The purpose of the complex comprehensive exam is to evaluate the subject knowledge and literature knowledge of the doctoral student (“theoretical part”), as well as his/her scientific performance (“dissertation part”).
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In the case of the Regular or MD/PhD program, the complex exam serves as the end of the training and research phase and as a condition for starting the research and dissertation phase. PhD students, who enrolled after 1. September 2016. are obliged to take a complex comprehensive exam by the end of the 4th active semester.
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In the case of individual (“Untrained”) preparers, the complex exam is a condition for participation in the graduation procedure. The candidates are supposed to take the complex exam after the entrance interview.
It is possible to take the complex exam in both semesters at the times specified by the Doctoral Divisions, the study coordinator of the division can provide information about this. You must apply separately for the complex exam (download the form for application).
Theoretical part
In the theoretical part, the doctoral student takes an exam in two subjects (1 main and 1 additional subject).
In the framework of the main subject, the student reports on his knowledge of a broader field of science, while in the framework of the additional subject, he reports on a narrower field of science related to his research field. The theoretical exam may also have a written part.
Recommendation for the subjects of the complex exam and for the members of the professional board of the theoretical exam form is filled in by the Doctoral Schools not by the students.
Practical (dissertation) part
In the second part of the complex exam, the student gives an account of his knowledge of the literature in the form of a lecture (8-10 minute presentation), reports on his research results, describes his research plan for the second phase of the doctoral training, as well as the schedule for the preparation of the dissertation and the publication of the results.
In this part of the exam, it is also necessary to make sure that the student is thoroughly familiar with the methodologies used and the statistical methods used to evaluate the results.
Complex exam topics
The scientific Doctoral Divisions send information about the main and additional subjects plus about the date and venue of the exam.
Exam periods
The spring semester complex exam period depending on the Schools and the programs is in June, August or September. The autumn semester exam period is in February and March.
May you have further questions contact the Doctoral Divisons
Complex exam documents
For the divisions: Recommendation for the subjects of the complex exam and for the members of the professional board of the theoretical exam