Department of Legal and Political – Administrative Sciences

Head of Department:  Dr. Fjoralba Zeko

Department of Legal and Political – Administrative Sciences, part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Albanian University, operates as a basic unit aiming to perform teaching and develop scientific research, including homogenisation of research fields and grouping respective teaching disciplines. 

Department encourages, coordinates and administrates teaching and research activities in all its study programs.

Department of Legal and Political – Administrative Sciences respects the mission and main objectives of higher education aiming to create, transmit and preserve knowledge through teaching and scientific research; education of skilled experts and young scientists in line with priorities of development of society in boosting standards of democracy.

Department of Legal and Political – Administrative Sciences, with the help of programs offered in its all study cycles aims to engage and prepare students for the common challenge of boosting  knowledge and educating a generation of scholars in the field of political, administrative and legal sciences, where is necessary to act with respective competences in the complex present juridical and political reality. In order to achieve its mission, the Department performs the teaching and scientific research process, as well as offers community services in the framework of implementing social responsibilities.

The study programs offered by Department of Legal and Political – Administrative Sciences focus on education and preparation of a new generation of the general profile of experts in the field of public administration and international relations, law professionals, aiming at preparing skilled specialists in these study fields, as well as creation and consolidation of a new tradition in the Albanian and international environment.  

Scope and objectives of teaching consist in turning the department into an institution not only focused on teaching but also science, in order to educate specialist and scholars of the general profile who could offer their contribution for the Albanian political system, public administration, Euro-Atlantic integration and international relations, cultivating skills in this study field, as well as creating the consolidation of a new tradition in the Albanian political environment, in relation to standards and empirical testing rules of their profile. Taking into consideration these goals, the department has compiled a multi dimensional extra-curricular teaching plan.

Likewise, promotion of a series of values consists of another engagement of the Department in front of students in the common challenge for boosting knowledge. In this respect, the program aims to prepare students with academic skills for them to be ready to seriously engage in individual study projects, as well as group projects.

Teaching practices are an integral part of the study cycles offered by Department of Legal and Political and Administrative Sciences.

Department of Political and Administrative Sciences carries out a teaching process in three study cycles:

Ist Cycle:

  • Bachelor in “Political and Administrative Sciences” – (180 credits).

IInd Cycle:

  • Integrated Program of Master of Science in Law (300 credits).
  • Master of Science in “Public Administration in 2 profiles (120 credits).

    1) Public Administration, public policies and governance  

    2) Public Administration, public policies and EU governance 

  • Master of Science in “Public and Administrative Law” (120 credits)
  • Master of Science in “Private Law” (120 credits).
  • Master of Science in “Criminal Law” (120 credits).
  • Professional Master in “Governance and Public Administration” (60 credits).
  • Professional Master in “Criminal Sciences” (60 credits).
  • Professional Master in “Private Law” (60 credits).

IIIrd Cycle:

  • Doctoral Studies:

1)“Administrative Sciences”

 

Bachelor in “Political and Administrative Sciences”:

The study program Bachelor in “Political and Administrative Sciences” is licensed upon approval of MoES, No. 8981, dated 27.12.2005, accredited upon Order No. 532 dhe re-accredited upon decision of Board of Accreditation of ASCAL no. 82, dated 05.10.2019.

Market demands for qualified experts in the field of political and administrative is increasing. Today, more than never, this field needs experts, taking into consideration the development and implementation of new political systems. The Bachelor program in “Political and Administrative Sciences” aims to provide students with general knowledge, aware of challenges in the field of political and administrative sciences, as well as to be capable of working in public or private sectors. Focus lays in planning, development, implementation and functioning of public, national or International institutions. They don’t need only theoretical and practical knowledge, but also skills to express them and be mediators between institutions and society.

The educative, determining, general or specific objectives in the study program – Bachelor in “Political and Administrative Sciences” takes into account the requirements for contemporary qualitative levels and are drafted in cooperation with representatives of labour market and professions at national level. At Bachelor level, the development and transmission of knowledge is done with the help of a series of disciplines (general, characterising, integrating) which aim to complete the assimilation process of theoretical knowledge and development of critical thinking.

