Studies in international relations in practice

Abstract

In the tradition of Polish higher education institutions, study programmes in international relations are treated as part of political science and so they focus more on theoretical issues. The experience of foreign universities proves that particularly studies in international relations could and should emphasise the applicability of knowledge and skills acquired during the studies. The practice of the members of the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities (The Guild) shows that these programmes should involve investigating and solving actual problems. Only thanks to the collaboration with public and private entities involved in transnational and cross-border activities, students can appreciate the applicability of theories and understand that every good theory must be based on genuine experience. Thus, the programmes offered by European universities can show how to enhance the quality of Polish study programmes in the field of international relations.