Branch programme/details

The broadly conceived doctoral study programme of (general) anthropology focuses on human behaviour, action and cognition both in their biological (genetic) aspects and evolutionary, social and/or environmentally conditioned variability. Its general anthropological approach stems from an assumption that (a) it is only a variety and variability of behaviour, action and cognition that can speak of the character of human existence, and that (b) it is necessary to speak of this existence by way of a synthetizing combination of biological-empirical, cultural-interpretative and reflexively philosophical methods. It is supported by the (Anglo-American) conception of integral general anthropology as a discipline studying both biological and socio-cultural aspects of human beings conceived as complex organisms endowed with language, thought and culture (endowed with a capacity of semiotic, symbolical representation). This assumption is broaden by certain aspects of (German and French) philosophical and historical anthropology. Such conception of (general) anthropology takes into account both the diversity of human cultures and common characteristic features of humanity (both partial evolutional processes and general qualities of biological and cultural evolution of man). Doctoral students choose one of the four specializations of this study programme: a) philosophical anthropology, b) historical anthropology, c) psychological anthropology and human ethology, or d) social and cultural anthropology. General anthropology is a basically synthetic (i.e. combines a variety of relatively independent approaches) and comparative discipline as well as a field that is analytically critical and reflexive. This conception of (general) anthropology uses (according to selected specialization) both empirical (or statistical) methods of biological sciences (or bio-medical sciences, empirical psychology or demography) and interpretative methods of social and cultural anthropology (or ethnography) and historical, or analytical and reflexive methods of philosophical and hermeneutic anthropology. A significant nexus of the study programme is provided by a theory of culture (seen as a semiotic system transferred by social learning), whether it is applied in mainly cultural and constructivist interpretations, or in interpretations drawing from co-evolution of genes and culture, or in studies of culturally conditioned frequency of biological and/or neuropsychological manifestations.

The oral entrance examination consists of a debate on the dissertation research project (max. 12 points); verification of the basic prerequisites for studying the field and basic orientation in the field (max. 6 points) and the English language proficiency test (max. 5 points). The interview questions verify the candidate's suitability for the dissertation project and focus mainly on the chosen topic of the research project. Both the quality of the research project and its inclusion in the research projects carried out by the faculty are assessed. Candidates can either apply with their own dissertation project or apply for topics that are listed in the student information system by some supervisors. If the candidate applies for a specific project that has the means to co-fund a doctoral scholarship, the candidate may be awarded up to 4 extra points for this. It is possible for more than one candidate to apply for a single topic if capacity allows. The supervisor may grant permission for more than one candidate to apply for the same topic with the proviso that the selection will be made as part of the admission procedure. A total of 27 points may be obtained in the entrance examination. A candidate who obtains less than 7 points in the evaluation of the debate on the dissertation research project cannot be admitted. The Dean will set the score threshold for admission based on the result of the admission procedure and taking into account the economic and capacity possibilities of the faculty. English, etc.).

The following attachments are part of the application form:
- dissertation project (recommended parts: outline of the research problem and research questions, overview of the current state of research, explanation of the chosen methodology and research techniques, proposed approach to the problem, list of relevant literature, research timetable, explanation of the relevance of the topic for the study programme General Anthropology); recommended length of the project: 3-4 pages; the project must include a proposal of the supervisor (name), selected from the list of supervisors approved by the departmental board, and the project must be developed together with the supervisor;
- written consent of the supervisor to supervise the dissertation project, which will be included in the application form as a separate attachment;
- a brief professional CV;
- a document confirming successful completion of a national or international language examination at least at B2 level;
- a list of the professional anthropological literature that the candidate has studied in relation to his/her individual interest and the chosen topic of the dissertation project;
- other relevant documents (e.g. a list of the candidate's publications to date, proof of having passed a state examination or an internationally recognised certificate in a world language, proof of scientific experience at home or abroad, etc.).

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

Verification method:	entrance exam
Confirmation date (of entrance exam) from:	11.06.2025	Until:	20.06.2025
Alternative date (of entrance exam):	25.06.2025	Until:	27.06.2025

The goal of the study programme in anthropology is to prepare students for academic research work at the level required by contemporary science. Students will combine knowledge from all fields in a holistic approach to studying man and populations, to overcoming ethnic and social differences, and in attempting to observe current processes in their historical and cultural contexts.