Programme:

Governance, Policy and Administration (2026/2027)

Study Cycle:	Third Cycle (Doctoral)
Faculty:	Contemporary Social Sciences

Programme Code:	PhD-GPA
Academic year:	2023 / 2024
Title:	Doctor of Sciences in Governance, Policy and Administration
ECTS:	180 (3 years)
Decision:

The doctoral program in Governance, Policy, and Administration is designed to create a new generation of highly qualified experts and researchers who can address the increasingly complex challenges faced by the public sector, particularly in the areas of policy analysis and sustainable development. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical research skills, ensuring that graduates are well prepared to analyze, design, and implement effective public policies. By aligning with the standards of the European Higher Education Area and incorporating interdisciplinary courses—such as public management and comparative politics—the program responds to national and international demands for competent leaders in the public sector. The emphasis on independent research, scientific publications, and international mobility further enhances the program’s relevance, enabling students to contribute original insights and innovative solutions to issues related to global governance.

Graduates will be qualified for leadership roles in academia, government, international organizations, and the private sector, where their expertise in public management and administration will be essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. Overall, the program represents a timely and strategic response to the evolving needs of modern governance, fostering professionals capable of leading positive change and advancing the public good.

Knowledge and understanding

- Shows a systematic understanding of the field of research and advanced knowledge of research methods and skills within the field according to the highest international standards.

Has advanced knowledge of public administration theories, research and practice.

Applying knowledge and understanding

- Shows ability to interpret, design, implement and adapt essential subject of research with scholarly integrity;

- Gives a contribution through original research that transcends the existing boundaries of knowledge, developing new knowledge, valued in national and international peer-reviewed publications.

Recognizes the relationship between administrative processes and analytical activity for the purposes of policy.

Making judgement

- Ability for critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas, keeping competencies assessment;

- Ability to independently initiate and participate in national and international research networks and events with scholarly integrity;

- Ability to independently initiate research and development projects that will generate new knowledge and skills for the development of a research field

Planning and acting effectively in the management of public services organizations.

Communication skills

- Communication with colleagues; the wider academic community and society as a whole within his/her area of expertise;

- Participate in public debates and media, using vocabulary appropriate to the professional level;

Writes, proposes and manages research projects in the field of public administration.

Learning skills

- Is expected to be capable of promoting academic and professional frameworks and technological, social or cultural development of a knowledge-based society.

- Can help in the training and development of individuals for political and administrative positions in the public sector.

Ability to plan and organize the functioning of the public administration and institutions in accordance with modern democratic systems.

Semester 1

[DPA0101] [10 ECTS] Research Methodology
This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of scientific theories and research methodologies, enabling them to design, conduct, and critically evaluate academic research. The course introduces fundamental concepts, including research design, variables, hypothesis formulation (direct and indirect), validity and reliability of results, bias and ethical considerations, as well as both quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical assignments, students will gain hands-on experience in applying research methods. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • Demonstrate a solid understanding of core scientific concepts and their role in research • Apply effective techniques for research, information retrieval, and academic literature review • Identify, define, and formulate scientifically grounded research problems • Select and justify appropriate research methodologies and approaches • Critically compare the advantages and limitations of different methods for data collection and analysis in both quantitative and qualitative research • Apply fundamental research methods to analyze and interpret data • Develop coherent theoretical frameworks to support research studies • Critically review and evaluate scientific and technical publications This course prepares students for independent research work and supports the development of analytical, critical thinking, and academic writing skills essential for higher education and professional practice.
[C2760] [10 ECTS] Governance and Institutions
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • Describe the basic features of institutional architecture at local, national, regional and international levels, including the roles and interactions of key institutions • Analyze how institutions function, including key actors and decision-making procedures • Critically evaluate and apply legal and policy frameworks that regulate specific areas • Use the acquired knowledge to provide reasoned assessments of the functioning of institutions and governance and to engage in informed debates about its future challenges • Develop critical thinking about institutional governance policies and processes • Conduct independent research and structure arguments effectively in written work and presentations.
[DPA0103] [10 ECTS] Public Policy Analysis
Policy analysis is a problem-solving discipline that draws on theories, methods, and substantive findings of the social sciences and social professions, particularly political science, economics, public administration, and management. The purpose of policy analysis is to provide expert advice to policy makers by creating, critically assessing, and communicating information that is useful in solving practical problems. This course will aim to provide students with skills to understand and assess the complexity of policy making while identifying external and internal factors influencing effective policy making. Students will be able to recognize challenges to effective policy making and practically through case analysis develop their policy response to "the policy issue" of their interest.

