Psychological research as a way to understanding.

Degree programme objectives

The Doctoral Programme in Psychology educates future researchers and academic workers in the field of psychology with the available specializations being social, developmental, general, pedagogical, or organizational psychology. The focus is put on deepening the students’ knowledge of theory in said psychology disciplines that can be used both in research and in solving problems in psychological practice. Students acquaint themselves with the latest theoretical approaches, they acquire a critical stance regarding theoretical concepts and empirical research, they learn the methods necessary to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Students are to gain the abilities and skills needed to independently scientifically reflect upon issues in psychology as well as the ability to work in research teams, be it in purely psychological or interdisciplinary collaboration.

Study plans

Studies

  • Objectives

    The Doctoral Programme in Psychology educates future researchers and academic workers in the field of psychology with the available specializations being social, developmental, general, pedagogical, or organizational psychology. The focus is put on deepening the students’ knowledge of theory in said psychology disciplines that can be used both in research and in solving problems in psychological practice. Students acquaint themselves with the latest theoretical approaches, they acquire a critical stance regarding theoretical concepts and empirical research, they learn the methods necessary to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Students are to gain the abilities and skills needed to independently scientifically reflect upon issues in psychology as well as the ability to work in research teams, be it in purely psychological or interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • Learning Outcomes

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

    • work  in psychological science individually and independently
    • conduct unaided analytical work on the basis of their knowledge of theory
    • interpret and explain evidence from research
    • formulate innovative research problems and their solutions
    • gain the methods, techniques and skills in psychological research
    • publish and communicate the results of scienfitic work
  • Occupational Profiles of Graduates

    The qualification gained by the graduates of this programme can be put to use in academia and in research institutes. However, graduating from this Doctoral Programme does not qualify one to enter the psychology profession; it is not a substitute for obtaining a Master’s Degree in psychology.

  • Rules and Conditions for the Creation of a Study Plan

    The structure and the study plan of individual students depends on their specialization in the discipline of psychology, on the topic of their Doctoral Thesis and the relevant requirements of their supervisor. Students are expected to take all the compulsory předměty for all doctoral students of Psychology at the Faculty of Social Studies. Students can also choose from other “předměty” on offer. The study plan contains, among others, the following requirements:

    1) partaking in research projects according to the focus of the student’s Doctoral Thesis;

    2) partaking in teaching psychology students;

    3) publishing independently or as a part of a research team in an impacted journal and publishing at least one article in either a Czech or foreign journal.

  • Practical Training

    During one's studies, it is compulsory to complete a three-month-long stay at an academic institution or at an institution concerned with applied research abroad. Another required work experience is partaking in teaching psychology students and in research projects at the Department and other academic institutions

  • Goals of Theses

    Doctoral Theses must contain original results, either published or accepted for publishing. The standard character count of the doctoral thesis is between 180,000 and 2,016,000 (spaces included). This encompasses footnotes, the cover, the table of contents, the reference section and the abstract.

    The Doctoral Thesis is a complex analysis and/or a complex solution to an issue in the chosen area, potentially even a complex analysis of existing solutions (theoretical work). A collection of at least three papers concerning a certain topic that are published or accepted for publishing can be admitted instead of a Doctoral Thesis conditional upon them being accompanied by an overarching introduction and a general discussion. Even in this case, the required character count must be met. All referencing of literature and other sources must be done according to the APA standard.

Basic information

Abbreviation
D-PSY_
Type
doctoral degree programme
Degree
Ph.D.
Length of studies
4 years
Language of instruction
Czech Czech

27
number of active students
20
number of theses/dissertations

Faculty of Social Studies
Programme guaranteed by
In cooperation with
The Czech Academy of Sciences
Psychologický ústav AV ČR
Programme guarantor