International Economic and Political Studies (IEPS)

Overview

Key Facts 

The major emphasis in IEPS is placed on economics and political science which serve as major field pillars of the programme. Hence, the IEPS offers two specializations: international economics and international politics which allow students – alongside fulfilling common compulsory courses – to specialize themselves in one of the areas.

The International Economic and Political Studies (IEPS) at Charles University is mainly taught by members of the Institute of Political Studies (IPS) and the Institute of Economic Studies (IES). IEPS aims to enhance the ways of critical thinking and understanding crucial phenomena in globalized societies. Students deal with the nature of the economic objectives of agents, social organizations, institutions of power, the emergence of conflicts, and efforts for cooperation. They are expected to master the principles of modern non-conventional economic thinking and be able to apply them in political decision-making at the level of supra-national institutions, states, governments, corporations, political parties, and civic societies.

Mandatory courses introduce the students to economics and political science (including international relations and political philosophy. Elective courses (which are divided into four thematic modules) then enable students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of economics, politics as well as related disciplines. Finally, the students may elect to take also some off-field optional courses at any department of Charles University or at any partner university (for example, as part of the Erasmus exchange programme). These credits can also be used to follow the Czech language classes offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences.