Bilkent University Quality Management in Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science

Foundation

1989

Qualification Awarded

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science

Level of Qualification

Third Cycle Degree

Mode of Study

Full Time

Admission & Registration Requirements

Bilkent University graduate programs offer admission to applicants who have the necessary qualifications and show promise of scholarly achievement. Each department establishes its own criteria for admission, and departmental listings include more detailed information about these requirements.



The following are some of the admission requirements common to all departments:





  • Submission of ALES (Akademik Personel ve Lisansüstü Eğitimi Giriş Sınavı/Academic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Entrance Exam) or GRE scores. GMAT scores are required for graduate programs in Business Administration.)


  • Fluency in written and oral English. Please see the websites of each graduate school for the list of accepted tests.


  • Official transcripts.


  • Recommendations from instructors or others qualified to evaluate academic ability.








Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science are available at http://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/bilkent/gradstudents/political-science/.



On-line applications are accepted at https://stars.bilkent.edu.tr/gradapp/

Assessment of Student Performance

Apart from work conducted throughout the semester, students are usually asked to take a final examination and at least one midterm examination for a course. If a staff member considers it appropriate, practical laboratory work or other such assignments may be assessed as midterm examinations or as a final examination.

Grades are finalized when they are announced via the internet on the date specified in the Academic Calendar. Semester grades for practical studies and other non-lecture courses are determined by an evaluation of the student's overall work and performance throughout the semester.

The University grading system uses letter grades with pluses and minuses. Letter grades and their grade point equivalents are: A+ to D; F, FX is failing. The quality-point equivalents of the grades are:

  A+   4.00   B+   3.30   C+   2.30   D+   1.30   F   0.00
  A   4.00   B   3.00   C   2.00   D   1.00   FX   0.00
  A-   3.70   B-   2.70   C-   1.70           FZ   0.00

Other grades used are S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), I (Incomplete), P (In Progress), T (Transfer), and W (Withdraw). These grades do not have grade point equivalents.

S : accorded to students who are successful in non-credit courses.
     
U : accorded to students who are unsuccessful in non-credit courses.
     
I : accorded to students who, although otherwise successful, have failed to complete the required assignments for a course due to illness or some other valid reason. Proof of illness or other reason for non-completion must be submitted within two days of the date of the final exam. A student receiving an incomplete grade for any course must make up for the deficiencies within 14 days after the final exam in order to obtain a grade. Otherwise, the grade I automatically becomes FX. At the discretion of the department chair, the period specified above may be extended until the beginning of the following semester. P : progress, used for multi-semester courses.
     
P : progress, used for multi-semester courses.
     
T : reflects approved transferred courses from other universities or from an exchange program. A student with a grade of T is exempted from an equivalent number of credits on the condition that the courses are accepted by the department on the recommendation of the department chair and with the approval of the board of the faculty/school. This grade may provide an exemption for a particular course at the program.
     
W : student has withdrawn from the course before the withdrawal deadline of the respective semester.

A student with extraordinary performance in a course may be granted an A+ grade. However, the number of A+ grades in a given course is limited based on class size: If the class size is less than 25 students, no A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 25 and 74 students, only one A+ grade may be given; if the class size is between 75 and 124 students, two A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 125 and 174 students, three A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 175 and 225 students, four A+ grades may be given; if the class size is more than 225 students, five A+ grades may be given. (The letter grade A+ was instituted beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year.)

Students who have not met the minimum performance and/or attendance requirements to qualify to take the final exam receive an FZ grade before the final exams begin. Failing students who have not shown up at the final exam receive an FX grade instead of an F.

In graduate programs, in addition to grade S, a grade of C or higher is a passing grade in masters programs and a grade of B or higher is a passing grade in Ph.D. programs. Letter grades lower than C and grade U are failing grades in masters programs and grades lower than B and grade U are failing grades in Ph.D. programs.

A student's academic performance is determined at the end of each semester by computing an average of the letter grades he/she has received during that semester. For each course, the grade point equivalent of the letter grade received by the student is multiplied by the credit units for that course; the sum of these products is then divided by the total credit units taken in that semester to yield the Grade Point Average (GPA) for that semester. The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is calculated by multiplying the grade point equivalent of the letter grade by the credit units for each course and then dividing the total sum by the total credit units taken in the program.

