Master in Area Studies (MAS) is an interdisciplinary two-year master’s degree programme that provides multidisciplinary training in the study of international affairs, with a focus on modern history and current developments in Europe, Eurasia, and North America. Thanks to its interdisciplinary approach, it covers a broad range of topics—from politics, security, and international relations to economic, social, and cultural developments, including legal and environmental issues. The programme equips students with essential tools for socialscience analysis, fostering critical thinking and intercultural competence, while developing a blend of specialist area knowledge, analytical expertise, and language skills tailored to students’ personal interests and future career plans.

The MAS programme is highly flexible. Core compulsory courses focus on methods, languages, and academic writing, while elective courses allow students to shape their own academic and professional profile. To build an individualised thematic and regional focus in line with their interests and career goals, students may either design their own curriculum or choose one of the predefined regionally oriented study tracks: The US and Global Affairs, Transition and Integration in Europe, or Israel and the Middle East. In addition, students have the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Digital Humanities alongside their degree by completing four specialised courses that provide essential data literacy and digital competencies.

MAS is ideal for students who wish to understand today’s world in all its complexity. Throughout their studies, they gain an excellent foundation for analysing current global challenges and understanding their historical, societal, political, and economic contexts. With proficiency in several foreign languages, graduates are able to engage with local debates and perspectives on international and transnational issues and to offer informed commentary on developments in the states and societies of the regions they study. The programme is delivered in an international environment, bringing together students and lecturers from a wide range of countries.

Graduates of the MAS programme will be well prepared for careers in national, regional, and European administration and governance, diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs and think tanks, the media, or the private sector. They will also be well qualified to pursue opportunities in academia and research, possessing a broad range of knowledge and skills relevant to various fields within the social sciences.

The MAS programme offers:

• Innovative and engaging courses
• Curriculum tailored to individual interests
• Supportive and international study environment
• Diverse student community from across the globe
• Small seminar groups and personalised academic guidance
• Opportunities for study abroad and internships
• Extracurricular activities and student-led initiatives

Three study tracks

Students may either build their own thematic and regional profile or follow one of three regionally focused study tracks.

• The US and Global Affairs track introduces students to knowledge and skills essential for analysing US foreign policy, its structural underpinnings, and its impact across the globe and in various policy fields.
• Transition and Integration in Europe track focuses on the recent developments in post-Communist European countries with respect to their transition from Communist societies and their integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
• Israel and the Middle East track helps students understand the politics and societies in Israel and the Middle East, with an emphasis on the region’s pressing conflicts and disputes.

Each study track requires students to obtain at least 30 ECTS credits from elective courses designated for that track. Students must also submit a master’s thesis that falls within the scope of their chosen track. After successfully completing the study track, students receive a Certificate of Completion of the Study Track in addition to their diploma.

We welcome highly motivated students with a consistently strong academic track record in various disciplines within the social sciences and humanities. The admissions committee assesses applications based on the submitted documents and awards points (1-100) in the following categories: academic background, motivation, and extracurricular activities. The threshold for admission is determined by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University.

Please visit the Faculty’s admissions website to find:

• A detailed overview of the MAS admission requirements
• Guidance for prospective students

The admission window for the study period 2026/2027 – 2027/2028 is now open.

Application submission deadlines:

• Early-bird deadline: 28 February 2026
• Regular deadline: 30 April 2026

For students from visa-seeking countries, we strongly recommend submitting the application by the early-bird deadline.

Apply now! You can access the ONLINE APPLICATION here.

We look forward to receiving your application.

For any questions regarding the Master in Area Studies programme or the admissions process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to assist prospective students with academic enquiries, application procedures, or practical matters related to studying at Charles University.

MAS Programme Coordinator:
Dr Petra Baštová
E-mail: study.ims@fsv.cuni.cz

The programme coordinator will be happy to answer your questions regarding the Master in Area Studies programme, its curriculum and courses, the study and research environment at our Institute, international mobility opportunities, and other related matters. She also offers individual online consultations for prospective students.

MAS Programme Director:
Jan Hornát
E-mail: jan.hornat@fsv.cuni.cz

The programme director is available to help with more specific matters, especially those related to special educational needs or transfers from another programme or university.

Admission officer:
Ms Marcela Vrbatová
E-mail: admissions@fsv.cuni.cz

The admissions team will support you throughout the entire admissions and enrolment process. Feel free to contact them with any questions related to general administrative procedures, visa issues, confirmation letters, financial matters, scholarships, accommodation at university dormitories, and more.