Psychology

This application is only for the semester Spring 2025 (beginning February 2025).

• Outline of the proposed dissertation project
• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Consent of the future supervisor
• 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)

Important information

The maximum possible score for the entrance examination is 100 points. A minimum of 60 points is required to pass the entrance examination.

Criteria for assessing applicants:

• Research project as a basis for the preparation of the dissertation - max. 40 points
• Professional knowledge in the given research area - max. 30 points
• Language skills (English in both written and verbal form) - max. 10 points
• Previous research experience - max. 20 points

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.

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.

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.