Didactics of foreign languages and literatures

Professional committee - members

prof. György Domokos, PhD.  

prof. PhDr. Gabriela Lojová, PhD.

prof. PhDr. Mária Vajičková, CSc.

prof. PhDr. Zuzana Malinovská, CSc.  

doc. Dr. Beatriz Gómez-Pablos, PhD.

doc. Mgr. Andrea Mikulášová, PhD.

doc. Mgr. Renáta Bojničanová, PhD.

doc. PaedDr. Martina Šipošová, PhD.

doc. PhDr. Ivica Kolečáni Lenčová, PhD.

Mgr. Tomáš Hlava, PhD. (research associate)

Mgr. Roman Mikuláš, PhD. (research associate)

Study advisor (tutor):

Mgr. Tomáš Hlava, PhD.

Student study advisor at Faculty of Education:

student Mária Bednáriková

Coordinator for foreign mobility and Erasmus+:

PaedDr. Peter Gergel, PhD.

Mgr. Radana Štrbáková, PhD.

The 3rd degree study program (PhD.) 30104 Didactics of foreign languages ​​and literatures is structured as a complex autonomous unit. The structure of the subjects reflects the primary needs of scientific-pedagogical and scientific-research work and enables prospective graduates of philologically oriented master's degree programs of the Faculty of Education, Comenius University, as well as graduates of such oriented master's degree programs from other universities to continue their professional development.
The student's study plan for the Didactics of foreign languages ​​and literatures program consists of a study, scientific and pedagogical part, for which the student obtains a total of at least 180 credits.

The study part consists of compulsory, compulsory-elective and elective courses. For this part, the student receives at least 90 credits (including 20 credits for the dissertation exam; 30 credits for the dissertation defense are not included here, so, together with the credits for a successful defense, the student will receive at least 120 credits). The distribution of course types and credits is as follows.
Compulsory subjects (7, of which 5 are profile subjects), by completing which the student obtains 30 credits (dissertation examination and dissertation defense are considered compulsory subjects of the study program and by completing them, the student obtains a total of 50 credits (20 + 30); for compulsory subjects altogether, the student gets 80 credits).
Compulsory-elective courses (17, of which 4 are profile subjects), of which the student is required to obtain at least 28 credits (out of a total of 62 credits). Compulsory-elective courses consist of five modules: A1 (reference disciplines 1), A2 (reference disciplines 2), B1 (linguistics and language didactics), B2 (literary science and didactics of literature), C (interdisciplinary contexts). From module A1, the student will receive at least 6 credits; from module A2, the student will receive at least 6 credits. Depending on the specialization (dissertation topic), the student will receive at least 12 credits from module B1 or B2. The student will get at least 4 credits from module C. In order to meet the criterion of a minimum gain of 90 credits for the study part (excluding 30 credits for the defense of the dissertation), the student will receive the last 12 credits for compulsory-elective courses of their choice.
Elective courses (5). Depending on the interest or the nature of the dissertation topic, the student can enrol in other subjects from the group of elective courses.
The profiling of the graduate of the doctoral study program Didactics of foreign languages ​​is based on building deep knowledge of theories, methods and procedures of scientific research focused on foreign languages, a systematic, complex and comprehensive set of knowledge from linguodidactics, linguistics or literary science; developing the skills to acquire, analyze, evaluate and use knowledge and information and then present them in a reputable way; developing a sense of ethics of scientific work and its social dimension, and last but not least, forming the required professional and personal characteristics.
Compulsory subjects are, in terms of the goals of education declared in the graduate profile, focused on areas essential for a specialist with a 3rd degree university degree, i.e. areas of research methodology (subjects of qualitative and quantitative research methodology, creation of a research project) and language didactics (subject of theoretical scope of foreign language teaching methodology). Through them, the student will gain the basic knowledge base needed to develop scientific-methodological and linguodidactic skills, competencies and abilities in accordance with current international trends. They also provide him with the conditions for the development of skills and competencies necessary for planning, preparation, organization and conducting of his/her own research activities. Compulsory subjects thus constitute a whole that enables the student to achieve the goals declared by the graduate profile in a fundamental way.
Compulsory-elective courses are divided into 5 modules (reference disciplines 1, reference disciplines 2, linguistics and language didactics, literary science and didactics of literature, interdisciplinary contexts), content differentiation of which allows for flexibility in compiling the student's personal study plan, thanks to the ability to reflect the need of individual professional growth and future professional orientation of the student. In terms of content, the subjects are designed in a way they follow up on the content of the profile subject of the given module and further develop it (especially in the case of specialization in linguistics and language didactics, or literary science and didactics of literature). Modules focused on reference disciplines and interdisciplinary contexts further expand and deepen the knowledge and skills acquired in the profile compulsory didactically oriented subject.
Elective courses give students the opportunity to develop skills that enable them to meet the requirements of the study program more effectively. Courses are taught in the Slovak language, or in other languages ​​listed in the course description sheet according to the characteristics of the group of enrolled students.

The scientific part of the study plan consists of publishing, grant and scientific activities of the student. The student will receive at least 60 credits for these activities. The number of credits awarded for scientific activities is based on the internal regulations of the faculty. The full-time student is obliged to publish and subsequently have at least three scientific papers (category A) registered in EVIPUB, of which one work is published abroad in a foreign language.
The full-time doctoral student (who meets the age condition) has the obligation to actively participate (except for the last year of study) in obtaining a grant for young researchers and doctoral students (UK Grants).

The pedagogical part of the study plan consists of performing pedagogical or other professional activities related to pedagogical activities, for a maximum of four hours per week on average for the academic year in which the teaching takes place. The numbers of credits awarded for pedagogical activities are based on the internal regulations of the faculty.

STUDY PLAN – full-time form

STUDY PLAN – part-time form

Admission requirements for the study programme applicants in the doctoral (PhD.) study programme Didactics of foreign languages and literatures is the completion of the second (master's) degree and successful completion of the admission procedure. An officially certified copy of the master's degree is delivered with the required proof of education.

Applicants are admitted on the basis of an entrance examination, in which they must demonstrate the knowledge necessary for doctoral studies. In the application for the entrance examination, candidates apply for one of the topics listed by the faculty and published on the university's website at least two months before on the day of the admission procedure. This procedure enables the integration of future doctoral students into the research activities of the faculty. Based on the selected topic, the applicant must prepare a dissertation project in the range of 8-10 pages, which is part of the application for the admission procedure.

The parts of the entrance examination are:

1. oral examination of linguistic, didactic, and literary disciplines close to the topic of the chosen dissertation,
2. defense of the research project, which is to be the subject of the dissertation,
3. proof of the applicant's computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet).

Information on the number of applicants, accepted applicants, students and graduates and on the success of the study:
Number of applicants in the last admission procedure for the third degree: 4
Number of admitted applicants in the last admission procedure for the third degree: 3
Number of students at the third degree in the current academic year: 8 (3 full-time / 5 part-time)
Number of third degree graduates in the last academic year: 1 (full-time)
Success rate of studies at the third degree (number of enrolled/number of graduates in the last academic year): 33%

The goals of education in the study program of Didactics of foreign languages and literature are in accordance with the Long-term plan of Comenius University and the Internal Quality System at Comenius University, together with the Long-term plan for development of the Faculty of Education, Comenius University for 2021-2027, as well as strategic goals and objectives of the Faculty of Education, Comenius University.

The PhD. graduate of the study programme Didactics of Foreign Languages and Literatures in the field of Teacher Training and Education Science has a comprehensive and complex set of knowledge in his/her specialization, he/she is characterized by extensive knowledge of standards, principles and methods of pedagogical research with a focus on foreign/modern languages, literatures and didactics. Thanks to extensive professional knowledge, he/she is able to perform the work of a university teacher of the relevant language, literatures and didactics, work in theoretical, empirical or applied research in the field of linguistics, literary science and didactics, as well as in scientific research and scientific-pedagogical institutions. He/she applies his/her skills of research, scientific and managerial work in state administration, in the field of school management, in the media, in cultural and educational work, in leading and expert positions in the field of publishing and journalism. He/she is ready to work in international educational institutions, organizations and companies in an intercultural and interdisciplinary context. The PhD. graduate masters specific literary, linguistic and didactic issues in detail, which he/she dealt with in his/her dissertation. Thanks to extensive knowledge from several areas of the field of study, he/she is able to design and present innovative, interdisciplinary or interdisciplinary research topics, thus making a fundamental contribution to research in the theory of foreign language didactics and finding application solutions in practice. He/she also uses methodological and theoretical knowledge in designing innovative and interdisciplinary methodological procedures. He/she takes into account all relevant social, scientific and ethical aspects when formulating research topics, questions and methodological procedures, as well as when interpreting data. He/she monitors and knows trends in general linguistics, literary research and relevant professional didactics in Slovakia and at the international level. The PhD. graduate is able to research and evaluate the key problems of scientific research, use primary and secondary sources, work with a large amount of information, with national and international databases. He/she is characterized by developed presentation and communication skills, he/she is able to actively participate in domestic and international conferences dedicated to the researched issues. He/she studies the latest professional literatures, knows professional journals focusing on linguistic, didactic and literary methods and problems. He/she gains the ability of independent, critical and analytical thinking, he/she is able to evaluate, creatively use relevant knowledge from his/her field to identify, analyze and solve problematic professional and communication situations. He/she is able to use all theoretical knowledge and general skills in his/her work as a university teacher, as well as as a conceptual and cultural worker in the state administration of education and culture or as an editor in communication with the general public. He/she is able to plan and initiate cooperation with foreign universities, participate in international scientific projects. The PhD. graduate demonstrates the ability to actively educate and integrate into postdoctoral studies; he/she is able to competently monitor and identify world developments in related disciplines, apply innovative approaches in practice, and thus contribute to the development of the relevant field of study in interdisciplinary and intercultural contexts. The graduate will find employment in tertiary education at universities with the perspective of further professional growth and scientific research with application outputs in school practice. He/she will find further employment in secondary education and in language schools, where he/she is able to work not only as a teacher but also as a responsible employee in the field of cooperation with foreign institutions. Graduates are also experts who are able to work in the field of journalism and international relations, secondarily also in the economic field (international companies, etc.).

