Study information

The PhD studies are carried out in accordance with the provisions of Act No. 111/98 Coll. on universities. The studies include lectures and seminars on theoretical and practical subjects of specialized topics, exams, and mainly systematic work on solving a scientific problem, resulting in the preparation of a doctoral thesis. The main part of the studies is controlled individual study and scientific research work. The study ends with a rigorous exam and the defense of the dissertation.

The study is implemented in two forms which have different ways of financing:

1. full-time PhD studies (four years) where students’ subsistence needs are ensured from a scholarship,
2. part-time PhD studies (five years) where the participants have their needs covered from other sources.

Basic information about PhD studies

• Graduates will receive a Ph.D. title behind their name
• An important part of the study is the scientific research activity associated with the preparation of a doctoral thesis
• Applicants have a choice of two forms of study: four-year full-time (subsidized from a scholarship) and five-year part-time studies (subsidized from other funds)
• A non-negligible percentage of graduates will find employment directly at the Klokner Institute as experts in scientific research and forensic expertise

Course of PhD studies

The aim of the PhD studies is to educate experts in construction engineering, structural reliability, and evaluation of building materials. Graduates of the Civil Engineering program find employment either at the Klokner Institute or in the research departments of construction companies and standard-setting institutions.

Choosing a doctoral thesis topic

You can choose from a list of general themes offered. You cannot apply to study with your own topic.

Contacting a potential supervisor and arranging supervision

The names of the supervisors are listed for each dissertation topic. You can talk to them to see if they will take you under their wing and help you through your studies successfully. Most supervisors only have a limited number of learners to attend to, so be sure to respond early.

Approval of a study plan

The names of supervisors are listed for individual doctoral thesis topics. You can agree with them whether they will take you under their wings and will help you to successfully complete your studies. Most supervisors only have a limited number of students to take care of, so be sure to respond in a timely manner.

Students at the Klokner Institute have the opportunity to draw up an individual study plan, which is especially important for those who have chosen a part-time form of study.

To successfully complete the PhD degree, students have to:

Successful completion of PhD studies

• pass exams in the four elective subjects of the PI group by the end of the first year (or by the second semester respectively).
• pass exams in at least two elective subjects of the PII group, by the end of the second year (or by the fourth semester respectively).
• pass foreign language exams.
• pass exams in optional subjects agreed with their supervisor.
• pass the State Doctoral Examination by the end of the third year (or by the sixth semester respectively).
• by the end of the seventh semester, have finished all the experimental and evaluation work and submitted the doctoral thesis in the form of a draft to their supervisor.
• have submitted their doctoral thesis by the end of the fourth year (the eighth semester).

According to the study regulations, every PhD student is obliged to:

• actively present their work at international conferences and in professional journals,
• undertake a short-term study stay at a foreign university or a friendly research institute.

State doctoral examination (SDE)

As soon as you, as a student, have fulfilled all the points mentioned in the previous paragraph, you can ask the study department to issue the state doctoral examination (SDE). You will bring a written treatise on your doctoral thesis to the state doctoral examination and conduct an expert debate with the committee on the topic of the doctoral thesis, thereby proving your expertise in the given issue. The exam can be scheduled at any time after the above obligations have been fulfilled.

Branches of PhD studies at the Klokner Institute

All new applicants are enrolled in the joint study programme Structural materials, testing and reliability in civil engineering.

1. Study programme – Structural Materials, Testing and Reliability in Civil Engineering

Students of the field are systematically introduced to new trends in the field of concrete technology, remediation of concrete and masonry structures, as well as in the field of production and testing of building materials and diagnostics of building structures.
Details

2. Study programme – Civil Engineering
Field of study – Theory of Non-metal and Building Materials
no admissions

The field of study has a valid accreditation until 31.12.2024, so new students can no longer be admitted to this field.

Students will receive the highest university education in the field of silicate materials and testing of building materials and structures.
Details

3. Study programme – Civil Engineering
Field of study – Theory of Structures – no admissions

The field of study has a valid accreditation until 31.12.2024, so new students can no longer be admitted to this field.

The field of study educates experts in the verification of the reliability of new and existing building structures, in the determination of models of normal and extreme loads and the effects of loads, in the experimental analysis of structures, risk assessment of technical systems, and in the field of pre-normative research.
Details