During first academic year of the program – Bachelor in “Political and Administrative Sciences” aims to provide students with general knowledge obtained from subjects of basic education character, such as sociology, history and philosophy, as well as to obtain in the next 2 academic years the completion of knowledge necessary for the profile of political-administrative sciences diploma, i.e. economic-political, juridical, administrative, political and international relations disciplines setting specific objectives for education of politologists and experts in the field of  administration, capable to operate in this field and their integration in bodies and institutions of specific character. 

Teaching practice: Practices in public and research institutions considered as a component part of the teaching-educative process for 3rd course students attending the study program – Bachelor in “Political and Administrative Sciences” are focused on making student familiar with the practical political process. Participation in political practice provides students with skills to establish a connection between cognitive instruments obtained teaching process and politics in action. In the course of practice, students shall follow all what is called the political cycle  including “inputs”, return of requests and decisions, “outputs”, reactions from announcements up to response of institutions toward other political or social actors.

 

 Master of Sciences in “Public Administration” with 2 profiles 

1. “Public Policies and Governance”,

2. “Public and EU Policies”

The study program of Master of Sciences in “Public Administration” with profiles  1.“Public Policies and Governance”, 2.“Public and EU Policies” opened for the first time in 2009-2010 academic year. The program is licensed upon Decision of Council of Ministers No. 56, dated 21.01.2009, completed with Order of MoES No. 308, dated 08.06.2010 and reaccredited with upon Decision of Board of Accreditation No.. 23, dated 12.04.2019 for five years until 2024

This study program is for graduates holding a “Bachelor” diploma in the respective profile, interested in keeping scientific knowledge and professional education in public administration, public policies, governing systems, sectoral policies and management, local governance, institutional development, European integration, etc. The mission of this study program aims to address the need to meet the current requirements and avoid education of students with a limited competence, our program spreads the specialisation range, going beyond traditional limits between sciences offering a inter-disciplinary and multi-scientific  treatment: Political Sciences, Administrative Sciences, Legal Sciences, Economic Sciences, International Relations, Sociology, Communication Sciences, etc. This study program develops independent leading skills in studies and advanced research, focused on special studies, comparative or monographic, offers interdisciplinary approaches in the fields of public administration, offers information on improvement of public administration, introduces models and visions on situation of public administration in the context of globalisation and European integration.

The graduates from this study cycle shall receive a series of principles and referential values supported in International norms of respect of deontological codes; equidistant from groups of pressure and interest and implication in decision-making processes. Stimulation of respect for democratic values and an objective scientific research, non-discriminating toward the object under observation;

Stimulation of an open stance toward persons belonging to nationalities, ethnics, religious belief s and everything else different from those in his social group.  (Psychological preparation for integration processes and European cooperation). Stimulation of communication, understanding and collaborative skills for improvement of image of civil servant and public institutions and those national in general. 

Experts graduated from this study program can re-dimension politics and the administration.

 

Job opportunities at the end of study program Msc “Public Administration” with profiles: “Public Policies and Governance”; “Public and EU Policies”

 

  1. Public Administration/Public Policies and Governance: Graduates from this profile shall gain a package of theoretical concepts and executive qualities to make them capable to serve in all levels of central public administration: presidency, parliament, council of ministers, ministry, and other public institutions in all dimensions of public spaces, but in particular at regional and municipal level. Meanwhile, they can undertake initiatives for creation of private enterprises which offer cooperation and specific services for central and local public administration; Some of them can choose to make a contribution as scholars, lecturers and opinion makers of administrative sciences and central governance inside and outside the country, etc;
  2. Public Administration/Public and EU Policies: Graduated from this profile shall learn theoretical concepts and acquire executive skills that will enable student contribute in management of Albanian public administration, in particular public integration institutions or special directorates of European integration within ministries, municipalities and prefectures. Some of the graduates shall consist of the future elite of scholars, lecturers and opinion makers of administration and European public space;

 

Integrated Program of Master of Sciences in Law

Integrated Program of Master of Sciences in Law enables a compete education in law for students who shall attend this study program. Law professionals, more than ever, are facing problematics and issues requiring in-depth knowledge of local legislation harmonised with legislation and standards meeting European and international levels. These reasons are included in the objectives of the study program aiming to provide graduates with necessary knowledge on methods of juridical argument and juridical doctrine, as well as a broad knowledge about juridical institutions and institutes.

