Computer Science

The doctoral degree programme Computer science is generally focused on diverse topics of contemporary computer science and information technology. This includes the research of fundamental theoretical principles on which computer science and information technologies are based (see the Fundamentals of computer science specialization), as well as research and acquisition of new knowledge aimed at the specific use of computer science in other disciplines and the real world (see the Computing Technology and Methodology specialization). The doctoral programme may also include applied research in collaboration with the Faculty's industrial partners if this research brings new (and dissertable) findings in the computer science as a scientific field. The aim of the programme is to educate graduates who have a broad overview in their area of computer science, are capable of independent creative work, analysis of complex problems and realization of original solutions. Last but not least, graduates will have an excellent ability to communicate in the English language in which they conduct their research.

Organizational note: The study is possible in full-time form (preferred option) or in combined form of study (offered to students who, due to work or family obligations, can not fulfill regular duties of full-time study). The same study programme is offered in both Czech and English language variants. The difference between the language variants is on the administrative and legislative levels, but the study and the research are done in English, as it is usual worldwide in computer science.

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

• conduct scientific research and development in computer science and in related interdisciplinary fields
• understand the latest world scientific trends and findings in their discipline
• understand scientific English texts and communicate fluently about research in English, including presentation at conferences
• independently prepare a scientific article and publish it in an international forum
• prepare a research project and establish and implement an international scientific collaboration
• transfer knowledge and experience through their pedagogical skills
• supervise and guide young students in research
• immediately take up post-doctoral or junior academic positions

The graduates of the doctoral study programme in Computer science are primarily employed as highly qualified specialists in IT research and development and in the academia. The graduates also get executive positions in institutions and companies where the ability of independent creative work, analysis of complex problems, and the ability to design and implement new, original solutions are required. Their employment is not limited to the Czech Republic and its vicinity, but the graduates are being promoted in research in foreign IT companies, in successful startups and also at leading foreign universities.

In general, the graduate is capable of independent creative, scientific, research and organizational work, and is ready to solve challenging theoretical and practical research and development problems in computer science and IT. This predetermines her or him as a specialist or a leading researcher at top R&D companies, as well as a scientist and teacher at universities and other academic institutions.

Practical training is not a mandatory part of study.

The goal of the doctoral dissertation thesis and its defense is to show student’s ability of conducting independent scientific research work, and to demonstrate their orientation in the latest scientific findings in the particular area of computer science.

The Doctoral dissertation thesis is submitted by the student preferably in the form of a monograph, including the student's original results, or as a collection of published or accepted scientific articles with a detailed unifying introduction. In the first case, the length of the monograph should usually be at least 80 pages, excluding the references and possible appendix material. In the second case, the unifying introduction of the collection of articles should be at least around 20–30 pages long. If the thesis contains results or articles with co-authors, the student must clearly state their share of the work on the results or articles. The language of the thesis is English. The dissertation thesis is reviewed by independent experts, among which at least one is from abroad.

A necessary prerequisites for the dissertation thesis defense is publication (or acceptance for publication) of at least two refereed scientific publications of high international quality. According to the common international standards in computer science, we accept as a high-quality publication not only research papers in journals with a good impact factor, but also (and primarily) refereed contributions at international conferences that are recognized as of high-quality by some of the established international CS conference rankings (such as CORE rank B or higher).