Palacký University/Department of Development Studies

PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY
Palacký University, established in 1573, is one of the leading centres of teaching and research in the Czech Republic. It comprises eight faculties at the present and it is located in historical but dynamic city of Olomouc. The town itself is very old and picturesque and it is surrounded by sports facilities and nature. Amongst many historical landmarks, the most important is Holy Trinity Column (listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site). The city is also well-known for its high density of university students: over 24 000 students of Palacký University study in the city of 100 000 inhabitants.

The University offers degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including medicine and other natural sciences, humanities and social sciences or legal education. Since the collapse of communism in 1989 Palacky University enjoys era of development and growth. In the recent years, one of the highest priorities of the University is to strengthen international cooperation with other higher education institutions. Approximately 1700 foreign students study on Palacky University nowadays.

For more information, please have a look at the Website

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
Although the Department of Development Studies at the Faculty of Science at Palacký University in Olomouc was established in September 2007, the programme itself was founded back in 2003 under the auspice of the Department of Geography and nowadays is managed by the Department of Development Studies. The International Development Studies programme is one of the first of its kind in the Czech Republic and in the region of Central and Eastern Europe.

With over 10 years of experience in the field of development studies, the Department offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in International Development Studies taught in Czech. Starting in September 2014, the Department of International Development Studies also offers a master programme in International Development Studies taught in English.

For more information please have a look at the Website

STUDY PROGRAMMES
Master Programmes
International Development Studies
The aim of the International Development Studies programme is to prepare professionals for careers in development policy and practice. The duration of the programme is 2 years. The programme is based on four courses focused on development opportunities in each of the four developing regions (Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, South-East Asia and Latin America).The knowledge acquired from different disciplines is applied to identify countries' development opportunities and threats.

Upon successful completion of the programme students will be equipped to work in public sector as well as in private industry both at the national and international levels. The graduate students may be employed in institutions which collaborate on the programmes of development and humanitarian assistance. Students can also find the opportunity to work as experts in projects run in developing countries, especially organizing and administering the projects both in the donor and in the target
country. In addition, they can find career in governmental and non-governmental sector, in international organizations (e.g. the UN agencies, including FAO, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNEP, UNDP, UNCTAD, UNHCR etc.), European Union institutions and diplomatic service as well as in academic sector.

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Alumni testimonial by Magister Mónica Aguilar López, Honduras
"International Development Studies (IDS) in Olomouc was a door open for learning about multiculturalism, diversity, nature and sustainable development. With IDS I got the tools to work in my current job: I am the Social Management Officer in a Wind Farm in Southern Honduras. I work with the communities around the project, the local government and keep in touch with the financial entity that is supporting the project."

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For more information please have a look at the Website

PhD Programmes
International Development Studies
The Department of Development Studies offers a PhD programme in the International Development Studies since 2010. Nowadays nearly 20 researchers are enrolled in the PhD programme, all in a different phase of their doctorate. The duration of the programme is 4 years. The programme has interdisciplinary characteristics and is focused on actual global challenges and trends especially in developing countries. Research of the Department is done both in the fields of environmental and social studies as well as in the field of economics. PhD students in Palacký University are motivated by scholarships to do a fieldwork in foreign countries.

The PhD programme aims at preparation of highly qualified staff for scientific and expert work with adequate language skills. Upon successful completion of the programme students will acquire profound knowledge in development related issues as well as research methodology.

For more information please have a look at the Website

CONTACT PERSON
Martin Schlossarek

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Tel: +420 737 989 899
Fax: +420 585 223 641