PhD in Educational and School Psychology Charles University Faculty of Education

Doctoral study is designed as a preparation of researchers in the field of educational and school psychology, who will participate in the development of psychological theory and research through independent creative activities. The doctoral study will deepen the knowledge in the field with the application of Czech and foreign knowledge and research results will further extend the methodological and research skills and competencies of doctoral students, as well as presentation skills, with an emphasis on educational and school psychology, other psychological disciplines and social sciences. The focus of the doctoral study is the dissertation, which has the character of the original scientific work. Through the dissertation thesis of the empirical-theoretical or theoretical research, the doctoral student gains new knowledge on the studied topic and thus enriches its scientific description and conceptualization. The dissertation is involved in the development of the field in the national and international context. The aim of the study is to prepare researchers who, in the case of a further academic career at the university, get involved in pedagogic, scientific and research activities in educational and school psychology, possibly also in related psychological disciplines and other social sciences; in case of practical psychological activity the workers will theorize the given field and encompass it into a broader professional context.

It is a program without specialization.

Description of verification and evaluation criteria

The elementary requirement is to complete a master's degree in the area of educational psychology. Furthermore, for graduates from other study programs from similar study areas such as (psychology teaching, special education, etc.), the main requirement is that the applicant has completed their state exam in psychology (or at least key psychology disciplines).

An essential part of the admission process is the entrance exam, during which a committee judges whether the applicant has a sufficient interest in the area and has all the prerequisites for scientific work (e.g. use of the terminology, output hypothesis formulation, the suggestion of research methodology). All applicants have to submit their dissertation project proposal in writing in addition to their application. The topic of the project has to comply with the areas of interest within educational and school psychology, furthermore, the proposal should also include a list of cited works. The proposal should also include a brief description of the topic, hypotheses formulation, research objectives, and questions, the proposal of specific methodologies, data gathering, an overview of domestic (Czech) and foreign literature related to the dissertation topic. During the entrance exam the committee moderates a professional discussion with the applicant during which applicants should prove their knowledge and skills in the scientific area of educational psychology.

Evaluation Criteria: The applicant can get a maximum of ten points, the number of points for the admission to study is getting at least seven points.

Conditions for admission

Admission to Doctoral studies is conditioned by successful completion of a Master's study program.

A graduate of the doctoral program in Educational and School Psychology is an expert in the field of education who is able to apply the acquired theoretical, methodological, and research knowledge and skills in an independent and creative way. It is equipped for individual and group scientific work in the field of educational and school psychology and related disciplines. He can work as a teacher or researcher at a university, as well as a psychologist - a practitioner in an educational environment (counseling psychologist, school psychologist, psychologist in social care facilities) with a higher level of scientific competence if the doctoral study follows the undergraduate study program in psychology.

The acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies enable him to work professionally in a wide range of professions, where he will apply deep professional and methodological knowledge of psychology, critical thinking, and professional insight.