The Doctoral Program in Political Science (DCP) trains researchers capable of generating rigorous scientific knowledge and contributing to problem-solving in Political Theory , International Relations , and Public Policy . Its graduates combine high-level research with opportunities for professional development at various levels of government, international organizations, and the private sector—both domestically and internationally—contributing to the design, implementation, and evaluation of impactful public policies and institutional quality.
A knowledge generation laboratory and strategic partner for governments, civil society organizations and international bodies, at the service of efficient public policies and institutional quality.
The program is distinguished by its flexible scheduling : the intensive format takes place over four weeks spread across two years (February and June), alternating between the Cerrito and Pilar locations , with monthly virtual meetings on Saturday afternoons between March and November. This structure is designed for both working professionals with busy schedules and international applicants.
Three orientations, one research project
* Each doctoral student chooses an orientation according to the nature of their research project and object of study.
Compulsory Training Cycle
The Compulsory Training Cycle consists of 110 clock hours of class and no less than 350 hours of preparing written work.
The structured pathway is divided into five compulsory subjects, which are taught during the first year of the doctorate:
– Political Philosophy (30 clock hours of class)
– History of political ideas (30 clock hours of class)
– Social Doctrine of the Church (10 clock hours of class)
– Social research methodology: quantitative approach (20 clock hours of class time)
– Social research methodology: qualitative approach (20 clock hours of class time)
Once the five required courses have been passed and the comprehensive exam for these courses has been completed, the candidate for the DCP will enter the semi-structured track, after submitting the thesis project. The unstructured track (40 clock hours of class time) has one required course according to the area of specialization:
– Political theory — orientation in Political Science
– Public policy theory — Public policy orientation
– International Relations Theory — International Relations Orientation
Tutorial Seminar
The Tutorial Seminar is a specialized training program, guided and supervised by a tutor, and tailored to each doctoral student. Its purpose is to provide the student with a broad general knowledge of the branch or branches of Political Science in which they have chosen to write their dissertation.
Research
Having passed the required courses in the structured curriculum of the Compulsory Training Cycle and the comprehensive exam, the doctoral candidate must submit a dissertation proposal. Once the proposal is approved, the doctoral candidate will begin the dissertation writing process, making annual progress presentations on their research. This evaluation stage will consist of an oral and public defense before a panel of experts. This process culminates in the final dissertation presentation, which must be defended orally before a panel selected by the Doctoral Program's Steering Committee.
Title awarded
Doctor of Political Science
In‑person
The Doctorate has a face-to-face modality , with two intensive weeks per year , from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. , in February and June , at the CABA and Pilar headquarters , complemented with virtual meetings.
* It takes two years to complete, plus the thesis.
➤ The development of knowledge, through an academic proposal of excellence in the selection of the faculty, the content and the bibliography.
➤ The formation of each person according to a transcendent destiny, based on an approach to social problems centered on the human person, and on their social and spiritual dimension.
➤ The development of an interdisciplinary environment with a lifelong learning attitude, based on the construction of academic exchange spaces that enrich research with the contribution of different areas of knowledge.
➤ Influence on public debate through research on current issues conducted with scientific rigor and a focus on the dignity of the human person.
1) Interested parties must submit: a copy of their undergraduate degree; a copy of any postgraduate degrees they hold; a photocopy of their ID/Passport as applicable; a letter of intent addressed to the Executive Director; a complete CV and a publication or research paper – no less than 7.500 words – so that their clarity of reasoning and formulation of ideas with scientific criteria and their level of academic training can be evaluated.
2) A personal interview with the Executive Director of the Doctoral Program in Political Science. For applicants who do not reside in the City of Buenos Aires, this interview will be conducted virtually. The purpose of the interview is to evaluate public speaking skills and other indicators that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the candidate's actual potential to meet the high demands of doctoral studies.
3) The Executive Director will submit the request for the incorporation of doctoral students to the Academic Council and the Council will decide on the admission, which will be communicated in the second half of December.
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