Semester 2

[C2603] [10 ECTS] Doctoral Project Proposal
This activity involves the preparation of an independent research project under supervision, which forms the basis of the doctoral dissertation. The student begins the process of developing the dissertation research plan by systematically elaborating its key components. The activities include identifying and reviewing relevant literature, defining the theoretical framework and research hypotheses, selecting and specifying the research methodology, and developing an individual research plan. The process is completed with a first public presentation of the research project.
[10 ECTS] Elective course
- [E3033] State, Bureaucracy and Public Administration
  The objective of the course is to: - Familiarize students with theories and research regarding the role of the state and the governing process in democratic societies. - Explain classical and contemporary models of bureaucracy, governance, and institutional design. - Evaluate administrative reforms in comparative perspective. - Conduct advanced research related to state structures, public institutions, and bureaucratic behavior. - Apply theoretical approaches to the analysis of real-world public administration challenges. - Understand the rationale, legacy and critiques of major models of public administration, including New Public Management and its successors;
- [E3034] Global Political Economy and Transitional Dynamics
  This course provides an in-depth analysis of global political economy, covering liberal, mercantilist, Marxist, and critical approaches, historical transformations of the international economic order, and the role of key actors. Students will assess the impact of globalization, financialization, and regional integration on development, inequality, and democracy, compare transitions from socialist to market economies, and apply theoretical approaches to case studies from Central and Eastern Europe, the former USSR, the Balkans, and developing economies. The course also includes the design and presentation of an advanced research project and the professional communication of findings.
- [EDPS0104] Comparative Politics
  The course helps students acquire knowledge from the field of institutions and political system by comparing similar institutions in other political systems. In general, the aims of this subject can be highlighted as following: - Understanding the essence of the functioning of political systems in general, - Initiating critical thinking within the group, - Applying the acquired knowledge to provide reasoned assessments of how the political systems of the respective countries function, - Developing communicative skills of students, - Acquisition of relevant knowledge about the functioning of political systems Training on the advantages and disadvantages of the political systems of different countries around the world, as well as the similarities and differences between different types of political systems and others.
- [EDPA0102] Public Program Evaluation
  The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with techniques for analyzing the effectiveness of public sector organizations. Students will acquire skills in formulating evaluation questions, sample selection, planning and data collection, analysis of the results of evaluation, designing a budget for evaluation, reporting and communication of evaluation results to the various stakeholders, development of competencies ethical and policy issues associated with the evaluation.
- [E3035] Globalization
  Course Objectives • By the end of this course, PhD students will be able to: Understand and evaluate key theories of globalization (liberal, neo-Marxist, world-systems, constructivist, postcolonial). • Analyze major transformations in political economy, culture, and governance shaped by globalization. • Critically assess debates on inequality, identity, global risks, and the crisis of liberal international order. • Examine contemporary shifts: de-globalization, techno-nationalism, AI governance, global digital platforms. • Apply globalization theories to their PhD research projects.
[10 ECTS] Elective course
- [E3033] State, Bureaucracy and Public Administration
  The objective of the course is to: - Familiarize students with theories and research regarding the role of the state and the governing process in democratic societies. - Explain classical and contemporary models of bureaucracy, governance, and institutional design. - Evaluate administrative reforms in comparative perspective. - Conduct advanced research related to state structures, public institutions, and bureaucratic behavior. - Apply theoretical approaches to the analysis of real-world public administration challenges. - Understand the rationale, legacy and critiques of major models of public administration, including New Public Management and its successors;
- [E3034] Global Political Economy and Transitional Dynamics
  This course provides an in-depth analysis of global political economy, covering liberal, mercantilist, Marxist, and critical approaches, historical transformations of the international economic order, and the role of key actors. Students will assess the impact of globalization, financialization, and regional integration on development, inequality, and democracy, compare transitions from socialist to market economies, and apply theoretical approaches to case studies from Central and Eastern Europe, the former USSR, the Balkans, and developing economies. The course also includes the design and presentation of an advanced research project and the professional communication of findings.
- [EDPS0104] Comparative Politics
  The course helps students acquire knowledge from the field of institutions and political system by comparing similar institutions in other political systems. In general, the aims of this subject can be highlighted as following: - Understanding the essence of the functioning of political systems in general, - Initiating critical thinking within the group, - Applying the acquired knowledge to provide reasoned assessments of how the political systems of the respective countries function, - Developing communicative skills of students, - Acquisition of relevant knowledge about the functioning of political systems Training on the advantages and disadvantages of the political systems of different countries around the world, as well as the similarities and differences between different types of political systems and others.
- [EDPA0102] Public Program Evaluation
  The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with techniques for analyzing the effectiveness of public sector organizations. Students will acquire skills in formulating evaluation questions, sample selection, planning and data collection, analysis of the results of evaluation, designing a budget for evaluation, reporting and communication of evaluation results to the various stakeholders, development of competencies ethical and policy issues associated with the evaluation.
- [E3035] Globalization
  Course Objectives • By the end of this course, PhD students will be able to: Understand and evaluate key theories of globalization (liberal, neo-Marxist, world-systems, constructivist, postcolonial). • Analyze major transformations in political economy, culture, and governance shaped by globalization. • Critically assess debates on inequality, identity, global risks, and the crisis of liberal international order. • Examine contemporary shifts: de-globalization, techno-nationalism, AI governance, global digital platforms. • Apply globalization theories to their PhD research projects.

