Clinical psychology

The Doctoral Programme in Clinical psychology educates young researchers and future academic teachers in the applied fields of clinical psychology with the specific focus on psychotherapy research, psychodiagnostics and public health. The aim is put on deepening the students’ knowledge of theory in psychology applied disciplines that can be used both in research and in solving problems in psychological practice. Students acquaint themselves with the latest theoretical approaches, they acquire a critical stance regarding theoretical concepts and empirical research, they learn the methods necessary to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Students gain the abilities and skills needed to independently scientifically reflect upon issues in psychology as well as the ability to work in research teams, being in purely psychological or interdisciplinary collaboration. Doctoral students share their knowledges and experiences with younger students (in bachelor and master programmes) and help them to join young research teams.

Science can treat.

In the field of psychotherapy research we offer focus both on efficacy of psychological treatments methods and process of psychotherapy.

In the field of psychometrics we are pointing out the psychometric analyses of developing methods

In the public health field the development of the new methods and interventions would be recommended.

Students share their skills and experiences at common seminars.

Practical training

During one's studies, it is compulsory to complete a three-month-long internship at an academic institution or at an institution concerned with applied research abroad. Another required work experience is participating in teaching (psychology at bachelor and/or at Master level courses) and in research projects at the Department and other academic institutions.

Further information

Admission information: https://www.fss.muni.cz/en/faculty-of-social-studies/what-you-can-study/doctoral-studies

https://psych.fss.muni.cz/en/studies/doctoral-studies

When the graduate of study of Clinical psychology achieved the goals then has better chance to assert on labour-market and his professional progress will be supported.

When studies are finished, the graduate is able to lead the researches and also take control of checking new therapeutic and diagnostic methods. He/she can be supervisor, expert, can judge validity and reliability of methods which are used. Could also be a supervisor for authorized expert in area of forensic psychology.

The graduate – with the title PhD., who publish books or special articles is easier employable in academic and scientific area and also in clinical practice, for example teaching hospitals. By this way he has competencies for cooperation with foreign researchers. We assume that getting the job at university or at Psychology Institute of Academy of Science would be easier.

The graduate could also be practising psychologist – of course he needs to have education at Master level in Psychology and pass relevant internships. Our students are coaching for career in training and research centres regarding Clinical psychology.

The graduate is able to assert in those fields, where is for example absence of doctors – e.g. researching teams in health care, in publishing diagnostic methods, he can cooperate with teams abroad etc.

However, graduating from this Doctoral Programme does not qualify one to enter the psychology profession, e.g. become clinical psychologist, or psychotherapist; it is not a substitute for obtaining a Master’s Degree in psychology.

Dates for submitting an e-application: 1 August 2024 – 30 November 2024
Dates for inserting supporting documents to the e-application: 1 August 2024 – 15 January 2025
Date of Entrance examination: 30 January 2025 - 5 February 2025
Minimum score for being accepted: 60 points (out of 100)
Supporting documents:

• Outline of the proposed dissertation project
• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Consent of the future supervisor
• Copy of master's degree certificate or proof of current studies
• List of publications and papers (if available)
• Proof of English - minimum B2 level (optional; compulsory only for those who cannot participate personally in the entrance exam)

Those who cannot participate in the entrance exam in person have to provide additionally 2 Letters of Recommendation. They must be sent by the referees themselves to our e-mail or mail contacts.

For being accepted, it is necessary to obtain the formal recognition of prior education in the Czech Republic. See the PhD admission website for further information.

Important information

Criteria for evaluation

The maximum possible score for the entrance examination is 100 points. A minimum of 60 points is required to pass the entrance examination.

Criteria for assessing applicants:

• Research project as a basis for the preparation of the dissertation - max. 50 points
• Professional knowledge in the given research area - max. 30 points
• Language skills (English in both written and verbal form) - max. 20 points