Doctoral Studies
Adult Education
Programme description
The Adult Education doctoral program focuses on creating creative scientific and research potential in the adult education action fields defined by Vladimír Jochmann (1992; 1994), i.e. theoretical and empirical aspects of adult education and education in adult education, culture, personnel development and counselling. The structure of the Adult Education doctoral study program is influenced by the analysis of the structure of andragogy (Šimek, 1998) and the analysis of the curricula of doctoral programs of adult education (andragogy) in North America (Sonstrom, Rachal, Mohn, 2012). In accordance with Section 47 (1)-(3) of Act No. 111/1998 Coll. on universities, the doctoral study program focuses on independent creative research activities and is conducted according to an individual study plan under the guidance of a supervisor.
The aim of the doctoral study program of Adult Education is to prepare scientifically qualified researchers who will be able to work independently in the original reception and development of scientific theories on the basis of their own research into social practice. On this basis, the doctoral study prepares experts for further scientific work as well as for conceptual and management activities at higher levels of management, both in the public and private spheres. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the study also provides the development of project skills beyond adult education. These skills presuppose the identification of a scientific and research problem, its methodological basis and its objective interpretation using theoretical, qualitative and quantitative research strategies. Taking into account the transdisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity of adult learning discourse, the doctoral program also aims to address the wider context of adult education in the field of social sciences, especially pedagogy, sociology and psychology, including their implementation into applied areas such as adult education, human development and theory (social and personnel) counselling
Graduates‘ profile
The graduate of the doctoral study program has an understanding of classical and especially contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches in adult education and its branches within the scope of his/her specialization given by their research problem. He/she has an overview of current world literature and research studies and is able to work with this literature in a qualified way to solve research questions. Professional competences also include the ability to present and discuss theoretical and methodological issues in the field, current adult education discourses, and the ability to design and conduct research in adult education.
The above-mentioned competences enable the graduate to work especially in scientific research and educational activities at universities and in scientific research institutions, whose main activity is adult education, their personal development and counselling. Other possibilities of employment are in positions of conceptual and managerial staff in institutions that fall within the fields of action of adult education, such as social services organizations, cultural organizations, public administration organizations and especially organizations focused on adult education and personnel development.
After completing the doctoral study program Adult Education, the graduate will be able to:
- approach the topic of their expertise in a systematic and interdisciplinary way;
- present, critically reflect and interpret current trends in adult education as a scientific discipline in the Czech Republic and abroad in the wider context of social reality, especially in relation to their professional profile,
- interpret, discuss and apply contemporary theories and transformations of professional discourse in the context of the development of related scientific disciplines and in relation to their professional profile;
- while maintaining ethical principles, independently design and conduct research aimed at extending and enriching the state of scientific knowledge in accordance with relevant discourses of adult education and education sciences;
- create, present, discuss and defend the results of their own research activities and confront their conclusions with the results of scientific work of Czech and foreign researchers, for example through publishing in internationally recognized journals with demanding review procedures,
- participate in scientific and research project and grant activities within larger scientific teams,
- actively and professionally communicate on the topic of their expertise in one foreign language;
- implement the topic of their expertise into teaching at universities.
The graduate will find employment especially as an academic, scientific, research worker and a manager with knowledge of the field.
Possible job positions
The graduate will find employment especially as an academic, scientific, research worker and a manager with knowledge of the field.
Employability prospect
After completing the doctoral study program Adult Education, the graduate will be able to:
- approach the topic of their expertise in a systematic and interdisciplinary way;
- present, critically reflect and interpret current trends in adult education as a scientific discipline in the Czech Republic and abroad in the wider context of social reality, especially in relation to their professional profile,
- interpret, discuss and apply contemporary theories and transformations of professional discourse in the context of the development of related scientific disciplines and in relation to their professional profile;
- while maintaining ethical principles, independently design and conduct research aimed at extending and enriching the state of scientific knowledge in accordance with relevant discourses of adult education and education sciences;
- create, present, discuss and defend the results of their own research activities and confront their conclusions with the results of scientific work of Czech and foreign researchers, for example through publishing in internationally recognized journals with demanding review procedures,
- participate in scientific and research project and grant activities within larger scientific teams,
- actively and professionally communicate on the topic of their expertise in one foreign language;
- implement the topic of their expertise into teaching at universities.
The graduate will find employment especially as an academic, scientific, research worker and a manager with knowledge of the field.
Study guaranteed by :
doc. Mgr. Miroslav Dopita, Ph.D.
tel.: 585 633 407, e-mail: miroslav.dopita@upol.cz
More information about the entry requirements and the online application link.
Cultural Anthropology
Length of part-time and full-time programme: 4 years
Graduate profile and career prospects
The graduates of the Cultural Anthropology Doctoral Programme are familiar with the theories and methods of cultural anthropology, have detailed knowledge of cultural anthropology theoretical principles and methodological procedures connected with defining research problem, preparing and implementing surveys, methods of data collection and processing, and presentation of research results in national and international contexts. The graduates have the knowledge and skills which allow them to discuss cultural anthropology issues topical in the Czech Republic and abroad, taking into account the problems and challenges of contemporary societies, both in the local and global perspective. The graduates can run their own independent research, participate actively in scientific team work, define a comprehensive practical or theoretical problem, and design a creative solution. Their work guides them to new findings and conclusions, which help develop the field further. The graduate is professionally qualified to work in academia and science, including basic and applied research. In addition, the graduate is prepared to work in public administration, local administration, non-governmental organizations, and community programmes and projects. They can also work as specialists in state and non-governmental non-profit organizations, governmental and non-governmental development and humanitarian organizations, or as experts in public administration, local administrations, security authorities, and educational institutions. The graduate is also prepared to work as a specialist in research institutions, in the social sector, professional counselling, and in the media, both at the Czech and international level.
Entry requirements
The Cultural Anthropology Doctoral Programme is open for applicants with a master's degree in Cultural Anthropology or related field (Sociology, History, Political Science, Cultural Studies, Religion Studies, Social Work, International Relations etc.). If a candidate applying for the Cultural Anthropology Doctoral Programme has a master's degree in a related field of study, the Doctoral Committee may specify the conditions for admission to the PhD entrance examination. The Doctoral Committee may specify requirements for further study for graduates in a related field.
The entrance examination is oral and involves discussion about the applicant’s research proposal. A five-page project needs to be attached to the application. The project has to define the theoretical or empirical research area, the objective of the research project and its justification, the research question, theoretical background, an overview of the current state of research on the issue, and the justification of the methodological approach to the problem. A project involving empirical field research needs to include an evaluation of the ethical context of the planned research in relation to the specific topic of the planned field work.
The applicant should demonstrate a clear research interest in cultural anthropology and adequate knowledge of the theory and methodology of social sciences and humanities, particularly in connection with their dissertation project. Knowledge of at least one foreign language at B2 level or higher is required. The Doctoral Committee may define how the applicant is to demonstrate their knowledge of the foreign language (for example by submitting a Czech- or internationally-recognized language exam certificate).
The applicant can also attach their preceding field-related work (published works, lectures, etc.) to the application. The applicant should also submit a proposal for their supervisor and any recommendations of the future supervisor or other relevant experts or consultants.
Candidates will be recommended for admission based on the assessment of the above-mentioned documents and an interview.
The rules for admission to the doctoral programme are regulated by the UP Admission Procedure Code.
Programme leader:
doc. PaedDr. Hana Horáková, Ph.D., Dr.
tř. Svobody 8, 779 00, Olomouc, tel.: 585 633 398, e-mail: hana.horakova@upol.cz
More information about the entry requirements and the online application link.