Branch programme/details

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Applications must be received no later than 30 April 2025 and must be submitted electronically via the Study Information System.

The admissions process has two rounds: In the first round, the committee will assess the application and the candidate's dissertation project, and based on this assessment will decide whether the applicant will be invited to the second round, which takes the form of an oral examination (a discussion of the applicant’s dissertation project and professional focus).

 Applicants will be informed of the results of the first round of the admissions process by 23 May 2025. Only those applicants whose dissertation projects achieve a score of 30 or more out of a possible 50 points will be invited to the oral examination, which will take place between 9 and 20 June 2025.

 The student’s application will be evaluated primarily on the basis of a written research project submitted by the student outlining the planned doctoral dissertation. The proposal should at the very least include the following:

·         a substantive definition of the dissertation topic and a specification of the research objective,

·         the expected results and contribution of the research,

·         the current state of knowledge (contextualization of the project in the literature),

·         how the research objective will be analytically addressed (methodological design),

·         the link to the research priorities of the institute and its staff,

·         the expected timetable for the project,

·         a list of references used,

·         a summary in English (approximately 300-400 words).

 As part of the application, the applicant shall include a list of scholarly writings prepared or published, data on participation in sociological research, and other data that can be used to assess the applicant's readiness for the program. If invited to an interview, the applicant will also submit their master’s thesis for the committee's review.

 Criteria for the assessment of the admissions test:

 1^st round

An evaluation of the proposed research project: maximum score – 50 points

 The proposed research project will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

 - it contains clearly formulated research questions and project objectives (max. 10 points)

- it specifies clearly and in detail the project’s contribution to the wider body of sociological knowledge or some sociologically relevant discussion (max. 10 points)

- it adequately contextualizes the project in relation to the existing literature (max. 10 points)

- it includes a convincing description of the methodological design (max. 10 points)

- it is consistent with the research topics of the department and the project’s potential supervisors (max. 10 points)

2^nd round

The applicant's ability to respond to questions about the project, including a defense of the relevance of the project to the applicant's future professional profile: max. 20 points

Feasibility of the research project in terms of its methodological, financial, and organizational requirements: max. 10 points

Past publications and research experience (articles in scholarly journals, publication of a scholarly book or participation in its preparation, involvement in scientific projects): max. 10 points

Experience in the public, civil, or commercial sector: max. 10 points

Total points: max. 100

 The points awarded are determined by a consensus of the members of the admissions committee.

 The threshold for admission is set by the Dean based on a consideration of the number of applicants taking the admissions exam, their exam score, and the capacity of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

 See also General and Faculty admission conditions.

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

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