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

• work independently in scientific research in the fields of literary theoretical Russian studies and Slavonic studies
• produce educational work in teaching Russian literature and Russian and Slavonic literary theory at universities
• work independently in creating study texts and teaching aids for teaching Russian literature

Graduates of the doctoral degree study programme in Russian literature have obtained a very good knowledge of the history of Russian literature, also in a comparative European and world context. They have a deep knowledge of the subject of their specialization and of two world languages. Graduates are able to creatively form their opinions on subjects connected to their field of study and to other related fields. They are able to present their research findings in academic journals and in other types of publications. Graduates will find employment in all positions, especially in the humanities, for which philological and literary theoretical education is necessary: in all types of schools (primarily universities), in scientific institutions, in literary and art criticism, in translation, and in the media.

The basic form of this doctoral degree study programme is an individual and systematic preparation for creative scientific and expert work in the studied field under the individual supervision of an accredited supervisor. This doctoral degree study programme includes methodological training, specialized training, and language learning.

Some general methodological training is taught to all of the doctoral degree students at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University. It is organized by the Department of Philosophy at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University. Some methodological training is provided within the students’ specific degree study programme.

The specialized training in general theory takes place in type A/required and type B/selective courses which focus on general literary theory and on the specifics of literary theory in Russian studies.

Language learning involves meeting the requirements of achieving a set level of language competence in one other world language.

A crucial part of this doctoral degree study programme is writing a doctoral dissertation under the individual supervision of an accredited supervisor. In addition to study obligations, the study programme involves meeting additional requirements, such as speaking at a conference, publishing a research paper, or participating in teaching students at the home department.

The studies are guided and supervised by the university credit system. The students have to earn at least 240 credits: 20 credits for common methodological courses; 4 credits for demonstrating the required language competence in another world language (English, French, German or Spanish); 40 credits for type A/required courses of the chosen study programme; 10 credits for type B/selective theoretical courses; 20 credits for a one-semester internship in a foreign country (this is compulsory for full-time studies); 110 credits for courses focusing on doctoral thesis preparation and submission; and 40 credits for research paper publication and conference participation.

The doctoral degree study programme is concluded by the doctoral final state examination in the chosen specialization before the doctoral final state examination board and the doctoral thesis defence. Both parts usually take place on the same date.

The organization, process and evaluation of the doctoral final state examination are specified in the MU Study and Examination Regulations (articles 30-33): http://www.muni.cz/general/legal_standards/study_examination_regulations