Semester 3

[C2840] [30 ECTS] Scientific Research Work
In the second year the candidate continues with research activity by approved individual plan. The mentor provides assessment on these activities in the form of a report to the Scientific-Teaching Council of the Faculty.

Semester 4

[C2841] [20 ECTS] Publications I
Publication of research activities under the table relevant to the media for publication. Publication activities and successes of the candidate checked before scientific audience by area and relevance of the research.
[DPA0105] [10 ECTS] Student Mobility
During the fourth semester the student is obliged to visit and contribute to a relevant institution abroad for a period of at least one week. The aim of PhD students’ mobility is to request candidates to present, exchange and discuss their research work with their colleagues from other countries for improving the quality of their dissertation. For the realization of mobility, the student brings evidence to the mentor.

Semester 5

[DPA0106] [20 ECTS] Presentation of Research Results
At the end of the 5th semester, after the research activities under the individual plan, overall results of this phase of the paper and the research will publicly be presented by the candidate.
[PHD-S5-01] [10 ECTS] Publications II
Publication of research activities under the table relevant to the media for publication. Publication activities and successes of the candidate checked before scientific audience by area and relevance of the research.

Semester 6

[PA-PhD-THESIS] [30 ECTS] Doctoral Dissertation
The Doctoral Dissertation is an academic endeavor that involves conducting original scientific research in a specific field of study. This process includes identifying a significant research problem, developing a methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and presenting results in a systematic and scientific manner. The aim is for students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research and generate new knowledge or innovative approaches within their field. The activity is designed to develop skills in critical and synthetic analysis, the use of advanced research methodologies, the scientific presentation of results, and adherence to the principles of academic integrity. Furthermore, the dissertation prepares students for professional and academic contributions, as well as active participation in the international scientific community. Upon the completion of the doctoral dissertation under mentorship, it is submitted to the Teaching-Scientific Council of the respective faculty, reviewed/accepted by the Faculty's Teaching-Scientific Council, delivered to the members of the committee, and the defense procedure begins .