National Degree Qualifications

Basic Field Qualifications for Social and Behavioral Science (Academic - Weighted) - 8th Level - Doctor of Philosophy
NQF-HETR
LEVEL		 KNOWLEDGE
- Theoretical
- Conceptual		 SKILLS
- Cognitive
- Practical		 COMPETENCES
Competence to Work
Independently and
Take Responsibility 		Learning Competence Communication and Social
Competence 		Field Specific Competence
8th Level Doctorate
EQF-LLL:
8th Level
QF-EHEA:
3rd Cycle
Qualifications that signify completion of the eight cycle are awarded to students who
K1. Have the basic conceptual information about the field in a way to take into consideration the reflections in the application.
K2. Have command of fundamental concepts in Social and Behavioural Sciences and of relationships between concepts.
K3. Have basic knowledge on the operation of interpersonal and inter societal relations.
K4. Have basic knowledge on causes and consequences of transformations of societies.
K5. Have knowledge on social research and planning, and command of its practices.
K6. Have command of statistical knowledge and logical reasoning processes required by Social and Behavioural Sciences.
K7. Have the skill of improving and deepening the updated and advanced knowledge from the field and sub-fields, and of providing original definitions that can innovate the field through original thinking and/or research at expert level.
S1. Analyze theoretical knowledge related to the field and evaluate its reflections in practice.
S2. Have command of basic concepts in the field and have the knowledge of producing works compatible with academic rules by using these concepts.
S3. Have the competence of designing a scientific project and process it independently in the field.
S4. Use field-related knowledge when making a decision, implementing it, and converting the decision into a behaviour.
S5. Have the ability to transfer the field-related accumulated knowledge with its theoretical and practical principles to those who are concerned.
W1. Contributes to the progress in the field either independently or with teamwork by developing an original, developing a new idea, method, design and / or application or applying a known idea, method, design and / or application to a different field.
W2. Determine a vision, goal and objective in the field.
W3. Expand the boundaries of knowledge in the field by preparing at least one scientific article related to the field individually or through teamwork and publishing it in national and/or international peer-reviewed journals and/or producing or interpreting an original work.
W4. Perform leadership in solving field-related and interdisciplinary problems.
W5. Give original, written and oral, presentations in national and/or international conventions.
W6. Plan and govern all kinds of field-related objectives or projects.
W7. Evaluate the expertise in the field in cooperation with the relevant institutions.
L1. Passes and evaluates the information obtained from the field through the cause-effect and critic filter.
L2. Identify deficiencies in knowledge and in practice related to the field.
L3. Show capacity to keep interest and motivation in the field continuous and alive.
L4. Improve the knowledge in the field by conducting field research.
L5. Develop new ideas and methods in the field through using advanced level of intellectual processes such as creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.
L6. Follow national and international publications in the field.
C1. Transfers the knowledge and skills acquired in the field in writing and orally.
C2. Share field-related solutions supported by scientific data with competent peers.
C3. Transform field-related knowledge and applications to projects and activities within a frame of social responsibility.
C4. Reflect the difference originating from own theoretical foundations and conceptual substance to individual career development when joining the professional life.
C5. Defend original views during the discussions with experts about the subjects in the field and establish effective communication to show competence in the field.
C6. Monitor the developments in the field and communicate with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio C1.
C7. Use computer software at advanced level in addition to information and communication technologies as required by the field.
F1. Act according to social, cultural, scientific, and ethical values during the process associated with the accumulation of field related knowledge and expertise (gathering and analysis of data, interpretation and dissemination of results).
F2. Conduct new and scientific research in the field and formulate recommendations to solve problems.
F3. Have sufficient awareness about the issues of universality of social rights, social justice, quality and cultural values, together with environmental protection and occupational health and safety.
F4. Have an open attitude towards change and innovation.
F5. Contribute to solutions to social, scientific, cultural and ethical problems related to the field at national and international levels and support improvement of these values.

