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

• independetly conduct analytical work that is based upon deep theoretical understanding
• formulate innovative research problems and their solutions
• interpret recent findings of the research in the area of European studies
• understand and use appropriate methods and concepts for their analytical work
• publish in academic journals

The standard length of doctoral programmes is four years.

Students are required to meet all the requirements specified by the customized study plan which they develop together with their supervisor in the first month of their studies and which is subject to the approval by the board for doctoral studies.

The plan contains the phases of study, specifies when particular courses in the curriculum will be taken, and includes tasks aiming at publishing in scholarly journals. The supervisor controls whether the plan is fulfilled. Students of full-time doctoral studies are involved in the activities of the Department, namely in the scientific and educational activities as agreed with the supervisor and with the head of the department.

The defence of the doctoral thesis is a part of the examination.

The final state examination includes an academic debate. The topics of the debate are related to the required and optional literature. The examination usually takes from 20 to 40 minutes. Each member of the doctoral defence board usually raises one question. Topics are based on the publications of N. Nugent, S. Hix, G. Majone, T. Risse.

Students select another 5 books related to the field of European Studies. The selection is subject to the approval of the chair of the doctoral studies board.

After the successful doctoral thesis defence and passing the doctoral state examination, graduates are granted a PhD degree.