In this respect, the Integrated Program of Master of Sciences in Law offered by Department of Legal and Political Administrative Sciences in Albanian University, aims to offer a complete learning in the field of law, which is complete course for students necessary for acting with competence in the current juridical complex reality. 

Attendance of this study program in the field of legal sciences and possession of the diploma of Integrated Program of Master of Sciences in Law offers the opportunity to be admitted in state exams for the regulated professions ins this field, as well as graduates can continue doctoral studies of School of Magistrature or specialisation post-graduation studies for obtain the respective title. This study program is proposed under this spirit of evaluation and cooperation, which offers students theoretical and practical knowledge in only one cycle of studies. This program offers: basic and advanced preparation for a complete teaching of skills that correspond to qualified employment and professionalism levels; independent research through instruments and research techniques. Normal duration of the program is 5 academic years with a total of about 300 credits (ECTS).

Teaching practice : enables practical learning of students and increase of professional level regarding methods of legal practical argument and ways of exercising theory of daily practice. Practice aims to bring students closer to the theoretical knowledge created in the first 4 years, enable them compile necessary acts, make them familiar with judicial processes, as well as teach students professionally to practice knowledge in “Mock Trial”, “Actors” in a judicial process, their roles in a process and role of court in a judicial trial, basic acts for initiation of a trial process filed by the plaintiff, defence of the defendant, stages of a judicial process, as evaluators of professional practice. 

 

The study program of Master of Science in “Legal Sciences” with profiles

The study program of Master of Science in “Legal Sciences” with profiles is licensed with Decision of Council of Ministers No. 408, dated 26.05.2010 and reaccredited with upon Decision of Board of Accreditation of ASCAL No. 112, dated 02.11.2019.

This program aims to boost knowledge gained during first cycle of studies to complete education obtained in this study cycle, offering students the chance to specialise in one of the following profiles:

  • Private Law.
  • Public and Administrative Law
  • Criminal Law.
  • International Relations
  • International and EU Law

 

Duration of the program is about 2 academic years with a hall last for 2 total of about 120 credits (ECTS). The theoretical and practical teaching activities offered by this program provide specialisation of students knowledge, compared to those obtained in the first cycle study program cycle. Completion of the study program Master of Science in “Legal Sciences” and equipment with a diploma in this field offers students also the opportunity to continue the third cycle of studies – doctoral studies or magistrature school.

 

Professional Master in “Governance and Public Administration”

The study program Professional Master in “Governance and Public Administration” is opened for the first time in 2009-2010 academic year. The program is licensed upon Decision of Council of Minister No. 597, dated 28.05.2009, completed with Order of MoES No. 308, dated 08.06.2010 and reaccredited with upon Decision of Board of Accreditation No. 22, dated 12.04.2019 for five years until 2024.

This study program is available mainly for those who possess a Bachelor diploma, second level integrated diploma, old system diploma not divided into study cycles or its equivalent, obtained inside or outside the country in the field of law, economy, teaching, social sciences, journalism, political sciences, etc, interested in increasing professional education in the field of governance and public  administration.

This study program is available for those who have completed studies in other fields from the above-mentioned, if they show interest and motivation for attending it.

Albanian University, in the framework of expanding admission opportunities, has taken into  consideration the preliminary notice that that the study program of Professional Master in “Governance and Public Administration” attracts the interest of a broad spectrum of candidates, who irrespective of their graduation field count employment experiences at various levels of public administration or private sector. In answer to the interest of these individuals, in function of further improvement of their qualification level and increase of chances and premises for a potential successful career in public administration, with the help of this program, our institution offers advanced contemporary knowledge in the theoretical plan, underlining at the same time practical aspects of their implementation in the Albanian reality. 

