PhD in Sociology
The PhD programme in sociology provides advanced education and academic training for professions in research and development, such as, in institutions of higher education, research institutes and think tanks, private sector, NGOs and governmental organisations.
The graduates will acquire knowledge of contemporary sociological theories in the context of the canon of social thought, of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and of a chosen area of specialisation. These will be complemented with selected soft skills (e.g. communication and IT skills), pedagogical and technical research skills (e.g. scholarly editing and bibliographic research). PhD students are expected to conduct their own original research leading to a doctoral dissertation and to contribute to the advancement of sociological knowledge by participating in workshops, conferences, publications and other activities of the Czech and international scholarly communities.
PhD dissertation is a written report on a research project whose results constitute an original contribution to knowledge and were either published or accepted for publication at the time of submission. Dissertation proposals are welcome on a variety of topics, but preferably in one of the following areas:
- Minorities
- Social movements
- Social research methodology
- Gerontosociology
- Sociology of culture
- Sociology of education
- Sociology of gender
- Sociology of politics
- Sociology of religion
- Sociology of the family
- Sociology of work and organisations
Academic year: September – June, 3 years (6 semesters) full-time or up to 5 years part-time (“combined study”).
Application deadline: 30th April 2017
Programme content and organisation:
The PhD programme consists of five modules: Research, Specialisation, Soft Skills, Pedagogical, and Dissertation. The students must complete the total of 180 ECTS credits, pass mandatory examinations, and submit and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation. The students pursue formal courses, individual and group consultations, and independent research toward the dissertation according to the individual study plan that they draft in consultation with their supervisors.
The core PhD courses include:
- Dissertation Colloquia
- Dissertation Seminars
- Methodological and specialisation courses
- Readings in Sociological Theory
- Sociological Research Practice
- Theory of Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies
Mandatory examinations include:
- Foreign Language
- Philosophy
- Interim Examination – Sociology
- State Examination – Sociology
- Doctoral Dissertation Defence
Other requirements include:
- Pedagogical Activities
- Publishing Activities
- Study Stay Abroad
Language requirements: English, B2
Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, workshops, individual consultations, independent research
Application process:
Applications are accepted usually once a year (enrolment for the Winter Semester), sometimes twice a year (enrolment for the Summer Semester). The entrance examination consists of an interview, at which the applicant presents his/her dissertation project. In exceptional cases the examination may take a written form. A Skype interview may also be arranged.
The applicant must possess a Master’s degree in sociology or a related discipline (such as, social and cultural anthropology, social psychology, political science, religious studies, cultural studies) at the time of application or be awarded the degree before enrolment.
The application package consists of:
- Application form (available online at admission.upol.cz);
- Structured Curriculum Vitae (signed);
- Verified copy of a Master's degree diploma;
- Course transcript or equivalent of the MA study;
- Dissertation project proposal;
- If relevant, proofs of professional activity in the chosen field of study (such as, lectures, conference participation, non-degree study, publications).
The dissertation project proposal of 1,000-1,500 words must define its theoretical or empirical research field, overall aim of the research, state-of-the art discussion of theory and research in the area, suggested methodological approach, and bibliography.
Further information about the application process is available from the Department for Research and Development of the Faculty of Arts at:
http://www.ff.upol.cz/menu/prijimaci-rizeni/doktorske-studium-phd/
Contacts at the Department of Sociology, Andragogy and Cultural Anthropology:
Doc. Libora Oates-Indruchová, MA, PhD, libora.oates-indruchova@upol.cz (PhD Programme Director); or Doc. PhDr. Dušan Lužný, PhD., dusan.luzny@upol.cz (Head of Department).
Website: http://www.ksoc.upol.cz/en/o_nas/academics.html
Tuition fees: 2000 EUR per year.
