After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• deal scientifically with literary and cultural issues
• methodologically develop the research field
• succeed in research and academic institutions, and wherever it is necessary to use theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills at any public, private, Czech or foreign institution

Graduates are prepared to enter research activities and occupations requiring highly specialized ability in criticism and literary reflection, especially in universities and research institutes at the international level.

The standard length of studies is eight semesters, concluding with a doctoral degree.

To access the state doctoral examination, students are required to earn at least 240 ECTS credits for type A/required, type B/selective, and type C/elective courses. Type A/required courses constitute the expert basis of scholarly courses and are completed by those that lead to specialized orientations. Emphasis is placed on independent research training, internships, grants, and publications.

1) The doctoral final state examination is public and takes place before a commission of experts, including foreign ones, if necessary. Topics are determined individually after consultation with the supervisor and the doctoral committee. The student is notified at least one month before the examination. Topics of the examination expand the strictly specialized research field of the doctoral student and are focused primarily on examining argumentation skills and general orientation. The questions are focused on particular areas of research training: theory, methodology, literary history, poetics, and specialization.

2) The doctoral degree thesis defence requires the prior successful completion of the state doctoral examination. The doctoral degree thesis is evaluated by two experts, of whom at least one must be external. The defence is public and takes place before a commission of experts.