The study program of Professional Master in “Governance and Public Administration”, whose mission is to equip graduates with basic knowledge about theories of  administrative sciences, procedures, policies, local institutions and their governance. A special attention is paid to  dimension and recognition of structures, institutions, legislation and functioning of national local institutions.

Teaching students most contemporary concepts, such as public finance, communication, local government, theory and practice, functioning of public administration are part of the education objectives of this program. Knowledge on political systems and engagement of administration  experts in function of well-going of state are main objectives of this program. 

 

Employment opportunities at the study program of Professional Master in “Governance and Public Administration”

 

The study program of Professional Master in “Governance and Public Administration” aims to  realize the necessary theoretical and practical preparation for boosting scientific knowledge and professional education on political systems and commitment of specialists of administration regarding progress of the state. It prepares students able to exercise the profession of experts in various sectors of institutions at local or central level, NGO, NPO, whose focus of work is activity in governmental entities or rights of citizens in the field of governance and public administration, offices of public relations with private companies and public entities, etc.

 

Professional Master in “Criminal Sciences”

Professional Master in “Criminal Sciences” is licensed upon Decision of CoM No. 597 dated 28.05.2009, based on Order No. 308, dated 08.06.2010, and reaccredited upon Decision of Board of Accreditation of ASCAL no. 25, date 12.04.2019. Duration of this study program is 1 academic year and consists of 60 credits (ECTS) in total. This second cycle study program includes the juridical criminal field and aims to provide specific knowledge to the professional education of students. The program prepares capable specialist to organize, plan and lead procedural actions to be carried to be carried out by subjects of criminal proceeding during investigatory and judicial activity, as well as execution of decisions related to respect of human rights in fight against crime and making justice in the field of criminal law.  Students graduated from the study program Professional Master in “Criminal Sciences” shall have the opportunity to be employed or continue their professional career in a series of sectors or bodies related to application of criminal law.

This program is suitable for those who work in field of advocacy, as lawyers in independent institutions, law firms, etc. Students can be employed or improve their curriculum in such structures as non-governmental organisations, focused on protection of women or minors, as well as those involved with protection of human rights or even prisoners in particular.

 

Professional Master in “Private Law”

The study program Professional Master in  “Private Law” is licensed upon me VKM Nr. 597, dated 28.05.2009, based upon Order No.308, dated 08.06.2010 and reaccredited upon  Decision of Board of Accreditation of ASCAL no. 24, dated 12.04.2019. Duration of this study program is 1 academic year and consists of 60 credits (ECTS) in total. This second cycle study program aims to provide students with specific knowledge in the field of private law. This result aims to be achieved with the help of studies of specific institutes and through expansion of studies in fields characterised by sectoral specialty. The program harmonises academic knowledge with practical experience and realised in cooperation with courts in various levels of justice systems and prestigious local and foreign law firms, where will be organised the internships and professional practices.

Students graduated from this study program shall be able to get employed or continue their professional career in a series of sectors or bodies related to application of private law. This program offers students opportunities to work in the field of advocacy, as lawyers in businesses, enterprises, banks, social insurances and legal consultants in independent authorities, etc.

 

Doctoral Studies (PhD) in “Administrative Sciences”

The study program “Doctorate in Administrative Sciences” part of Albanian University is opened upon order of Minister of Education and Science No. 564, dated 19/11/2012.

This study program is based on Law no. 9741, dated 21.05.2007 “On Higher Education in the Republic of Albania”, changed, guidelines of Ministry of Education and Sciences and Statute of  Albanian University. The study program “Doctorate in Administrative Sciences” is reorganised in compliance with Law 80/2015, waiting for the Approval of Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (MoESY).

The study program “Doctorate in Administrative Sciences” with a fully academic character focuses on scientific research and creative activities. Through the study program “Doctorate in Administrative Sciences”, doctoral students manage to perfect the level of their study and scientific research skills in the field of Administrative Sciences, in order to meet all the academic expectations in the country. This study program aims to boost knowledge of models and contemporary visions on situation of public administration in the context of globalisation of European integration and manage to specialise in branches of comparative or monographic studies in Administrative Sciences.