By completing the study programme of the third level - Didactics of foreign languages ​​and literatures, the student will obtain a qualification (and the relevant qualification certificate, i.e. a university diploma - 3rd degree, state examination certificate and diploma supplement), which is in accordance with the requirements for university work - assistant professor and researcher llb.

The pursuit of a (regulated) profession is defined by:

1. Qualification requirements for the pursuit of the professional activity University teacher – assistant professor with the qualification degree (PhD.) stipulated by the document Regulated teaching professions and Act no. 131/2002 Coll. on Higher Education and on Amendments to Certain Acts, as amended, § 75.
2. Qualification requirements for the pursuit of the professional activity Researcher at a public research institution or at the Slovak Academy of Sciences stipulated by Act No. 133/2002 on the Slovak Academy of Sciences, as amended by Act No. 40/2011 Coll., Act No. 243/2017 Coll., Act No. 243/2017 Coll., Act No. 270/2018 Coll., Act No. 347/2021 Coll., Act No. 347/2021 Coll., §15, Act No. 552/2003 Coll. on the performance of work in the public interest, as amended, and Act No. 243/2017 on Public Research Institutions and on Amendments and Additions to Certain Acts.
3. Qualification prerequisites for the performance of the professional activity of a pedagogical employee with a second attestation or a professional employee with a second attestation set out in Act No. 138/2019 Coll., the Act on pedagogical employees and professional employees and on amendment and supplementation of certain acts (as amended by Act No. 209/2019 Coll., 310/2019 Coll., 271/2021 Coll., 414/2021 Coll.), §30.

The qualification obtained by completing the third degree of the study program 30104 Didactics of Foreign Languages ​​and Literatures and educational outcomes meet sector-specific professional expectations for the pursuit of professions for which the study program prepares graduates, namely: university teacher - assistant professor, researcher llb.

Department of German language and literature:

• Institute of world literature, Slovak Academy od Science, Bratislava

• Faculty of Philosophy, Cyril and Method University, Trnava, Department of German studies,

• Faculty of Philosophy, Matej Bel University, Banská Bystrica, Department of German studies

• Faculty of Philosophy, Comenius University, Bratislava, Department of German and Scandinavian studies,

• Institute of Languages Polytechnic University, Zvolen

• Goethe Institute, Bratislava

• Austrian cultural forum

• VW Slovakia Foundation

• SUNG – Alliance of German language teachers in Slovakia

Department of English language and literature:

• Erasmus+ Bilateral agreements with univeristies partners:

• Spain: Universidad de Granada/ Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Granada

• Spain: Universidad Complutense de Madrid/ Facultad de Filología, Madrid

• Germany: Universität Leipzig/ Philologische Fakultät, Leipzig

• Germany: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ Fakultät für Psychologie und Pädagogik, Munich

• Poland: Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny w Krakowie/ Instytut Filologii Angielskej, Krakov

• Czech republic: Univerzita Jana Evangelisty Purkyně, Ústí nad Labem/ Faculty of Pedagogy, Ústí nad Labem

• Turkey: Maltepe University/ Faculty of Education, Istanbul

• Turkey: Istanbul Sabahattim Zaid University/ Faculty of Education, Istanbul

Department of Romance languages and literatures:

• International university network CEEPUS CIII-HU-0809-05-2223 FISH (FRENCH, ITALIAN, SPANISH)- ROMANCE LANGUAGES AND CULTURES - STRATEGIES OF COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE TRANSFER IN CENTRAL EUROPE, with member universities in Brno, Graz, Zagreb, Zadar, Krakov, Ljubljana, Budapest, Klus and Novi Sad.

• Comenius University is a member of Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie.

Cooperation with:

• Institute Français de Slovaquie

• Istituto Italiano di Cultura Bratislava

• Instituto Cervantes,  Bratislava

Erasmus mobility (PhD. degree):

• Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary

• University of Bucharest, Romania

• Domokos_VTC_EN.pdf
• Domokos_VUPCH_EN.pdf
• Kolecani_Lencova_VTC_SK.pdf
• Kolecani_Lencova_VUPCH_EN.pdf
• Lojova_VTC_EN.pdf
• Lojova_VUPCH_EN.pdf
• Mikulasova_VTC_EN.pdf
• Mikulasova_VUPCH_EN.pdf
• Vajickova_VTC_EN.pdf
• Vajickova_VUPCH_EN.pdf