The Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts is founded on the principles of the liberal arts and sciences. Our liberal arts curriculum is designed to foster well-rounded, skills equipped, independently minded individuals through the course of their bachelor-level studies.
All of our students graduate with a degree in Political Science, with concentrations in either International Relations, Central European Studies, or Political Thought. BISLA is also flexible in providing directed studies for students with specific interests and offers a range of extracurricular non-credited courses free of charge (e.g. foreign languages, presentation and argumentation skills, etc.)
Form of Study
We emphasize frequent, conscientious contact between students and teachers as well as weekly writing assignments, all while reading scholarly literature and the classics of political philosophy like Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Marx, and Arendt.
A typical seminar consists of 7–10 students.
All courses are taught in English. A basic knowledge of English is sufficient for any applicant to qualify for our study program as BISLA has excellent training in academic English.
After Graduation
BISLA students acquire skills and knowledge that enable them to apply for positions in the private sector, public administration, media and non-governmental organizations. Our alumni choose from the broadest range of subjects for graduate studies, such as:
- International Security
- European Studies
- European Integration
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- International Relations
- Life Sciences
- Economy and Society in Eastern Asia
- Gender Studies
- Media
- Addiction Studies
- Philosophy
- Drama Studies
Our alumni have studied at 17 universities and faculties, almost half of them abroad at insititutions like the London School of Economics, the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Central European University in Budapest, and the University of Chicago.
Beyond the Classroom
Every BISLA student does an internship over the course of their studies. Students organize extracurricular activities for themselves, such as journals, theatre and sports club, etc. Each semester, 5–6 students spend a semester abroad in places like London, Tilburg, Maastricht, Hong Kong, St. Petersburg, and Vermont, USA.
Extracurricular Activities
In addition to the school, BISLA is engaged in many scientific, cultural, and educational projects and initiatives. It publishes Kritika a Kontext (Critique and Context), a journal of critical thinking.Every week during the academic year, BISLA hosts public discussions in English as well as Slovak on topics such as the migration crisis or prison conditions.