PhD Program In Social Sciences

PhD program aims at conducting theoretical and practical research in Social Sciences, to improve quality of academic research, to create and inculcate new knowledge, to prepare highly qualified professionals for higher education institutions, to support their engagement in international academic and research society. This is how the university contributes in the development of the country. The goal of the program is in full compliance with the university mission.

PhD program in Social Sciences was accredited in 2012, December 11, with the decision of the Council for educational programs accreditation, order N752.

The program consists of learning and research components. The objective of learning component is to support doctoral student in improvement of methodological and field-specific skills, prepares them for future pedagogical and scientific work and helps with preparation of doctoral research. Learning component includes compulsory courses, teaching practice and doctoral seminars.

The objective of scientific research component is to support doctoral students to improve scientific research skills. It covers research based activities and conducting research for doctoral thesis.

PhD program admission procedures provide opportunity to improve quality of doctoral dissertations. GIPA ensures scientific consultations and professional support for its doctoral students. Supervisors work based on contract which considers honoraria to improve their motivation. Internal evaluation system gives possibility to evaluate effectiveness of supervisor in working with doctoral students. Supervisors are invited professors as well as university academic personnel who owns doctor’s academic degree in the field of Social Sciences.

Admission to the program is based on the competition. Details about admission procedures are given in the section https://gipa.ge.

Procedures for assessment of doctoral thesis are transparent, fair and relevant to the field. Doctoral students participate in doctoral seminars, prepare prospectus, publish academic papers, work as an assistant to professors in their sub field.

Procedures of dissertation defense is public, fair and transparent. It could be attended by dissertation board members, invited guests and all interested individuals. Doctoral thesis is assessed according to the assessment system approved by the order of Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, 2007, January 5, order N3 “Approval of the Rules of Calculation of Higher Education Program Credits”

After completion of PhD program doctor is an expert of the field, who owns skills to generate knew knowledge, to develop new research and analytical approaches, to conduct research in a highly qualified manner and based on modern methodologies, to publish its results in international peer-reviewed journals.

PhD program graduate is able to plan and carry out learning and research process in her/his field, to monitor and supervise other research projects, to cooperate with representatives of interdisciplinary fields while conducting interdisciplinary research. Consequently, a doctor is able to occupy academic positions in higher education institutions, research and teaching institutions private/independent organizations etc. 

Program title: PhD program in Social Sciences

Qualification to be Awarded: Doctor in Social Sciences

Level of higher education: PhD degree

Program duration:  3 to 5 years, (6-10 semesters).

Program scope in credits: 180 ECTS, 60 ECTS for learning component, 120 ECTS for research.

Language of study: Georgian

Academic schedule: evening classes

See in the link: Regulations for PhD program and Scientific/dissertation board.

Sub fields of Social Sciences:

Economics (0701); 
Political Sciences (0702); 
Mass communication/journalism (0703); 
Public Relations (070302);
International Relations (0705); 
Sociology (0706); 
Psychology (0707); 
Cultural Heritage (0708);
Transdisciplinary field: Public Administration (1110)

Tuition fee

Tuition fee is 2500 GEL annually. Payment is processed twice a year, in December and in June.

Bank requisites

SS „ TBC Bank“
Bank code: TBCB GE 22
Recepient: NNLE Georgian Institute of Public Affairs;
Account Number: GE84TB1100000110700419 / GEL

Tuition fee could be paid in any branch of TBC bank, from all places in Georgia.

While payment, please indicate program title.

Employment:

Upon successful completion of Doctor’s degree program, graduates could be employed at higher education institutions, research and study institutes, private organizations, etc.

Human Resources:

PhD program Scientific Board members, who are representatives of academic personnel of the university and invited professors with relevant qualification; program administration.

PhD program is designed for interested individuals, who owns Master’s academic degree in relevant sub-field of Social Sciences. Exception could be granted by the decision of Scientific Board of PhD program, after reviewing applicants’ documents, considering relevant qualification and research experience in the field.

Interested applicants have to submit the following documents to program administration:

  • Completed application form (Download here)
  • Professional biography (CV)
  • Master’s diploma. A candidate must have Master’s or equivalent academic degree from the accredited higher education institution, in the field/subfield of Social Sciences. Exceptions are made by the decision of a Scientific board of PhD program, based on assessment of candidates’ qualifications.
  • Letter of Transcript
  • Copy of ID or passport
  • Photo (size 3x4)
  • Description of PhD research topic, approximately 1000 words. (See template here)
  • International certificate of English language proficiency level B2. Those candidates, who do not have certificate, will pass exam in English language.
  • If a PhD program applicant’s native language is not Georgian, she/he should present certificate of Georgian language proficiency B2 (if available), or pass exam in Georgian language.

