Doctoral study programmes represent the highest level of higher education in the Czech Republic. Studies at Charles University are governed by the Conditions for Doctoral Studies at Charles University, Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions, the Code of Study and Examination of Charles University, and Dean's Measure No. 2/2024.
Doctoral studies at the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, are carried out in cooperation with the First Faculty of Medicine, the Third Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, selected institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and research institutes of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic.
Studies are offered in both full-time and combined forms. Distance learning is not accredited at the Second Faculty of Medicine. The standard duration of study is four years, with a maximum duration of eight years. All doctoral study programmes are offered without specialisations.
The core of doctoral study is independent scientific research conducted under the supervision of a supervisor. The programme prepares graduates for careers in research as well as other highly qualified professions. Studies conclude with the State Doctoral Examination and the defence of a dissertation thesis. Graduates are awarded the Ph.D. degree.
Admission Procedure
Applicants are admitted through an admission procedure, which is usually held in June. The Faculty publishes the admission requirements at least four months before the application deadline.
The admission examination takes the form of an academic interview. It includes a discussion of the proposed dissertation topic and the feasibility of the research project.
Before submitting an application, prospective candidates are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor. A list of supervisors is available in the directory of active supervisors at the Second Faculty of Medicine. Further information about doctoral studies can be found in the Doctoral Studies Handbook.
M.D. Ph.D. Programme
Students enrolled in the full-time form of study may apply for the M.D. Ph.D. Programme, which combines scientific research training with professional clinical education in cooperation with Motol University Hospital. The programme supports the development of clinical research in priority healthcare disciplines. Admission requirements are published on the Motol University Hospital website.
International Applicants
Applicants of all nationalities may apply for doctoral studies provided they fulfil the admission requirements.
International applicants are encouraged to acquire at least a basic knowledge of Czech necessary for communication with patients at clinical departments.
If a candidate's previous higher education qualification is not automatically recognised in the Czech Republic, recognition or assessment of the qualification must be obtained. Further information is available in the section on Assessment of Foreign Higher Education Qualifications.
