Branch programme/details

The objective of the doctoral programme of study “Theoretical Legal Sciences – Law and Legal Theory in European Context” focuses on scholarly creative and educational activities of specialists and academics showing their scholarly approach to solving theoretical and practical issues within a wide area of law and legal sciences. This unique study programme is offered as interdisciplinary, i.e. it provides an opportunity to focus, in writing the dissertation, on any legal or scholarly topic, which has its roots in some traditional branch of law, but goes beyond the respective legal branch and may even exceed the law as such (e.g. Law and Economics, Law and Politics, etc.). An emphasis is laid on interaction and consultation with a respective supervisor. The basic aim of study is to write a quality dissertation thesis where the student, using relevant methodology, solves theoretical issues of jurisprudence and/or practical issues of the law as a normative order. Knowledge, abilities and skills are evaluated during the relevant forms of assessment of study and through the dissertation, which must be published as a whole or in part.

The entrance examination is held publicly in one round and taken orally in English. An excellent English language competence is one of the basic requirements. The purpose of the entrance examination is to assess primarily the relevant academic knowledge of an applicant including the knowledge of relevant terminology, and his or her capability of carrying out autonomous scientific activities and research within the selected programme of study.

The maximum total score to reach at the entrance examination is 60 points. The overall number of points achieved by an applicant is composed of the number of points reached within individual parts of the entrance examination. The range of points in individual parts of the entrance examination is as follows:

·         Debate over the presented project of a dissertation – at least 7 pages along with a list of references (0 - 30 points);

·         Bonus points awarded for an applicant´s understanding of the content of study regarding (a) his or her  plan to be involved in scientific projects and research of the expected training unit (e.g. academic department), and in international research cooperation;  (b) linking his or her dissertation topic and outline with the research profile of his or her doctoral student training unit; (c) consent of a selected  supervisor to supervise the applicant´s project of the intended dissertation (0-10 points).

·         Assessment of the recent academic and research activities of an applicant (0-10 points).

·         Proving the knowledge resulting from studying relevant scientific literature within a wider context of the intended dissertation project (0-10 points).

The minimum overall number of points for an applicant to attain at the entrance examination in order to be admitted to study is 40 points.

Not later than within 30 days from the entrance examination, the Dean will issue a decision regarding admission or non-admission of the applicant to the doctoral programme of study. The Faculty will deliver the decision by restricted delivery (to the applicant´s own hands) via a licensed operator of postal services or, alternatively, via the applicant´s data box made accessible. The decision to admit an applicant to the doctoral program of study may be sent to the applicant via the electronic Student Information System if the applicant had expressed consent with such delivery in the electronic application for admission.

Admission to Doctoral studies is conditioned by successful completion of a Master's study programme.

Graduates of the doctoral programme of study “Theoretical Legal Sciences – Law and Legal Theory in European Context” will have their qualifications expanded and their knowledge of a respective legal branch deepened, with regard to other branches of law and relating external areas. Their creative activities will have contributed to the development of legal sciences. During their study they will have improved their abilities to present the outcomes of their research both orally and in writing; as a result they will have been able to carry out scholarly work and to contribute to the development of the respective legal branch in the international contexts.