Speciality: International Policy and Security

Awarded qualification: International Relations and International Law

Level of qualification: Master

Length of programme: One year

Number of credits: 60

Field(s) of study (ISCED-F): Political Sciences

Specific admission requirements: A university diploma with average grading more than Good (4); competitive examination – colloquy.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning: Formal: diplomas and academic transcripts from secondary schools and accredited universities.
Informal: foreign language and computer certificates and other type of competency in line with the study plan of the specialty.
Unofficial: certification exam in foreign language, IT skills or other competency before a commission at Varna Free University.
Procedures for informal and unofficial recognition of competencies from previous study:
Allocation of credits on the basis of submitted papers: academic transcript or a diploma for higher degree from previous study;
- International diplomas and foreign language certificates (English- Cambridge FCE, TOEFL; German - Zertifikat Deutsch, Sprahdiplom, Zweite Stufe; Russian – ТРКИ; French- DELF; Spanish - DELE);
- International diplomas and ECDL (The European Computer Driving Licence) certificates. Certification of knowledge and skills by means of taking exams in:
- foreign languages at the Department of Foreign Language Teaching;
- IT skills at the Department of Computer Studies.

Qualification requirements and regulations, including graduation requirements:*60 credits for Bachelors in Political Sciences (International Relations); 90 credits for Bachelors or Masters in other majors. In order to obtain the qualification, students of master’s degree need 60 credits: of these, 27 credits from equivalency courses; 6 credits from compulsory courses, 6 credits from elective courses, 3 credits from optional courses, and 15 – from state examination.

Profile of the programme: Training is based on several research areas: political sciences, law and security. Students in „International Policy and Security” master’s degree programme will obtain knowledge and practical skills in the field of creating, organizing and management of security on a national and international scale.

Programme learning outcomes: The range of subjects taught with fundamental and specialized nature and the possibility of achieving a high level of language skills are a prerequisite for introduction to and mastering of important national and international innovative methods and practices of planning and communication by students, who have selected „International Policy and Security” major. 
Graduates majoring in „International Policy and Security” should know the principles in the field of history, law, and security that are necessary for their general and specific qualifications, know the past and the trends of foreign policy state of affairs on micro, macro regional and global levels, have a good grasp of the legal foundations of international order and the protocol of the diplomatic and consular service, having a direct connection to the realization of various projects and practices in the field of foreign affairs and the range of forms of international communication. 
At the same time they must be able to fit into the requirements for adequate and effective implementation of regional policies and strategies, to maintain professionally and competently the interests of the Republic of Bulgaria as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs diplomatic and consular service abroad, plan integration strategies relevant to the foreign policy and the international economic situation, consistent with the dominant political, economic and military priorities of our country, to organize and coordinate the interaction of foreign institutions in the country with the security authorities, local authorities, media and civil society. 
Specialists who graduate from „International Policy and Security” should be able to manage diplomatic and consular sections abroad and Foreign Affairs departments, as well as to improve their foreign language training, and their research skills and project expertise in political science, the main theoretical schools of international relations and the integration processes; to orient themselves correctly in the dynamically changing aspects of the global environment and international situation. Another important skill that is developed in the course of training in „International Policy and Security” is the creation of skills and attitudes for administrative and creative work in various national and international institutions and NGOs.

Programme structure diagram with credits *: