Prospective students must submit the following documentation of academic qualifications:

• An accredited Master’s degree in politics, governance, European studies, law (MA or equivalent) or a relevant field in addition to an accredited Bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields (BA or equivalent) or a relevant field. Α 2:1 upper second-class honors or equivalent would normally be required for the BA.
• English Language Proficiency: TOEFL (paper-based test 600, computer-based test 250, internet-based test 100) or IELTS 6.5. For students who graduated from an English-speaking University, proof of English language proficiency is not a requirement. Proficiency in the English Language is an essential requirement even in cases where the thesis is to be submitted in Greek as research undertaken towards completing the thesis is expected to include English-language sources.

The Application Package must include:

• A completed official PhD. Application Form available at https://www.unic.ac.cy/apply/ or on the programme’s page
• Certified copies of the applicant’s academic credentials/degrees.
• Transcripts of previous academic work for the BA/BSc and MA/MSc degrees.
• A complete Curriculum Vitae (CV) specifying all academic and professional activities.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have known the applicant in an educational and/or professional environment. At least one of the recommendation letters must be from an academic institution where the applicant has studied previously, written by a member of the academic community.
• Evidence of English proficiency as outlined above.
• A statement of purpose, highlighting not only their academic and individual competencies but also why they believe they are suitable for admission to the specific Program. In their statements, candidates are also expected to explain how a PhD from UNIC will contribute to their personal advancement and career development. They should also demonstrate knowledge of the faculty’s work/research interests relevant to their inquiry.
• An Initial Research Proposal (1,000 – 2,000 words) outlining clearly the:
  • Overall research topic/area
  • Specific research questions and hypotheses
  • Proposed research methodology
  • Uniqueness of the proposed work – i.e., why the proposed research project is original and contributes to filling a gap in the existing literature.

Applications may be submitted either for Fall or Spring Semesters. The submission deadline is set in every relevant call.

Applicants may submit previous theses/dissertations and any published work of academic relevance (if any).

Individual Interviews: The Department Doctoral Program Committee may decide whether to hold an individual interview of the applicant prior to reaching a final decision.

Final Evaluation: In view of the limited number of applicants to be admitted to the program, the Department Doctoral Programme Committee evaluates the candidates based on merit and on the compatibility of the faculty research interests and expertise. The Committee will exercise its judgment, taking into account overall quality, merit and feasibility of the research proposal, the quality of the prior research work of the candidate and the candidate’s academic and other relevant qualifications as included in the curriculum vitae and the applicant’s performance during the individual interview.

Αssessment comprises of the examination of the thesis proposal, the thesis, the presentation of the thesis as a public lecture and the oral examination (viva).

The student must complete 180 ECTS and all programme requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:

• Acquire advance research skills and analytical competencies in the fields of Public Administration
• Be able to Illustrate, critically evaluate and apply theories and research methods in Public Administration
• Understand and appreciate the significance of alternative epistemological positions that provide the context for theory construction, research design and the selection of appropriate analysis techniques
• Gain a deep knowledge of the most advanced issues in Public Administration
• Gain the competence necessary to analyze and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of particular policies related to Public Administration
• Develop their ability to identify and evaluate numerous expressions and events in Public Administration
• Be able to manage successfully all the stages of a research project, including designing, conducting and disseminating research
• Learn how to disseminate research findings to the wider academic community and society at large (publishing in academic journals and/or presenting in academic conferences and seminars)

Section: A – Courses