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JFMED > Departments > Scientific and Teaching Workplaces > Departments of Basic Sciences > Department of Foreign Languages > Doctoral Students

Doctoral Students

Foreign Language Examination for Doctoral Students

1.Preparation for the Examination 

Doctoral students are responsible for preparing for the examination independently. Preparation may include self-study, language courses, or a period of study abroad.
Students are also encouraged to attend the Research Methodology course for doctoral students, which is typically held in January. As part of this course, the Department of Foreign Languages provides detailed information regarding the format, content, and requirements of the language examination.

2. Registration for the Examination 

  • Doctoral students may register for the examination once they have enrolled for the relevant academic year and have been assigned a foreign language examiner.
  • The list of doctoral students assigned to individual examiners is published by the end of October each academic year.
  • Students must contact their assigned examiner at least four weeks prior to their preferred examination date. The date and time must be agreed upon in consultation with the doctoral supervisor to ensure suitability for all parties involved.
  • To register, students must complete the Examination Application Form (DOC, 31 kB) and submit it electronically to the examiner.

 

3. Requirements Before the Examination

Doctoral students must:

  • Submit the completed Examination Application Form at least 15 calendar days before the scheduled examination date.
  • Study approximately 150 pages of specialist literature relevant to their dissertation research. The material may consist of a textbook, a monograph (or a clearly defined section thereof), or recent scholarly articles. This will serve as the source material for the Reading and Listening components of the examination.
  • Submit the study material to the examiner no later than seven working days before the examination. It may be submitted electronically via email or delivered in printed form by post or in person. If the material is not submitted by the deadline, the examiner reserves the right to select an alternative text.
  • Review and master ten topics from the Academic Skills in Medical English handbook when taking the examination in English. The handbook should be borrowed from the examiner well in advance. Lists of examination topics are available for English (PDF, 35 kB) and German (PDF, 96 kB).
  • Prepare a PowerPoint presentation on a topic related to their dissertation or research. The presentation must be brought to the examination on a USB flash drive. Students are also advised to email a copy to the examiner as a precaution against technical difficulties.

 

4. Scheduling the Examination

  • Once the proposed date has been approved by the doctoral supervisor, the student must coordinate the date and time with the examiner.
  • The examination must take place during one of the designated examination periods for the current academic year. Examinations cannot be held outside these periods.

Designated examination periods for the 2026/2027 academic year:

  • 9–13 November 2026
  • 15–19 January 2027
  • 8–12 February 2027
  • 5–9 March 2027
  • 24–28 May 2027
  • 14–18 June 2027
  • 30–31 August 2027

 

5. Examination Format and Content

  • Reading and translation of a specialist text: The text is selected from the study material submitted by the student.
  • Listening comprehension: The student listens to a short specialist text delivered via AI-generated speech, summarises its content, and answers follow-up questions.
  • Speaking exam: Demonstrating knowledge of a randomly selected topic.
  • PowerPoint presentation: The student presents their dissertation research, followed by a discussion.

 

6. Examination Venue

The examination takes place at the Department of Foreign Languages, Malá Hora 5, in the historical Štefánik Institute building. The specific room will be announced in advance.

7. Arrival and Preparation

Doctoral students must arrive at least 30 minutes before the examination. Upon arrival, they will draw an examination topic and will be given time for preparation.

8. Examination Committee

  • The Examination Committee consists of at least three members: two faculty members from the Department of Foreign Languages and the doctoral supervisor.
  • If the doctoral supervisor is unable to attend in person, they may appoint a representative who holds at least a PhD degree. Written authorisation must be submitted in advance to the administrative office of the Department of Foreign Languages: Authorisation for Representation at the Doctoral Examination in English (DOC, 14 kB).

9. Examination Result

The examination result is graded as Pass or Fail.