czech technical University

What you'll study

The doctoral programme combines advanced theoretical study with methodological training and supervised independent research. Core study typically includes contemporary social theory, philosophy of science, research ethics, and advanced methods modules covering qualitative methods, quantitative analysis and mixed-methods design. Students follow a personalised curriculum that may include seminars on technology and society, innovation and policy studies, urban and spatial analysis, organisational behaviour, human factors, or sustainability and governance, depending on their research focus.

• Research methods and statistics (qualitative and quantitative)
• Theory in social sciences and philosophy of science
• Specialist seminars related to technology, infrastructure, urban studies or organisational studies
• Research ethics and responsible research practice
• Doctoral seminar series and teaching/practical skills
• Independent research leading to a doctoral thesis and public defence

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (or equivalent) in a social science, humanities, engineering, architecture, economics, or a closely related discipline. Successful candidates typically demonstrate strong research potential through prior research projects, a detailed research proposal, and academic references.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• A clear research proposal outlining research questions, rationale, methodology and expected contribution.
• Academic transcripts and at least two academic references.
• Curriculum vitae detailing research experience, publications (if any) and relevant professional experience.
• Language proficiency in English or Czech as required for supervision and programme participation; specific evidence may be requested.
• Admission may require an interview with prospective supervisors or a faculty committee and identification of a suitable supervisor within the university.

Career prospects

Graduates from this PhD programme move into a wide range of academic and professional careers. Common paths include university research and teaching, policy analysis and advisory roles in government and public bodies, research and evaluation positions in think tanks and NGOs, and strategic roles in industry where social insight into technology and infrastructure is needed.

• Academic researcher and lecturer in social sciences, technology studies or related fields
• Policy analyst or consultant in government, international organisations or research institutes
• Research and evaluation specialist in NGOs, think tanks and public agencies
• R&D manager, user-researcher or social impact specialist in technology firms and consultancies
• Urban planner, sustainability analyst or project manager in organisations addressing socio-technical systems

Why study at czech technical University

czech technical University offers an interdisciplinary environment where social science research engages directly with technical disciplines such as engineering, architecture and information technology. The university has long-standing research centres and project collaborations that allow doctoral students to work on applied problems with industry and public-sector partners. Located in Prague, the university provides access to a vibrant academic community, international networks and archives, while supervision is provided by faculty with expertise spanning qualitative and quantitative methods, policy studies and socio-technical systems.

Doctoral candidates benefit from structured doctoral training, opportunities for international mobility and interdisciplinary supervision, enabling research that is theoretically rigorous and relevant to real-world technological and societal challenges.