Definition of terms
Basic breakdown of studies
Degree programme
A degree programme is a unit of studies which begins with the submission of an entrance application and ends with a successfully passed final state examination and the presentation of a university diploma (Bachelor’s, Master’s or doctoral); a degree programme may be either single-subject or double-subject.
Field of study
A field of study includes courses stipulated by the relevant field of study or degree programme (or MEYS) accreditation.
Course
Courses form the content of all fields of study (and thereby of degree programmes). Courses may be required (students must complete all prescribed courses), selective (students may select from amongst a number of courses on offer in accordance with certain criteria) or elective (students may choose courses from their own degree programmes as well as any other courses offered by the university). An overview of all courses – listed by degree programme and/or field of study – may be found in the MU course catalogue.
Studies by number of fields
Single-subject studies
Single-subject studies are either Bachelor’s or Master’s studies which lead to the attainment of one university diploma for one individual field of study.
Double-subject studies
Double-subject studies are either Bachelor’s or Master’s studies which lead to the attainment of one university diploma for two fields of study. The study burden imposed by two fields of study is equally distributed. Students are required to obtain the same number of credits as in the case of single-subject studies. Field of study combinations are listed in faculty course catalogues.
In case you wish to apply for double-subject studies where at least one of the fields is implemented by the Faculty of Social Studies, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Sports Studies, Faculty of Education or Faculty of Economics and Administration, you may submit a double-subject studies entrance application directly. All existing field combinations are listed in the e-application itself. Since only one entrance application (albeit for double-subject studies) is being submitted, only one admission procedure fee is required. Unless otherwise stipulated, applicants are required to successfully complete all component parts of the admission procedure as specified by individual faculties. Example: You are applying for a combination of Political Science and International Relations at the Faculty of Social Studies. In case you fail to pass the admission procedure for Political Science, you cannot be admitted to International Relations as single-subject studies.
If, on the other hand, both fields of study are implemented at the Faculty of Arts, it is necessary to submit two single-subject entrance applications (and thus pay two entrance application fees). In case you pass both entrance examinations, you may merge the two fields into a double-subject field of study following enrolment. Should you fail to pass one of the entrance examinations, you may still enrol in the remaining field of study. Specific acceptance conditions relevant to individual fields of study offered at the Faculty of Arts may be found on the FA website. Should you have any questions, please contact a relevant office for studies or submit your questions to prihlaska@muni.cz.
Types of studies
Bachelor’s studies
Bachelor’s studies are open to secondary school graduates who have successfully completed a school-leaving examination. The standard length of studies is set at three years; students who successfully complete their studies, i.e. pass a state examination, receive a Bachelor's diploma and the degree of Bachelor (abbreviated as “Bc.” and written before the name).
Long-cycle Master’s studies
Long-cycle Master’s studies are open to secondary school graduates who have successfully completed a school-leaving examination. The standard length of studies is set at five years (six years at the Faculty of Medicine); students who successfully complete their studies, i.e. pass a state examination, receive a Master’s diploma and the degree of Master. Degrees awarded for long-cycle Master’s studies at MU include “magistr” (Mgr.), engineer (Ing.), doctor of medicine (MUDr.) and doctor of dental medicine (MDDr.). All abbreviations are written before the name.
Master’s studies
Master’s studies follow Bachelor’s degree programmes and are thus open to graduates of Bachelor’s or Master’s studies. The standard length of studies is set at two to three years (according to individual fields of study); students who successfully complete their studies, i.e. pass a state examination, receive the degree of Master. Degrees awarded for Master’s studies at MU include “magistr” (Mgr.) and engineer (Ing.); both abbreviations are written before the name.
Doctoral studies
Doctoral studies are open to graduates of Master’s and long-cycle Master’s studies and are primarily research-focused. The standard length of studies is set at three years; students who successfully complete a doctoral state examination receive the academic degree of doctor (abbreviated as “Ph.D.” and written after the name).
Lifelong learning
Lifelong learning is a form of higher education which either focuses on self-improvement or on professionally-oriented educational activities. In accordance with the Higher Education Act, lifelong learning participants may not be awarded academic degrees. However, selected lifelong learning programmes may be implemented as part of accredited degree programmes. In such cases, studies take place analogically to studies in accredited degree programmes and participants may – under certain circumstances – have the opportunity to transfer to regular studies. Lifelong learning programmes also include the University of the Third Age.
Study modes
Full-time studies
Full-time studies provide students with the opportunity to regularly take part in lectures, seminars, training sessions, etc.
Combined studies
Combined studies feature a limited amount of contact teaching time: consultations and teaching sessions only take place several times per semester. All examinations take place at the faculty.