The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden. (Pierre Bourdieu)

Degree programme objectives

The doctoral degree programme in Sociology prepares students for academic and analytical careers in their chosen areas of interest. Students acquire the ability to think theoretically as well as empirically, which allows them to identify and analyse important social and demographic processes and trends. They are also encouraged to broaden their knowledge of literature and deepen their ability to reflect critically on scholarly literature as well as social reality. Graduates of the programme can use a wide variety of methods and produce creative scientific work.

The doctoral programme in Sociology (with concentration in Population Studies) prepares experts with high ability of both theoretical and empirical thinking enabling them to identify, describe, analyze and possibly also predict significant social and demographic processes and trends; especially trends related to the size, structure and spatial distribution of human populations, human settlements, and social and economic infrastructure and its planning and utilization. The programme develops students’ ability of creative research work for academic as well as non-academic fields. It equips them with factual knowledge, broad methodological skills and ability to critically and reflexively examine data of varying nature and from various sources. This ability shall reflect also the interaction various stakeholders, including users of archived surveys, professional as well as less skilled recipients of research reports, demographic and statistical data.

Study plans

Admission Procedures
Admission to Doctoral degree programmes in 2019/2020 (beginning: Autumn 2019)
Submission deadline until midnight 30/4/2019

  • Information on entrance examinations designed for this degree programme
    Sociology Dates for submitting an e-application: 1 February 2019 – 30 April 2019
    Dates for inserting supporting documents to the e-application: 1 February 2019 – 17 June 2019
    Date of Entrance examination: 27 June 2019
    Minimum score for being accepted: 60 points (out of 100)
    Supporting documents:

    • Outline of the proposed dissertation project
    • Curriculum Vitae / Resume
    • Copy of master's degree certificate or proof of current studies
    • List of publications and papers (if available)
    • Proof of English - minimum B2 level (optional; compulsory only for those who cannot participate personally in the entrance exam)

    Those who cannot participate in the entrance exam in person have to provide additionally 2 Letters of Recommendation. They must be sent by the referees themselves to our e-mail or mail contacts.

    For being accepted, it is necessary to obtain the formal recognition of prior education in the Czech Republic. See the PhD admission website for further information.
    Important information: https://www.fss.muni.cz/en/faculty-of-social-studies/what-you-can-study/doctoral-studies

Studies

  • Objectives

    The doctoral degree programme in Sociology prepares students for academic and analytical careers in their chosen areas of interest. Students acquire the ability to think theoretically as well as empirically, which allows them to identify and analyse important social and demographic processes and trends. They are also encouraged to broaden their knowledge of literature and deepen their ability to reflect critically on scholarly literature as well as social reality. Graduates of the programme can use a wide variety of methods and produce creative scientific work.

    The doctoral programme in Sociology (with concentration in Population Studies) prepares experts with high ability of both theoretical and empirical thinking enabling them to identify, describe, analyze and possibly also predict significant social and demographic processes and trends; especially trends related to the size, structure and spatial distribution of human populations, human settlements, and social and economic infrastructure and its planning and utilization. The programme develops students’ ability of creative research work for academic as well as non-academic fields. It equips them with factual knowledge, broad methodological skills and ability to critically and reflexively examine data of varying nature and from various sources. This ability shall reflect also the interaction various stakeholders, including users of archived surveys, professional as well as less skilled recipients of research reports, demographic and statistical data.

  • Learning Outcomes

    After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

    • Analyse various forms of social behaviour, social institutions, processes, and relationships;
    • Conduct independent empirical research and produce original scientific work both within and outside of academia;
    • Reflect critically on both the expert/scientific literature and social reality;
    • Identify, describe, analyse and possibly also predict important social and demographic processes and trends;
    • publish results of their research in academic press;
    • present research results to a professional audience.
  • Occupational Profiles of Graduates

    This study program prepares highly qualified experts for careers in academic as well as non-academic fields including expert jobs in central and local governments, public administrative bodies, private businesses (especially in the sphere of marketing, advertising, market research, publishing and the media in general), and not-for-profit organizations (such as NGOs, social movements, parties, educational institutions, health service organizations etc.); in general for expert systems and for the needs of the welfare state.

  • Practical Training

    Practical training is not an obligatory part of the study plan.

  • Goals of Theses

    Submitted dissertation thesis is a piece of original scientific research.

    Dissertation demonstrates the student's ability to perform original, independent research and constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in sociology.

    The thesis must have a clear structure and it must be logically consistent (it should have the form of a monograph rather than of a research report). Dissertation research and thesis needs to broaden and thus shift the existing knowledge in the given field, it should advance the development of sociological theory.

    Standard range of the study is given between 42 000- 51 000 words or 316 000–386 000 characters, spaces included (approx. 180-220 standard pages ). While quality, coherence and content take priority, it is strongly recommended that this length range be respected.

    Thesis can be submitted in English language.

    Dissertation thesis needs to include original and published (at the time of defence) research results (see the article 31 of the MU Study and Examination Regulations).

Basic information

Abbreviation
D-SAJ_
Type
doctoral degree programme
Degree
Ph.D.
Length of studies
4 years
Language of instruction
English English
Annual tuition fee
1500 €

4
number of active students
4
number of theses/dissertations

Faculty of Social Studies
Programme guaranteed by
Programme guarantor