Doctoral degree

Doctoral study programmes represent the highest level in the hierarchy of university education, which can be reached by completing first the bachelor’s and then the master’s course. In contrast to Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, doctoral studies are not only based on the study of specialist areas but also the implementation of creative activities and active participation in the international research community through co-authorship, participation in projects or presentations at renowned international scientific conferences.

The aim of doctoral courses is primarily scientific preparation of the student supported by their professional training in a relatively narrowly specialised field. The content of the study is based on the recommended curriculum of the doctoral study programme and, above all, on the individual study plan (hereinafter referred to as “ISP”) of each student. The ISP defines the student’s minimum study obligations, especially in the area of creative activities and involvement in the international research community, based on the individual student’s prerequisites.

Doctoral studies are conducted under the supervision of a supervisor appointed by the Dean on the proposal of the board, and it is assumed that the selection of the supervisor by the student usually takes place before the start of the admission procedure. Profiles of potential supervisors, their scientific interests, publications and project activities are available to those interested in doctoral studies via Persons at MENDELU.

Supervisor

The role of the supervisor is crucial, the study takes place under their guidance. Together with the student, they draw up their individual study plan and monitor and evaluate its implementation. The supervisor consults the student on the preparation of the dissertation thesis, ensures the student’s involvement in creative, pedagogical and project activities and comments on the student’s requests concerning their studies. The supervisor prepares a report on the progress of the doctoral studies, which, together with information from the student’s records, is the basis for the deliberations of the departmental board.

full-time: the student regularly attends their training workplace according to the instructions of the supervisor and the head of the training workplace and actively participates in the processes taking place at this workplace, especially creative and project activities. In addition to fulfilling the obligations arising from their study plan (participation in organised teaching and other organised events), he/she is usually entrusted with activities related to teaching. A full-time student is awarded a monthly stipend during the course of their studies.
combined: the student is not obliged to attend the training centre regularly, but he/she participates in organised teaching, consultation and other events related to the fulfilment of the study plan in accordance with the instructions of the supervisor and the ISP. The degree of involvement of full-time and combined students in creative activities and international activities is the same.

You can apply for a change of study form in the UIS – Contact Centre 034_Z: Request for a change of the form of my studies

The standard period of study in doctoral degree programmes at PEF MENDELU is three or four years depending on the chosen study programme.

In the first years of the doctoral studies, the student passes the Commission Examinations, presents and defends the individual stages of the dissertation thesis development, publicly publishes the results of their scientific work and gains the necessary experience in the implementation of international activities and cooperation.
In the last year, the student is mainly focused on completing the dissertation thesis using the results of their own research, passing the state doctoral exam and defending the dissertation thesis.
After a successful defence, the graduate receives the academic title “Doctor”, abbreviated as Ph.D. after their name.

The study content of doctoral study programmes is based on:

compulsory courses,
compulsory elective courses,
optional courses.

The individual subjects are focused on professional knowledge, creative activities, international activities, project activities, pedagogical activities, and the dissertation thesis in its various stages of preparation. Studies are organised by year and a credit system is usually in place.

The student is required to obtain a minimum of 180 credits for three-year study programmes and 240 credits for four-year study programmes and to successfully complete all required courses. A minimum of 20 credits is required for enrolment to the next year unless a minimum of 150 credits has already been achieved overall. The student enrols in courses to achieve the fulfilment of all requirements set by the degree program and its ISP. In order to successfully fulfil the study plan, it is necessary to fulfil the obligations set out in the Study and Examination Regulations of Mendel University in Brno. The study is properly completed after fulfilling all study requirements, including successful completion of the State Doctoral Exam and the defence of the dissertation thesis.

A comprehensive guide to the study

List of dissertation topics of all doctoral study programs can be filtered:

Topics