Medical Psychology and Psychopathology

Characteristics of the study programme

The doctoral study program "Medical Psychology and Psychopathology" deals with basic and applied research in the field of biopsychosocial relationships. The proposed course opens the possibility of interdisciplinary doctoral education not only to graduates of medical faculties, but also to graduates of single-field psychology studies at the faculties of philosophy, as well as to some graduates of related fields. The field builds up on the rich tradition of teaching psychological and psychiatric sciences at the 1st Faculty of Medicine, which is represented by the work of the founders of the field, such as Josef Riedel, Mihajlo Rostohar and Vladimír Vondráček. The focus on the biopsychosocial paradigm of contemporary modern medicine (enriched with an ecological, environmental dimension) in terms of its theoretical starting points reflects the current state of knowledge achieved in modern science achieved in existing developed societies. The theoretical starting points are knowledge systems of theoretical psychological fields (developmental psychology, personality psychology, etc.) but also applied fields, especially clinical and medical psychology. Psychiatry and behavioral sciences then represent a collection of scientific disciplines that deal with understanding the human psyche and behavior. These are approaches not only psychological, but also genetic, biochemical or physiological and their mutual influence. The possibility of using this state-of-the-art knowledge in the care of the mentally and physically ill is important.

Admission procedure requirement specific to the study programme

The conditions and course of the admission procedure for the part-time form of study are the same as the conditions for the full-time form. 

We recommend to contact your potential supervisor in advance and consult the suitable form of preparation for the interview. Each study programme has its own specifics, so the supervisor can help you to prepare for the specialized entrance examination (the interview).

Topics of dissertation thesis

The candidate chooses the preliminary topic individually and contacts a potential supervisor, or they may consult the topics listed below. The choice is not, however, limited to them — the candidate is encouraged to come up with their own topics of research as well. The applicant consults the chosen topic with the potential supervisor and agrees on its more precise specification. In case of any ambiguity, we recommend contacting the SAB chairman. If necessary, he may recommend a consultation on the topic with another specialist according to the focus of the intended project.

If the candidate does not know which topic/supervisor to choose, the applicant will contact the chairman of the SAB, with whom they consult a suitable topic and a potential supervisor.

This choice is preliminary, the admissions board may, after consultation with the candidate, nominate another supervisor.

Dissertation topics offered

Supervisors of the study programme

Each supervisor must be approved by the SAB. The criteria for admitting new supervisors are determined by the SAB. If the proposed supervisor has not yet been approved by the SAB, this must be done no later than the enrollment of the applicant in the programme (provided that the applicant is accepted). 

Requirements and the structure of studies

Study obligations for full-time and part-time forms of study are the same. 

Students must pass four obligatory courses: Medical Psychology and Psychopathology I—IV and the English language Exam (B90003). In the first year, the students are obliged to pass an exam in Medical Psychology and Psychopathology I. The Dean's Provision no. 2/2024 states that all students should attend the faculty Scientific conference in the 4th year (and also again in the 6th and 8th year if the student extends their studies).

Requirements for internships

Students are expected to participate in an internship abroad lasting for at least a month. 

Listed courses

You can find more info about the courses at the Dept. of Psychiatry website. 

B90250 Medical Psychology and Psychopathology I
B90075 Medical Psychology and Psychopathology II
B90036 Medical Psychology and Psychopathology III
B90158 Medical Psychology and Psychopathology IV

Requirements for the SDE

The State doctoral examination can be taken by the student after having fulfilled the following obligations: examination in the subject Medical Psychology and Psychopathology I, three credits (Medical Psychology and Psychopathology I, II and III), language exam, one publication (or proof of acceptation of the paper for print) in a journal with IF. At the examination, the student must prove the knowledge of the major topic areas according to the list of exam questions. He/she must answer one question from the sphere of medical psychology, drawn at random, and one question from the sphere of psychopathology.

Publication activity requirements

At least two original publications on the topic of the thesis in journals with IF (at least in one publication, the doctoral student must be the first author). The presentation of the output of the research project is recommended at at least two postgraduate conferences or two other national or international conferences.

Defence requirements

• SDE
• For the defence of the dissertation thesis, the student can register after having fulfilled the basic obligations, i.e. the examination in the subject Medical Psychology and Psychopathology I, four credits, language exam, state doctoral examination, taking an internship abroad not shorter than one month, and publication (or proof of acceptation of the paper for print) of at least two papers in a journal with IF. In one of them, the applicant should be the first author.