Degree Programmes

Degree programme in a nutshell

The Master's programme Czech for Foreigners is designed for foreigners (non-native speakers), especially for graduates of bachelor's studies in Czech / Czech studies for foreigners or of related bachelor's programmes (especially Czech bachelor's programmes implemented at foreign or Czech universities, e.g., general linguistics, cultural studies, cultural journalism, Slavic studies), whose knowledge and skills are further developed and profiled.

The programme is open for students whose input knowledge of Czech is at the intermediate level (min. B1 according to the CEFR). The output level is min. C1 (the advanced, according to the CEFR).

We pay attention especially to practising the Czech language in both written and oral forms, focusing on text creation, seminar papers, understanding written and spoken texts of various types, and presentation skills. The language courses are complemented by the disciplines focused on modern Czech history, culture, and literature, as well as the development of the Czech language. The study programme includes excursions, student conferences, project teaching, and other activities.

The teaching language is Czech. The programme is designed as a single or double major study. The standard study period is two years.

At the end of the study, there is a state final exam and a defence of a Master's thesis (about 60−80 pages). Czech is the language of both the exam and the thesis, the defence including. The students who pass the exams will get a Mgr. degree (Master).

Czech for Foreigners

Jsem cizinec a chtěl bych se učit česky. If you have understood the previous sentence, you can boldly sign up for the study program Czech for Foreigners. Our colleague Michal Místecký will explain to you who the study is suitable for, and what will you learn.

What do we expect from you?

The precondition for accepting applicants to the study programme is the knowledge of the Czech language at the intermediate level, which corresponds to the B1 category according to the CEFR at least.

Applicants should thus be able to understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered at work, at school, in their free time, during travelling, etc. They should be able to understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes and of texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job- / study-related language. They should be able to join conversation on topics that are familiar without preparation (e.g., topics of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life − family, hobbies, work, travel, and current events). They are expected to write simple connected text on topics which are connected to their personal interests and their study issues. They are able to write personal letters describing experiences and impressions. They are also able to describe their previous studies, the topics of their bachelor's theses, and their ideas on Master's theses as well.

Language competence and knowledge corresponds to the contents of these textbooks:
BISCHOFOVÁ, J. - HASIL, J. - HRDLIČKA, M. - KRAMÁŘOVÁ, J. Čeština pro středně a více pokročilé. Praha: Karolinum, 2011.
CVRČEK, V. a kol. Mluvnice současné češtiny 1. Praha: Karolinum, 2015.
ČERNÝ, J. Úvod do studia jazyka. Olomouc: Rubico, 2001.
HUBÁČEK, J. - JANDOVÁ, E. - SVOBODOVÁ, D. - SVOBODOVÁ, J. Čeština pro učitele. Odry: Vade Mecum Bohemiae, 2010.
Internetová jazyková příručka. Dostupné on-line: https://prirucka.ujc.cas.cz.
JANOUŠEK, P. (red.). Dějiny české literatury 1945-1989. Praha: Academia, 2007-2008.
KARLÍK, P. - NEKULA, M. - PLESKALOVÁ, J. (eds.). Nový encyklopedický slovník češtiny. Praha: NLN, 2017. Dostupné on-line: https://www.czechency.org/slovnik.
KARLÍK, P. - NEKULA, M. - RUSÍNOVÁ, Z. Příruční mluvnice češtiny. Praha: NLN, 2012.
LEHÁR, J. - STICH, A. - JANÁČKOVÁ, J. - HOLÝ, J. Česká literatura od počátku k dnešku. Praha: NLN, 1998.
PRAVDOVÁ, M. - SVOBODOVÁ, I. (eds.). Akademická příručka českého jazyka. Praha: Academia, 2019.
ŠTÍCHA, F. a kol. Akademická gramatika spisovné češtiny. Praha: Academia, 2013.

The applicant must have completed at least a Bachelor's degree programme studies. It is, therefore, necessary to perform the so-called nostrification, more information can be found at ForeignTranscripts.

What will you learn?

As graduates of the two-year Czech for Foreigners Master's study programme, students get communication skills in both written and spoken forms min. at the C1 level (the advanced, according to the CEFR). The graduates thus understand extended speech even if it is not clearly structured and if relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. They can understand television programmes and films, specialised articles and longer technical instructions, long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating – at the same time − distinctions of style. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions. They are able to use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes, to formulate ideas and opinions with precision, and relate their contributions skilfully to those of other speakers. The graduates can write a letter, an essay or a report on complex subjects, underlining what they consider to be the salient issues.

They can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub-themes, developing particular points, and rounding them off with appropriate conclusions.

How will the degree equip you for the job market?

After the Master's programme, it is possible to continue in the doctoral study programme and get a Ph.D. degree (the study programme “Czech Language”).

Graduates can work as interpreters and translators in Czech or foreign companies, lecturers of Czech for foreigners, independent workers in facilities and institutions presenting Czech culture abroad, guides, employees in state administration or various cultural institutions. The acquired practical skills of working with the text and language competence also enable them to get employed in the fields where a good knowledge of Czech as a foreign language is required (e.g., language editing, business communication, marketing).

Specific position

language editor
interpreter and translator in Czech or foreign companies
teacher of Czech language for foreigners
independent worker in facilities and institutions presenting Czech culture abroad
worker in state administration or various cultural institutions
guide

Admissions procedure

Department coordinating your studies

• Department of Czech Language

Contacts

• The student advisor for the degree programme will provide more information on the content of the programme Mgr. Tereza Klemensová, Ph.D.
• General questions on studies and the admissions procedure will be answered at Student Office.
• Questions from applicants with specific needs (e.g. a disability) will be answered by our Centrum Pyramida.
• Do you need advice on what else you could study or which studies are most suitable for you? Contact our Counseling and Career Centre.