Ph.D. in International Relations and Security

The vision and mission of the educational philosophy that guides the Ph.D. program in International Relations and Security at Neapolis University Pafos is the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and service to our community. In support of our mission, the University:

The Ph.D. in International Relations and Security reflects the priorities of the NUP’s mission. It is designed to meet, through research, local and national needs, to promote links with local and international communities and to embrace modern pedagogy and learning technologies based on the need to associate our students with a learning curve, that embraces critical thinking.

Our Ph.D. pursues excellence in research through pioneering and innovation in international political affairs and other multidisciplinary approaches with analyses and outcomes, that can serve the scientific and policy-related community.

Neapolis University:

• Encourages and supports rigorous scholarship and innovative teaching in all the University’s academic areas.
• Creates an academic environment that values and promotes free, active, and original intellectual inquiry among its faculty and students.
• Fosters a Ph.D. program through its history, politics, and international studies department that responds to local, national, and international needs.
• Strives continuously to promote activities that apply its intellectual and ethical heritage to work for the good of society as a whole.
• Welcomes students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds, religious beliefs, and gender equality, where inclusivity is evident.
• Enriches and creates a sense of community that facilitate their development and enhances their career aspirations.

Objective:

The Ph.D. in International Relations and Security reflects the priorities of the NUP’s mission and is completed in the Department of History, Politics, and International Studies of the Neapolis University Pafos.

1. The Department is a full member of the Doctoral School of the European Doctoral School on the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Initiative. As such, participates in the various programs and any call for Ph.D. application fellows (all consideration should occur through the head of the program in cooperation/communication with the European Doctoral School)
   Further information can be found here https://esdc.europa.eu/doctoral-school/
2. The department fully complies with the rules, regulations and policy processes of NUP Doctoral Unit and conforms to all related scientific and administrative policies as decided by the related authority, where the Head of the Program participates.
3. Neapolis University Pafos and our Department extend a range of taught and research programs at undergraduate, graduate and Doctorate levels.
4. The Ph.D. in International Relations and Security program helps to build upon the capabilities of the School of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities at the level of primary scientific and academic research. 
5. The Ph.D. program attracts students and academics from national and international backgrounds, who hold experience and knowledge, but also wish to pursue pioneering and excellence in international Political Affairs, Security and Strategy and other related interdisciplinary approaches in related fields.
6. The Ph.D. in International Relations and Security offers students the opportunity to acquire extensive and in-depth knowledge based on the essential educational pedagogy and approach, as projected by Bloom’s taxonomy in combination with pioneering research outputs.
7. The Ph.D. program is of practical value. It includes a wide range of issues related to the development of international affairs and its security, current implications and challenges, forecasting elements through factual analysis, while also pioneering policies for the future, applicable both in theory and practice.
8. The program aims to provide potential Ph.D. candidates with a rigorous and constructive understanding of international relations and politics, of conflict and security issues, globally and regionally.
9. The Ph.D. program is a scientific research focus on subjects of particular interest, on recent and contemporary processes, trends, challenges, and problematics through vast constant variables changes, examining efforts to respond to international and regional challenges in policy and practice.
10. The program requires and combines in-depth scientific research (quantitative and qualitative), academic empirical support and mentoring approach, methodological engagement, comprehension of key concepts, theories, and primary analysis on case studies, alongside a structured process of engagement with contemporary debates and experience with leading results that can offer both to the national and international community as an expert analysis opinion with recommendations and lessons to be learned or to be applied

Institutional Reasons:

• The international prestige and recognition of Neapolis University Pafos, an accredited university in the Republic of Cyprus, in the European Union.
• The PhD Program is designed with the most up-to-date academic standards.
• Excellent academic staff with strong expertise in the taught subjects.
• Strong links and partnerships with globally renowned academic institutions, scholars, and professionals in international relations, security, and strategy, and related multidisciplinary approach subjects that can be combined with international affairs.
• The use of advanced technology tools and resources.
• The University is in one of Europe’s significant historical and cultural countries and regions. The City of Pafos is strategically located in a historical city between Europe and the Middle East at the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
• Studying in an accredited university, which is human-centered, with competitive tuition fees.
• Sense of a solid academic and cultural community.
• An inclusive community that is also gender equal. A society that respects religious diversity.

Academic & Scientific Purposes:

• Involvement with national and international institutions and market industries and organizations.​
• Engagement with key experts in academic, market, and policy affairs.
• Exposure to a multi-cultural diversity​.
• Strengthens research collaboration, providing pioneering results.
• Access to exemplary facilities and resources​.
• Extend international mobility for both students and faculty for research and continued training development.​
• The research environment is supportive and inclusive for PhD candidates and allows for more faculty from NUP and around the world to be engaged in the research, advising, and tutoring process.
• Skills training for PhD Students and Faculty.
• Research students are afforded opportunities for professional development throughout their studies and beyond.
• Professional and academic training is constant, inclusive to both faculty and PhD candidates.
• Upon completion of the NUP PhD program, graduates become members of the NUP alumni and can be provided an opportunity to continue their scientific career in the respective institution upon request and need.
• The Ph.D. program adjusts yearly to constantly updated scientific and academic trends and market requirements.
• Engagement of NUP faculty and PhD candidates with public and ongoing discourse events and conferences.

 Program Learning Outcomes

Break Down of the ECTS

Throughout the Ph.D. Candidature, each student will:

• Take part in university and induction week/per semester.
• Yearly scientific and training tutorials.
• Take part in lectures and public discourse events.
• Take part in seminars and conferences.
• Present research outcomes.
• Apply for various funding and scientific research projects.
• Develop innovative qualitative and quantitative research skills and knowledge.
• Take the lead in in-class lectures and presentations or organized events based on scientific specialization.
• Publish two Scopus scientific papers throughout the period of the completion period to the PhD program.

• To be admitted to the Ph.D. Program, candidates must possess both the general admission criteria and specific criteria as required below.
• Applicants should showcase overall both written and verbal skills and knowledge. It holds empirical research-led capacities, capabilities, and the will to conduct innovative research. Applicants should be able to showcase and defend their Ph.D. proposals and guide the reader to the proposal’s timely importance and combination of work.
• Applicants are advised to check the academic and professional portfolio of the faculty to check the faculty’s research interests.
• They are expected to showcase overall suitability for the program of study they apply for.
• In all cases, each applicant’s file will be considered on its own merit.
• Excellent knowledge of English is essential as a minimum requirement since the PhD is completed in English.