Study Political Science and International Relations in Turkey
What is Political Science?
Political science is an academic field that studies political systems, governments, political behavior, and public policies.
This discipline involves an in-depth analysis of political processes, ideologies, political parties, and international relations.
It also covers political theories and philosophies that guide the organization of societies and interactions between countries.
Subfields of Political Science
Political science encompasses several branches and sub-disciplines, each focusing on a particular aspect of politics and governance, including:
– Political Theory: Studies ideas and theories that guide politics and governments, such as democracy, autocracy, and various political systems.
– Comparative Politics: Focuses on analyzing and comparing political systems and governments across different countries to understand their differences and underlying factors.
– International Relations: Examines the dynamics and policies between countries, including foreign policy, wars, peace, and international organizations like the United Nations.
– Public Policy and Administration: Studies the design, implementation, and evaluation of government policies and their impact on society.
– Political Behavior and Political Psychology: Analyzes how individuals and groups interact with political systems, including elections, campaigns, and political attitudes.
– Local and Regional Politics: Focuses on political systems and policies at the local and regional levels within countries, emphasizing the impact of local structures on national politics.
– Security and Defense Policies: Concentrates on national security and defense issues, including military strategies, internal security, and defense policies.
– Political Economy: Explores the relationship between politics and economics, including how government policies affect the economy and how economic factors influence political decisions.
Overview of Political Science and International Relations in Turkey
History of Political Science and International Relations in Turkey
After the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, there was a focus on developing modern higher education.
Many universities and colleges were established, including departments for studying political science and international relations.
The first department of political science was founded at Istanbul University in 1935, followed by the establishment of similar departments in other universities.
The 20th century saw significant development in the study of political science and international relations in Turkey, driven by political and economic changes in the region and the world.
In the 21st century, the interest in studying political science and international relations has grown internationally due to the increasing political and economic relations between Turkey and the world.
Many foreign universities have opened departments of political science and international relations, and the number of international students studying this discipline in Turkey has increased.
Number of Students Studying Political Science and International Relations in Turkey
The number of students studying political science and international relations in Turkey is estimated to be between 25,000 and 50,000.
Advantages of Studying Political Science and International Relations in Turkish Universities
– Strategic Location: Turkey serves as a bridge between the East and the West, providing an ideal environment for studying international relations and politics in the context of regional and international relations.
– Diverse Programs: Turkish universities offer a variety of study programs in political science and international relations, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, allowing students to choose from many specializations.
– Advanced Educational Structures: Turkish universities provide advanced educational facilities, including research labs and resource-rich libraries, helping students develop research and analytical skills.
– Career Opportunities: Students studying this discipline can benefit from a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as diplomacy, government work, academia, journalism, international development, and humanitarian work.
– International Educational Experience: Turkish universities offer student exchange programs with universities worldwide, allowing students to benefit from international educational experiences and exposure to different cultures and perspectives.
– Focus on Research: Turkish universities encourage research and development in political science and international relations, providing students with opportunities to participate in exciting research projects and delve into their preferred fields.
– Globally Recognized Degrees: Turkish universities have a good international reputation and offer degrees recognized worldwide, enhancing students’ employment and academic advancement opportunities after graduation.
Is Studying Political Science and International Relations in Turkey Affordable?
Yes, studying political science and international relations in Turkey is less expensive compared to other Western countries.
The costs depend on various factors such as the chosen university, different study programs, and living expenses in the city where you study.
You can contact us at Alemni Shokran for guidance on universities that fit your budget and assistance with registration, visa procedures, and other related processes.
Admission Requirements for Political Science and International Relations in Turkish Universities
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
– High School Diploma: Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some universities may require a certain GPA, which can vary based on the competitiveness of the program.
– Proof of Language Proficiency: If the program is taught in English, some universities may require proof of proficiency in English through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. If the program is taught in Turkish, students may need to take a Turkish language proficiency test or complete a preparatory Turkish language course.
