English Examination Requirements for Doctoral Students

The compulsory examination in English in doctoral studies comprehensively tests language competence of the applicant. The examination tests a general knowledge of the English language at an advanced level, and the ability to read, summarize and discuss professional texts in the applicant's specialisation.

Students sign up for the examination in SIS, i.e. they have to register under the relevant examination code (NDZK001) at the Doctoral Study Department. Dates for the examinations are offered during the examination period, usually 14 days before the end of the semester.

Students can sit for the exam not more than twice in one academic year: i.e. they are entitled to one retake exam if necessary (see the Internal Regulations of MFF- volume II; Study regulations MFF Article 28/2). During their studies they can register for the examination twice at most.

Preparation for the examination

For the actual exam students will prepare:

  • 200 pages of a specialized text from their field of study
  • 30 pages of original work (the student's own professional publications, articles, papers, bachelor/master thesis, etc.)
  • Curriculum Vitae (1–2 pages)

Students are asked to bring all required materials to the oral part of the examination.

The examination

  • Written part
    • test of grammar and vocabulary
    • listening comprehension

To pass the written part students must gain minimum 70% of the maximum score.

  • Oral part
    • brief summary of the prepared texts
    • explanation of selected specialized terms
    • reading and adequate translation of a passage selected by the examiner
    • discussion related to the topics raised in the 200-page specialized text and the applicant's own work, as well as any common conversational topics

Linguistic accuracy and fluency will be assessed.

The written part can be replaced by the following language certificates:

  • Cambridge ESOL – CAE, CPE
  • IELTS – min. 6.5 points (valid)
  • TOEFL PBT – min. 550 points, TOEFL CBT – min. 213 points, TOEFL iBT – min. 79 points (valid)
  • State Language Examination passed in the Czech Republic (General, Specialized)

However, the applicant must still meet the requirements of the oral exam.

(Recognition of examinations other than those mentioned above must be submitted to the Department of Language Education.)

Recommended bibliography
R. O'Neill, M. Duckworth, K. Gude: New Success at First Certificate (Student's Book, Work Book), Oxford University Press (or other textbooks to prepare for FCE)
M. Stan, C. Walter: How English Works (A Grammar Book with Answers), Oxford University Press, 1997
V. Evans, J. Milton: FCE Listening and Speaking Skills (1–3), Express Publishing, 1998
V. Evans J. Milton: Practice Exam Papers (1–3), Express Publishing, 1998