The third-degree (PhD) study programme in Linguodidactics builds on prior studies in language, linguistics, and language teaching and is designed for advanced research in the theory and practice of language education. The programme focuses on the relationship between language acquisition and language learning, current teaching theories and methods, and the intercultural and cognitive dimensions of language teaching in contemporary educational contexts. Students develop a deep understanding of how linguistic knowledge can be integrated into linguodidactic research and practice across several language areas, including Slovak, English, German, Russian, and Ukrainian.

The programme combines a study component and a scientific research component. The study component develops expertise in research methodology, academic discourse, university didactics, and the didactics of individual languages. The scientific component is centred on independent or team-based research related to the dissertation topic, publication activity, and the presentation of research findings in academic and professional contexts.

Students may shape their academic profile through specialised courses and research in areas such as:

• Research methodology in linguodidactics, with emphasis on designing and conducting original research
• Didactics of individual languages, including Slovak, English, German, Russian, or Ukrainian
• Psycholinguistic, sociopragmatic, and intercultural aspects of language education
• Modern technologies and corpora in language teaching
• Academic communication and dissemination of research results

The programme prepares students for independent scientific work, critical analysis, and the publication and presentation of research in the field of language education. Graduates are equipped to contribute to the development of linguodidactics, foreign language education, and educational research, and are qualified for careers in higher education, research, curriculum development, methodology, and specialised educational practice.

The PhD. degree in Linguodidactics is a five-year programme (240 ECTS) Course Description

The study component, for which the student must earn at least 30 credits, consists mainly of lectures, seminars, and individual study of literature relevant to the dissertation topic. The scientific component consists of individual or team research work related to the topic of the doctoral thesis. The student must obtain at least 105 credits for creative scientific activity and at least 70 credits for publication activity.

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Knowledge gained:

The graduate demonstrates a systematic understanding of the relationship between linguistics of the relevant languages (Slovak, English, German, Russian, and Ukrainian) and linguodidactic practice. They understand the relationship between language acquisition and language learning, educational theories, language teaching concepts, teaching methods, classroom activities, and the teacher’s interaction style. They are able to reflect on the relationship between language and the linguistic worldview of its users, including the representative function of language as a cultural value of society. The graduate has a deep and systematic understanding of the field, is well oriented in scholarly research related to the given language, and is familiar with current research trends in the field.

Skills acquired:

The graduate has acquired the skills and methods of scientific research and is able to formulate research questions, apply appropriate research methodology, integrate their findings into the theoretical framework of contemporary domestic and international research, and evaluate the relationship between trends in linguistic research and their application in language didactics. They are able to design, write, publish, and present scientific research results and disseminate knowledge in linguodidactics, including in popular-science form. From a cognitive perspective, the graduate is able to apply critical analysis and synthesis of theoretical and meta-theoretical concepts. They have developed advanced reading skills with contextual understanding and are able to systematically search for, process, and critically evaluate academic sources in their field, both in relation to existing knowledge and teaching practice. They are able to present their knowledge in a foreign language, especially English.

Acquired Competencies:

The graduate is able to take responsibility for the individual stages of their research and contribute to the development of the discipline through their research outputs. They are capable of both independent and team-based scientific work and are able to communicate at a professional level with colleagues, the professional community, and the wider public.

Higher Education and Research

• assistant professor
• university lecturer
• researcher
• linguist (philologist)

Primary and Secondary Education

• primary school teacher
• secondary school teacher
• language teacher

Language and Continuing Education

• language school teacher
• teacher for continuing education

Language and Continuing Education

• methodologist and inspector in the field of education and training
  teacher for continuing education
• local government education and training specialist

Entry requirements:

• successful completion of a Master’s degree in Teaching and Educational Sciences (language specialisation) or in a related field of study
• submission and presentation of a dissertation project proposal related to the chosen research topic
• demonstration of analytical, critical, and creative thinking abilities in the field related to the proposed dissertation topic
• successful completion of the entrance examination, including an oral interview and discussion on topics related to the field of study
• English language competence at minimum B2 level (CEFR)

more Entrance examination framework requirements 

Admission procedure:

• pay the application fee of €50 (the confirmation of payment must be attached to the application)
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• fill in and submit the application form
• print the application form, sign it and send it to the Faculty address with the required application documents
• Address: Prešovská univerzita v Prešove, Filozofická fakulta, 17. novembra 1, 081 16 Prešov, Slovakia