Study of Religions

The Study of Religions PhD program from Masaryk University, objective is the systematic preparation for academic work in the study of religions or related fields. 

This Study of Religions PhD program from Masaryk University involves original and creative work under the guidance of a supervisor. Students go through all stages of the research process, from designing a research project proposal, through collecting and analysing data, to publishing the results and writing a dissertation.

The Study of Religions doctoral degree study programme at Masaryk University in the study of religions is open to graduates with a Master’s degree in the study of religions or a related discipline, particularly sociology, anthropology, history, or psychology, who intend to develop their academic skills and pursue a career in academia.

Career opportunities:

Graduates are qualified for positions in teaching and research in the study of religions and related fields; in non-governmental organizations focusing on minorities or intercultural translation; in state administration where the position requires knowledge of different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups and decision-making based on facts; in education; in the media; and in the translation of literature in the humanities and social sciences. They are also able to prepare grant applications in the public and private sectors.

In academia, graduates can offer outstanding and state-of-the-art orientation in the contemporary study of religions with respect to major recent international developments in theory and methodology; interdisciplinary thinking; skills relating to theoretically founded and empirically precise research; and experience in research, as well as teaching, publishing, and preparing grant applications and projects.

Employers outside academia will benefit from graduates’ analytical skills, their ability to work on demanding and long-term projects, their independent and critical thinking, and their skills in the preparation of well-founded materials for decision-making.

Curriculum:

• The curriculum is organized on the basis of a credit system, offering the possibility for individual choices concerning the study timeline and thematic modifications, including opportunities for fieldwork and study stays abroad. 

• The core of the curriculum consists of six doctoral seminars in which students finalize their dissertation project, improve their academic writing skills, decide about their publication project, deepen their competence in theory and method, become acquainted with the peer-review process and other practical and ethical aspects of academic publishing, write their dissertations, and get input on the postdoctoral phase of their careers. 

• During their studies, students submit at least one academic book review related to their dissertation project, one grant application, and one article concerned with the central topic of the dissertation.