Psychology

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.

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

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.

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.

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