Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have earned a first degree in social sciences or humanities from a recognised university or institution of higher education, or provide documentation indicating that they will earn their first degree from such an institution by the time of enrolling at the CSS.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Those applicants whose first language is not English must submit standardised English language test scores (see the table of accepted tests below). Students who have taken the TOEFL or IELTS should request a copy of their results to be sent directly to the CSS Admissions Office. The TOEFL institution code for the CSS is 7962.

Exceptions from the Language Requirements

Non-native applicants who have obtained their first degree from an English-medium university in a country where English is one of the official languages may be exempt from the language testing requirements.

The CSS reserves the right to request evidence of English language proficiency.

English Language Tests Organised by the CSS

CSS organises an institutional paper-based TOEFL test for candidates accepted for the MA programme who do not have a valid certificate of one of the English language tests listed above. The test will be administered in early December 2008.

How to Apply

Required:

On-line Application Form

Candidates to CSS must submit an on-line application form: [Apply on-line]. A printed and signed version of the application form must also be enclosed with the additional documents being sent by post.

Download application form (PDF)
Download application form (DOC)

Candidates applying for more than one programme simultaneously are required to rank them in order of preference on the application form.

A submitted on-line application form without the required attachments, to be sent by post, does not constitute a complete application and will not be processed.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation assessing their ability to conduct graduate-level work and their potential for a successful academic or professional career. Referees are requested to complete these letters in English or, if written in another language, to attach an English language translation. When completed, each letter of recommendation (with translation, where needed) should be sealed in an envelope, with the referee's signature across the seal, and enclosed with the application documents package. In exceptional circumstances, the letters can be mailed directly to the CSS Admissions Office.

The letter of recommendation form can be downloaded from here:

Download letter of recommendation (PDF)
Download letter of recommendation (DOC)

Statement of Purpose

Applicants must submit a maximum 200-word statement of purpose (a part of the application form) describing their personal aim and ambitions.

Essay

Applicants to the MA programme must provide a short (600-1000 words) outline of their proposed research topic for the MA dissertation, which will be weighted heavily in the admissions decision. The topic is expected to fall within the broad thematic focus of the Centre as described above, and should be delimited and set out with the greatest possible clarity. This document should be enclosed with the application documents package.

Transcript of Academic Records

For applicants who have already obtained a first degree

If the official document is not in English or in Polish applicants must submit:

1. A copy of the diploma in the original language with an ink stamp and a signature of a notary public or an authorised university official;
2. An official English language translation of the diploma with an ink stamp and a signature by an official of the translating company or an authorised university official;
3. A copy of the full transcript* in the original language with an ink stamp and a signature of a notary public or an authorised university official;
4. An official English language translation of the transcript* with an ink stamp and a signature of the translating company or an authorised university official.

Applicants who hold an official transcript, issued by their university in the English language, which contains a statement about the degree obtained, including the date of graduation and title of the academic degree awarded, are exempt from the requirement to submit an official copy of their diploma in the original language.

For applicants who are completing their first degree

If the official document is not in English or in Polish applicants must submit:

If the applicant is enrolled in the final year of his/her academic program, an official letter in English with an ink stamp from the university, stating that the student is expected to complete his/her course of study before October 2009, and an up-to-date academic transcript* in the original language and translation as explained in points 3 and 4 above.

*A copy of an official record of the work of a student which shows courses taken and grades achieved.

CV or Resume

A full curriculum vitae or resume, including a list of publications, if any.

English Test Score Certificate

This is defined as an official score report from one of the English language examinations listed under Language Requirements. Alternatively, applicants may take the CSS-administered institutional TOEFL

Two Passport Sized Photographs

Optional

Application for Financial Aid

The Application for Financial Aid is part of the general application form

Application for CSS Stipend

The Application for CSS Stipend is part of the general application form

Deadlines

The deadlines for submission of applications and financial aid requests are as follows:
- Financial Aid requests: Tuesday April 16th 2009, 17:00
- All other MA applications Monday, October 30th, 2009, 17:00

Early Applications

Candidates who plan to apply for study grants from governmental sources, foundations or organizations may submit their application to the CSS early, and every effort will be made to inform these candidates about their admission status within the time frames needed for them to apply for such grants. Early applicants may also apply for financial aid from the CSS, but they will be informed about their CSS financial aid status only after the competitive review of all other candidates has been completed. Candidates who wish to apply early should consult the "How to Apply" his document.

Documents Checklist:

• On-line Application Form
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Essay
• Transcript of Academic Records
• CV or Resume
• English Test Score Certificate (if available)
• Two Passport Sized Photographs

The Admissions Process

Stage One: Evaluation of Application Documents

Upon receipt of all application materials the departmental selection committee evaluates candidates on the basis of their past academic performance, strength of recommendations, work experience and his/her future plans. Successful applications are invited to continue with the selection process.

Stage Two: Interviews

Applicants who pass the first stage of the admissions process are invited for a telephone interview (in case of international applicants) or for an interview at the CSS (in case of students who live/reside in Poland). The Admissions Office will contact the applicants to make the necessary arrangements.

Stage Three: Final Evaluation

Those applicants who have passed the first two stages of the admissions process are once again evaluated by a departmental selection committee before the final decisions of acceptance are made. Each applicant is considered on the basis of past academic achievement, strength of recommendations, English language competency, intellectual merit and general compatibility with the goals of the department.

The departmental selection committees may offer an applicant admission or decline admission.

Notification of Acceptance or Rejection

The CSS Admissions Office issues the official notification of acceptance or rejection.