Education Objectives

The Ph.D. Program in Political Science aims to train students for professional research and teaching careers, mainly at academic institutions. It emphasizes, first, the acquisition of substantive knowledge in the core areas of the discipline of Political Science as anchored in the Social Sciences. Second, it aims to equip students with quantitative and qualitative methodological skills, helping them conduct cutting-edge research as they advance their careers. While the Program aims to prepare candidates mainly for careers in academic institutions, graduates who take up research positions with international organizations, government agencies, and private sector companies consider the combination of substantive and methodological skills they acquired in the Program to be their key asset. The standard Ph.D. curriculum commences with a full year of coursework aimed at equipping students for three comprehensive exams mandated for each student. We offer comprehensive exams in the fields of Turkish Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, and Social and Cultural Studies, with students typically completing exams in two of these fields. We also encourage our students to co-build a third specialization field outside these under close supervision by their supervisor. Upon successfully defending their dissertation proposal, students embark on their dissertation work. All candidates for a Ph.D. in Political Science must complete their degree in six years. The Political Science Ph.D. program accepts students with a full tuition fee waiver. The program also offers students other financial and professional benefits while they complete their curriculum and dissertation work. As such, the Department financially supports graduate students in attending methods training schools and presenting at academic conferences. When completing the requirements of the curriculum, students also receive individual attention from faculty members. All Ph.D. students graduate having received training-through-research through research assistantships funded by the Department as well as external institutions such as TÜBİTAK. Almost all Ph.D. students complete their degrees having published research with a faculty member in a reputable outlet. Furthermore, students gain valuable experience through teaching assistantships funded by the Department. It is the combination of research and teaching experience that paves the way for success in careers in teaching and research at academic institutions. The ideal candidates who would benefit most from the Program are successful MA students who are highly motivated to advance their professional, technical, and methodological skills in Political Science for research and teaching careers at academic institutions. We evaluate applicants based on their research interests and curiosities, communication skills, research experience, and academic preparation, as evident in ALES/GRE scores, writing samples, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. We give careful attention to the motivation and preparation of each applicant and aim at a holistic assessment of skills and competences.

Program Outcomes

  1. a. Apply social science concepts and theories to real life situations.
  2. b. Learn how to utilize conceptual and methodological tools to address the complicated nature of social problems.
  3. c. Learn how to conduct independent research through collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and/or quantitative data.
  4. d. Acquire advanced academic drafting, writing and presentation skills.
  5. e. Acquire advanced knowledge of the conceptual foundations and research in their fields of study.
  6. f. Acquire advanced skills in using interdisciplinary approaches and multiple methodologies.
  7. g. Acquire skills to initiate, undertake and complete independent academic research projects.
  8. h. Acquire skills to write and publish academic articles.
  9. i. Demonstrate ethical responsibility.
  10. j. Develop effective communication skills.
  11. k. Recognize the need for life-long learning

Program Outcomes/Degree Qualification Matrix

 Program Outcomes
Qualification(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i)(j)(k)
K1✓✓✓
K2✓✓
K3✓✓
K4✓✓✓✓
K5✓✓
K6✓✓✓✓
K7✓✓✓✓
S1✓✓✓✓✓
S2✓✓✓
S3✓✓✓✓
S4✓✓✓✓✓
S5✓✓✓✓
W1✓✓✓✓
W2✓✓✓✓
W3✓✓
W4✓✓✓
W5✓
W6✓✓✓
W7✓✓✓✓
L1✓✓
L2✓✓
L3✓✓
L4✓✓✓
L5✓✓
L6✓
C1✓✓✓✓✓✓
C2✓✓✓✓
C3✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
C4✓✓✓✓
C5✓✓✓✓✓✓
C6✓✓✓✓✓
C7✓✓✓✓✓
F1✓✓
F2✓✓✓✓✓✓
F3✓✓✓✓✓✓
F4✓✓✓✓✓✓
F5✓✓✓✓✓
Qualification
Program Outcome

Program Curriculum

Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
GE 500 Research Methods and Academic Publication Ethics 0 0 0 1 [ Syllabus ]
GE 690 Academic Practices 0 0 0 24 [ Syllabus ]
POLS 651 Pre-Thesis Seminar I 0 0 0 1 [ Syllabus ]
POLS 699 Ph.D. Dissertation 0 0 0 194 [ Syllabus ]
Research Methods Elective 6 [ Courses ]
Restricted Elective 6 [ Courses ]
Specialization Elective 9 [ Courses ]
Unrestricted Elective 3 [ Courses ]


Elective Courses in the Curriculum

Elective Count Program Outcomes Options
Research Methods Elective 2 (Learn how to utilize conceptual and methodological tools to address the complicated nature of social problems.b) (Learn how to conduct independent research through collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and/or quantitative data.c) (Acquire advanced skills in using interdisciplinary approaches and multiple methodologies.f) (Acquire skills to initiate, undertake and complete independent academic research projects.g) (Acquire skills to write and publish academic articles. h) (Demonstrate ethical responsibility.i)   [ Courses ]
Restricted Elective 2   [ Courses ]
Specialization Elective 3 (Apply social science concepts and theories to real life situations.a) (Acquire advanced academic drafting, writing and presentation skills.d) (Acquire advanced knowledge of the conceptual foundations and research in their fields of study.e) (Acquire skills to initiate, undertake and complete independent academic research projects.g) (Acquire skills to write and publish academic articles. h) (Demonstrate ethical responsibility.i) (Develop effective communication skills. j)   [ Courses ]
Unrestricted Elective 1   [ Courses ]