EPOKA University’s Department for Political Science and International Relations (PIR) was founded in 2008, being one of the first departments of Epoka University accredited by the Albanian national higher education authorities. The Department’s student body is composed of around 80 students. Each year the PIR enrols 30-35 new students. The PIR offers degrees in three study cycles, including Bachelor, Master, and PhD. The language of all study programs is in English. The studies are fully compliant programmes with the requirements of the higher education in Albania as well as with the Bologna process and European Credit Transfer System.

The PIR’s mission is to train a new kind and highly skilled leaders by setting standards in academic content and quality of teaching. Only a short period of time is required to effect great change in this day and age. In this light, the PIR’s faculty and staff are committed to:

Today's societies face great structural changes. One development, among others, is of central importance: the emergence of new forms of governance within state and society. There is an increased demand for innovative problem solving across all sectors. Facing these challenges, future leaders from all countries and societies, dealing with public affairs in state administration, in business and in civil society need to be better educated and trained. PIR devotes itself to this task. In Tirana, Albania, students are only a short distance away from an extraordinary range of opportunities, many of them tailored to suit the interests of the students and professionals.

By 2022, PIR aims to significantly advance its student numbers and teaching, learning environment, research and management of the department. In doing so, PIR imagines itself in 2022 to the venue for the study of political science and international relations in Albania. To achieve this vision, PIR commits to increase student numbers, maintain and increase the quality of enrolled students, internationalise student body further, strengthen the quality of teaching, learning and research, and increase the satisfaction of our students and staff. This will enable PIR to move to a position where we can differentiate ourselves uniquely and convincingly. 

This vision contributes to the achievement of the overall vision of Epoka University as outlined in the "Framework Strategy and Action Plan of Epoka University 2018-2022", which identified the objective to become “a leading university in our country in the areas of education, research and development, as well as service to society”.

The PIR possesses 9 full-time academic staff members: One Associate Professor; Four lecturers with PhD degrees; Two PhD candidates; a lecturer and two teaching assistants with master degrees. It also has an administrative coordinator. PIR also engages qualified part-time academic staff. The PIR benefits from University’s allocation of resources for research, including for independent research and for attendance to research conferences. It also benefits from University services such as Admission Office, Registrar’s Office, Library and facilities such as rooms for lessons and seminars, computer labs and study rooms. The department enjoys just enough financial income from students’ fees to be able to afford for its salary and other costs.

Achievements have been made in the students, staff, networks, teaching, research, and brand/market standing. The PIR graduates and alumni have had high employability rate. Number of them has continued their master studies with scholarships awarded by some west European or North American universities. PIR’s Staff members have grown in number and quality. New faculty members have been hired and existing lecturers with masters have obtained their doctorate degrees and a professor with doctorate degree has obtained his associate professorship. 

Currently, the department size stands with 10 full-time staff members (9 academic and 1 administrative). Of the 10 staff members, 5 are women. PIR’s part-time academic staff consists of lecturers with University Professorship, Associate professorship, PhD degree and PhD candidate.  In terms of networks, the PIR has expanded its partnerships with other universities. Its sound teaching quality is one of the academic strength of the PIR and its relevance relies on ability to continue to deliver outstanding education and teaching. The professors completed their PhD studies in Albania, France, Germany, and UK. Substantial majority of academic staff is consisted of members who are fluent in English and proficient in Albanian. The professors specialize in Political Science, International Relations and security studies, Conflict Resolution, Democratization, and Diplomacy. 

They have managed research projects and published papers in peer reviewed journals with impact factor. Nevertheless, it remains more to be done as regards improvement of research reputation of PIR.  The PIR’s brand/market standing or image has been reinforced and enhanced as there has been general improvement of the Epoka University’s and of Albania’s image as the venue for obtaining a quality higher education. The PIR takes pride in these achievements and it gives a confidence that the department will continue to grow and prosper over the next six years.