Political Science — Public Policy Track

PhD in Political Science – Public Policy Track

This is one of the largest, most international and most competitive doctoral programs in Europe, providing aspiring scholars with the theoretical and methodological skills needed to challenge and shape what we know about public policy. Designed for students interested in researching the causes, functions, nature and outcomes of public policy, this program prepares you for a career in academic and applied research institutions, as well as for policy analyst positions. The program is run by CEU’s Doctoral School of Political Science, Public Policy and International Relations.

As a doctoral student, you will be exposed to a great variety of perspectives and approaches. Aside from your permanent supervisor, you will also work with a supervisory panel and may join student-faculty research groups or research centers. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to network with top scholars, spend a semester abroad, gain teaching experience at a partner university and take part in conferences, summer schools and workshops on and off campus.

What you will study

The Public Policy track prepares graduate students for careers in academic and applied research institutions, as well as the public, private and voluntary sector more generally. The core courses in the track focus on the development of professional research and analytical skills in the fields of European and international public policy, comparative policy analysis and political economy.

Core curriculum

• Public Policy: Theories, Traditions and Transitions
• Public Administration
• Research in EU integration and governance

• Completed online application form: www.ceu.edu/apply
• Proof of English proficiency
• Letters of recommendation
• CV
• Master’s degree
• Statement of purpose
• Research proposal
• Outline of master’s thesis
• Additional requirements: dsps.ceu.edu

Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• Flexible study schedule
• Experienced teachers
• Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Fund your studies

In pursuit of our mission, we strive to attract world-class graduate talent from all over the world. This is why we offer generous scholarships available to students from any country. Doctoral scholarships include a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend for living expenses. Learn more at www.ceu.edu/financialaid.

Study in Vienna

Apply now and be among the first to study at our new campus in Vienna! Did you know that the Austrian capital has been ranked as the world's “most livable city” for ten years in a row? Find out more about CEU in Vienna at www.ceu.edu/vienna.