Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctoral Study Program in Preschool and Elementary Education

The doctoral study program in Preschool and Elementary Education is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of education, focusing on the preschool and elementary levels. This program aims to equip students with the necessary competencies to contribute to the development of education in these areas.

Basic Information about the Study Program

• Study Department: 38. Teaching and Pedagogical Sciences
• Study Degree: Doctoral (third degree)
• Form of Study: Full-time/Part-time
• Standard Length of Study: 3 years/4 years
• Language of Instruction: Slovak
• Program Board:
  • Prof. PaedDr. Katarína ilková, PhD. (HZO)
  • Prof. PaedDr. Duan Kostrub, PhD. (ZO)
  • Prof. PhDr. Mária Potoárová, PhD. (ZO)
  • Doc. PaedDr. Ján Gunaga, PhD. (FM professor) (ZO)
  • Doc. PaedDr. Eva Severini, PhD. (ZO)

Other Members:

• PaedDr. Lucia Ficová, PhD. (representative of employers)
• Mgr. Alena Lampertová, PhD. (representative of employers)
• Mgr. Michaela Plevková (representative of students)
• PaedDr. Lucia Hlatká (representative of students)

Program Description

The successful completion of the third degree of the study program in Preschool and Elementary Education enables students to obtain the title of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a qualification corresponding to level 8 of the Slovak Qualifications Framework (SQF). The program focuses on providing students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for independent and creative scientific work, based on current scientific knowledge.

Study Plan

The study plan consists of three components: the study part, the scientific-research part, and the pedagogical part (only for full-time students). The study part includes compulsory and elective courses, aiming to deepen students' theoretical knowledge and skills in research methodology, pedagogy, and related fields.

Profile Subjects:

• Methodology of Qualitative Research
• Methodology of Quantitative Research
• Creation of a Research Project
• Current Trends in Preschool Education
• Current Trends in Research on Preschool and Elementary Education
• Selective Subject Didactics in Primary Education
• Evaluation in Primary Education
• Dissertation Exam
• Defense of the Dissertation

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the study program, applicants must have completed a master's degree in a related field and pass an entrance examination, which includes:

• An oral presentation of the proposed dissertation project and discussion about it
• Demonstration of knowledge from the required master's degree level
• A language exam in one non-Slavic language

Profile of the Graduate

Graduates of the doctoral study program in Preschool and Elementary Education are characterized by their ability to work independently and creatively in scientific research, based on current scientific knowledge. They possess theoretical knowledge, skills, and competencies that enable them to contribute to the development of education in preschool and elementary education.

Theoretical Knowledge of the Graduate:

• Deep understanding of the methodology of scientific work in the field
• Knowledge of ethical principles in scientific work
• Orientation in the broader philosophical and social science context of the field
• Understanding of psychological aspects of child development in preschool and early school age
• Knowledge of didactic concepts in preschool and primary education

Skills of the Graduate:

• Ability to apply and creatively develop knowledge, theories, and research procedures in the field
• Ability to evaluate theories, concepts, and innovations in the field
• Ability to identify scientific development in the field at the international level and use it for its development
• Ability to apply the latest scientific knowledge in the field and integrate it into the current system

Competencies of the Graduate:

• Ability to work in a team and scientifically cooperate
• Ability to systematically educate themselves in the field and support social progress in an academic and professional context
• Ability to communicate with the broader scientific community about key issues in the field
• Ability to think critically, independently, and analytically
• Ability to creatively solve problems, plan, and initiate the solution of complex problems

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the doctoral study program in Preschool and Elementary Education can be employed as:

• Specialist assistants at universities with a PhD qualification
• Research workers in public research institutions or the Slovak Academy of Sciences
• Workers with scientific-research activities in directly managed organizations or budgetary organizations of the Ministry of Education

Partnerships

The Faculty of Education at Comenius University in Bratislava cooperates with domestic and foreign partners in ensuring educational activities. Doctoral students have the opportunity to participate in scientific conferences, doctoral conferences, and international scientific conferences. The faculty has partnerships with universities in the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, Austria, Slovenia, and Spain, providing opportunities for student mobility and research collaboration.

Conclusion

The doctoral study program in Preschool and Elementary Education at Comenius University in Bratislava offers a comprehensive education in the field, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for independent and creative scientific work. With its strong focus on research and international cooperation, this program provides graduates with excellent employment opportunities in education, research, and related fields.