of state administration, in analytical or foreign units of energy companies, or in media. Due to the increasing importance of energy issues, positions can be searched for in diplomatic services or in international institutions, with special regard to the EU. Last but not least, graduates may also find jobs in research or in the academic sphere.
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Energy Security Studies is a full-time single-subject Master’s degree program. The standard duration of the program is 4 semesters. Typically, the first three semesters are devoted to coursework, while the last semester is a thesis-writing semester. Courses are divided into three categories. Required courses constitute the core of the program. All of these must be completed in the course of study. In addition, the program offers elective courses (e.g. Energy Commodities, Environmental Aspects of Energy, Energy Relations in Asia, U.S. Energy Policy, Contemporary Trends, etc.). The number of elective courses taken must be such that the credit requirements for elective courses are fulfilled. The students choose from the list of elective courses based on their interest and desired future specialization. The students may also apply for courses which are offered by other departments or faculties, but only to a limited degree.

Credits are awarded for successful completion of the courses. In order to be able to register for the Final State Examination, students should earn a total number of 120 credits, out of which 54 credits should be earned in required courses and 66 credits in elective courses. Out of the 66 elective course credits, 18 credits can be earned in courses that are not part of the program, so that the coherence of the study program is not disrupted.

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Practical training, while encouraged, is not an obligatory part of the curriculum for this field. The Department of International Relations and European Studies, however, has been actively involved in the gradual establishment and deepening of links with organizations that can help students in gaining practical skills and experience. The main contributor regarding such activities include continually expanding internship opportunities and study-abroad programs (primarily through the Erasmus study program).
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The Final State Examination in Energy Security Studies is an oral exam and consists of a master's thesis defense and an exam from three main subjects:

a) Theories and concepts

b) Energy policy in Central Europe

c) European energy policy

Students are informed in advance about a range of specific topics and selected literature. The range of topics corresponds to the content of the required courses, so students acquaint themselves with the knowledge gradually during their studies. Students choose one topic for each of the main state exam subjects and held a professional discussion with members of the state exam committee. The primary goal is to conduct a professional discussion in predefined issues, and if it is suitable, to further build on the topic by using examples from the master's thesis, or other cases which students are familiar with. During the Final State Examination, students demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical approaches and concepts to selected cases, their comprehensive familiarity with the energy security of the Czech Republic and the region, their knowledge of EU energy policy, and their ability to conduct a professional discussion on related issues and aspects.

The ability to apply the methodological and theoretical concepts in the field of international relations and energy security is also contained in the process of writing and defending a final master thesis in the range of 80 to 100 pages (at least 144,000 characters).

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Graduates may continue to a doctoral degree program.
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Field of study specifications

Field of Study: Energy Security Studies (Eng.)
Abbreviation: EBA
Code: 6701T030
Type: master's degree programme (following the bachelor's one)
Degree: Mgr.
Accreditation: to 31/12/2024
Programme: N6702 N-MS International Territorial Studies
Faculty of Social Studies
Field of study guaranteed by:
Faculty of Social Studies
Field guarantor:
doc. PhDr. Břetislav Dančák, Ph.D.