Detail programu/oboru

The doctoral program in Sociology at FSV UK prepares students for a career in both basic and applied research at a university, a scientific or research institute, or any other institution whose work requires a high degree of theoretical and methodological education in sociology or related fields. The PhD program in Sociology at FSV UK is open to anyone who has completed a master's degree (or equivalent). It provides students with postgraduate education and research training at both the Faculty of Social Sciences and at the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and students are thereby exposed to a wide range of research topics and given real opportunities to directly participate in the work of research teams. In this respect, the program is the result of the synergy of two major sociological centers. The core of the degree program rests on the theoretically relevant research that defines basic research in the social sciences. Research projects are thus informed by contemporary debates in the field of sociology and seek to make significant contributions to them. In line with the current understanding of the role of the social sciences, emphasis is also placed on the social relevance of the projects being developed (see more in Graduate Employment Information below).

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.

Podmínkou přijetí ke studiu v doktorském studijním programu je řádné ukončení studia v magisterském studijním programu.

Graduates of the doctoral study program are qualified to perform and teach basic and applied scientific research at a university or research institute or in other areas that require a high degree of theoretical and methodological training in sociology. As professionals, they are able to recognize, research, and analyze social problems in our society, to observe them in their development, and to compare them with other societies. Graduates possess the requisite theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills and are able to apply theoretical guidelines to interpret information, categorize this information, analyze it using standard methods, and present the results in accordance with the questions asked and the requirements of their workplace. In this respect, they are able to respond to the demands not only of an academic environment, but also of any organization that requires people with the ability to analyze and present analytical results in a coherent way. Graduates are capable of critical reflection and looking beyond the obvious. This enables them to not only respond to a given assignment – for example, from corporate clients – but also to think "outside the box" and ask new questions. They are able to contribute to teamwork and publish research results with their target group in mind. They have the skills to prepare scientific papers that fulfil the structural requirements of such work, but are equally able to adapt a report to the requirements of a government agency, the non-profit sector, or a commercial company.