– Entrance Exams: Some universities may require passing a specific entrance exam or obtaining certain scores in international
exams like the SAT or ACT.
– Required Documents: Completed application form, personal photo, passport copy, translated and certified transcripts and diplomas if necessary.
Master’s Degree Requirements
– Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, preferably in a field related to political science or international relations. Some programs may accept graduates from other fields with additional requirements.
– Graduation GPA: A good cumulative GPA in the bachelor’s degree, with universities often setting a minimum GPA requirement ranging from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.
– Proof of Language Proficiency: If the program is taught in English, universities may require results from an English language test like TOEFL or IELTS. For programs taught in Turkish, proof of proficiency in Turkish may be required through a test or a preparatory language course.
– Entrance Exams: Some universities may require passing exams like the GRE or GMAT, especially for competitive programs.
– Recommendation Letters: Submission of recommendation letters from professors or professionals the student has worked with, highlighting their academic and professional abilities.
– Personal Statement or Motivation Letter: Writing a personal statement explaining the student’s reasons for wanting to study this field and how it aligns with their future goals.
PhD Requirements
– Master’s Degree: Applicants must have a master’s degree in a related field such as political science or international relations.
Some universities may accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree under specific conditions, such as exceptional research experience or very high grades.
– Academic Performance: Universities usually require a high cumulative GPA in the master’s degree, with a specified minimum GPA.
– Recommendation Letters: Submission of several recommendation letters (usually three) from academics who can comment on the student’s academic and research abilities.
– Research Proposal: Submission of a clear research proposal outlining the research objectives, theoretical framework, and methodology for the PhD research.
– Entrance Exams: Some universities may require passing exams like the GRE or GMAT, or specific university entrance exams
– Required Documents: Completed application form, updated CV, academic certificates and supporting documents (e.g., bachelor’s and master’s degrees), passport copy, and personal photos.
Contact Alemni Shokran for more accurate information on admission requirements for studying political science and international relations in Turkish universities.
Duration and Curriculum of Political Science and International Relations in Turkey
Bachelor’s Degree Duration
The duration for a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations in Turkey is typically four years.
Bachelor’s Degree Curriculum
– Introduction to Political Science: Basic concepts in political science such as political systems, governance, authority, and democracy.
– Introduction to International Relations: History and development of international relations, and main theories such as realism, liberalism, and structuralism.
– Political Behavior: Study of individual and group behavior in the political context, including decision-making processes and political participation.
– Public Policy: Analysis and evaluation of government policies in various fields such as education, health, economy, and the environment.
– International Law: Study of international law principles and their applications in areas such as human rights and international conflicts.
– International Security: Analysis of international security threats such as terrorism, international wars, and national and international security policies.
– Foreign Policy: Examination of foreign policy decision-making processes and relationships between countries and the international community.
– Globalization and Development: Study of the economic, political, and social impacts of globalization on development in different countries.
– Democracy and Good Governance: Study of democratic theories and principles of good governance and their applications in local and global contexts.
Master’s Degree Duration
The duration for a master’s degree in political science and international relations in Turkey usually ranges from two to three years.
Master’s Degree Curriculum
– International Relations Theory: In-depth study of key theories and concepts in international relations to understand interactions between states, international institutions, and non-governmental groups.
– Research Methods in Social Sciences: Focus on developing research skills and analytical techniques used in studying political and international phenomena, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
– International Security Policies: Study of various forms of international security threats such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and natural resources, and how to analyze and address them.
– Comparative Political Systems: Study of governance and political systems in different countries, helping students understand political diversity locally and globally.
– Democracy and Human Rights: Examination of democracy and human rights concepts and challenges in their implementation at national and international levels.
– International Public Policies: Study of political decision-making in foreign policies of states, including interactions between states and international institutions.
– Language and Culture in International Relations: Examination of how language and culture impact international relations and how to address challenges related to cultural and linguistic interactions.
PhD Duration
The duration for a PhD in political science and international relations in Turkey usually ranges from three to five years and involves studying specialized courses
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