Admission procedures include:

  • Exam in English Language (for those who do not have certificate)
  • Personal interview with admission committee.

During admission priority will be given to:

- Scientific novelty and importance of research topic

- Publications

- Participation in international scientific conferences

- Activities related to teaching/research

Applications deadline is from August 1 to September 14.

Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, PhD Program in Social Sciences;

Address: Tbilisi; Ietim Gurji Street N9.

For additional information please contact: Natia Tchighvaria

E-mail: natia@gipa.ge,

Cell phone number:595659556

Mikheil Chachkhunashvili, Head of Research Department, PhD in Mathematical Physics

Natia Tchigvaria, PhD Program in Social Sciences Coordinator, PhD in English Philology

Tamar Zurabishvili

Eter Gvineria

Kendra Allbright

Publications

School of Governance

SWOT Analysis(2010)
Political and Economic Analysis of the University’s Macro Environment: Social and Technological Legal Aspects (2010)
Research and Analysis of the Education Market to Reveal Competitors: Its Strong and Weak Sides and Elaborating an Effective Strategy (2010)
Municipal Public Sector Research: Defining Minimal Qualification Requirements (2005)
Evaluation of Municipal Needs in Western Georgia (2005)
Research of Local Government Issues(2007) With financing from GTZ
SWOT Analysis of the University 2011-2012
Pestle Analysis (2012)

The Center for Excellence in Teachingfunctions under the Quality Assurance Service. It was established in 2013 based on a decision of the Administration of the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs and the Quality Assurance Service. The Center is committed to the advancement of teaching and learning at the Institute. In particular, it serves as a resource hub for the academic community by organizing annual meetings and workshops to assist academic staff in increasing the professional level of their teaching skills alongside identifying academic trends and novelties and introducing them to the Institute. Experience sharing among GIPA’s academic staff members – all experts in their respective fields – also features as a prominent and important part of the activities organized by the Center.

Georgian Institute of Public Affairs

Doctoral Program in Social Sciences

Scientific Board

Approved by Rector order (01-18/084)

  1. Dr. Giorgi Margvelashvili _President of Georgia. Honorable member
  2. Dr.  Mikheil Chachkhunashvili_ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Rector’s consultant. Qualification _ Public Administration
  3. Professor Tornike Sharashenidze _Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Head of International Affairs program at School of Law and Politics. Qualification_ International Affairs, International Politics, Security. 
  4. Professor Mzia Gomelauri_ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Qualification _Psychology;
  5. Professor Merab Kakulia _ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Head of International development concentration at International Relations MA program at School of law and politics. Chief researcher at GFSIS. Qualification _ Economics.
  6. Associated Professor Eter Ghvineria _Tbilisi Ivane Javakhishvili State university. Qualification _ Education, Pedagogy.
  7. Professor Ramaz Sakvarelidze _ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Qualification _ Psychology
  8. Associated Professor Tinatin Chkheidze _ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Qualification _ Psychology
  9. Professor Irakli Sokolovski _ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Legal expert in Economic policy and legal issues in (GEPLAC). Qualification _Law;
  10. Professor Shalva Matchavariani _ East European University; Vice Rector; Qualification_ Economics, Public Administration;
  11.  Associated Professor Shalva Julakidze David Aghmashenebeli National Defense Academy.  The head of procurement service at Public Service Hall. Qualification_ Economics, Public Administration;
  12. Professor Anna Keshelashvili _ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Qualification_ Journalism, Media Communication;
  13. Professor Maia Mikashavidze_Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Qualification_ Journalism, Media Communication;
  14. Professor Nino Dolidze _ Ilia State University. Qualification_ Public Administration
  15. Professor Bakur Kvashilava _ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Dean of school of Law and Politics. Qualification_ Political Science
  16. Professor Nikoloz Abuashvili  _ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Economics;
  17. Professor Nana Matcharashvili _ Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. Head of Research Department. Qualification_ Public policy
  18. Dr. David Narmania  _ National committee Member of Energy and Water supplies of Georgia.

Dr. Natia Tchigvaria

Head of PhD program

E-mail: natia@gipa.ge

Cell phone: +995 595659556