The PhD in International Relations program was established by Altınbaş University with the aim to educate national and global leaders of the future equipped with a strong intellectual background in the field of international relations, create and disseminate knowledge, and serve its constituents and the society at large in an international academic environment fostering integrity, respect and participation. The current staff comprises of 6 academics, out of whom 2 are full-time professors, 2 associate professors, and 2 are assistant professors.

• The aim of the PhD Programme in International Relations is to provide students with advanced academic knowledge and the competence to make original contributions in the field of international relations, and to train researchers and academicians who have a sense of ethical and professional responsibility and play an active role in solving global problems by using the elements of their discipline.

• The objectives of the PhD Programme in International Relations are to contribute to increasing the graduate success of the programme and the university by providing students with theoretical depth and methodological competence, by enabling students to develop expertise in their field and to understand the importance of interdisciplinary work, by training leading researchers who can publish in national and international journals, create a global network through participation in conferences, contribute to the development of global policies.

Students who complete this program successfully are granted a PhD Degree in International Relations.

Doctoral level.

Social and Behavioural Science

Enrollment of students in programs at PhD degree levels in Turkey is done according to the results of a centrally organized academic exam (ALES) according to the Higher Education Act. Students are selected according to their ALES scores and their overall performance in Undergraduate and Masters studies. Having a recognized English test qualification from an approved test centre is also necessary for admission to the program.

Recognition of prior learning is subject to the framework bylaws at national level set by Council of Higher Education and to the related bylaws of Istanbul Altınbaş University. Transfer of students among programs within the university is done according to quotas determined by the executive councils of the respective schools.

In order to graduate from this programme with a PhD degree, students are required to complete a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, be successful in all courses with a minimum grade of BB, pass the qualifying exam and successfully defend their doctoral thesis. Students of the PhD programme complete 240 ECTS in total by taking at least seven courses, seminar, qualifying exam, thesis proposal and thesis study, provided that each semester is not less than 60 ECTS. As a graduation requirement, the GPA must not be below 3.00 out of 4.00.

The PhD in International Relations program of Istanbul Altınbaş University aims to educate its students as innovative and entrepreneurial graduates in their field with advanced knowledge and communication skills in three areas of expertise: International Relations, Area studies and Political History. Students meet with the leading academics and professionals in the field and increase their experience through international and national activities, seminars, conferences and elective courses. They also develop their analytical and research skills on International Relations, Area studies and Political History by completing a a research thesis. 

The graduates of this program work as postdoctoral researchers, project managers, academics, international relations experts in the public sector –such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry for European Union Affairs– and in the private sector, including banking, media, research institutes, civil society organizations and in various departments of private companies, among others. The graduates of this program are equipped with fundamental and technical knowledge and communication skills, foreign language skills, teamwork skills in order to be able to work in these areas.

Students who graduate from this program may apply for studying at programs at postdoctoral level or for academic positions of Assistant Professor at Universities.

In order to graduate from this programme with a PhD degree, students are required to complete a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, be successful in all courses with a minimum grade of BB, pass the qualifying exam and successfully defend their doctoral thesis. Students of the PhD programme complete 240 ECTS in total by taking at least seven courses, seminar, qualifying exam, thesis proposal and thesis study, provided that each semester is not less than 60 ECTS. As a graduation requirement, the GPA must not be below 3.00 out of 4.00.

Full-time

Students of the PhD in International Relations program at the Graduate School of Social Sciences of Altınbaş University benefit from the computer and library facilities of Altınbaş University and meet with the leading academics and professionals in the field and increase their experience through international and national activities, seminars, conferences and elective courses. They develop their analytical and research skills on International Relations, Area studies and Political History by completing a a research thesis under the supervision and guidance of an experienced academic researcher.

Assoc. Prof. Bahadır KAYNAK Altınbaş University Gayrettepe Campus Büyükdere caddesi, No: 147 Esentepe / İstanbul E-mail: bahadir.kaynak@altinbas.edu.tr Phone: (0 212) 604 01 00

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. FULYA AKSU
• Research Assist. GİZEM EZGİ GÜLER