Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Degree Programmes

Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Computer Science

The bachelor study programme in Computer Science is intended for students who would like to learn the lasting foundations of computer science and to become proficient in its methods and approaches. A soundly built theoretical base is invaluable for working with applications and software development, and is a necessity for further study and research in computer science. The study programme usually takes three years to complete, and ends with a state final examination, after the successful completion of which the student is awarded the title of Bachelor of Science. The degree awarded is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic and is internationally recognized. The language of instruction is English.

In the first year, there are basic mathematical courses (Mathematical Analysis 1, Linear Algebra 1, Linear Algebra 2, Discrete Mathematics) and introductory courses in algorithms (Introduction to Algorithms, Algorithms and Data Structures 1), programming (Programming 1, Programming 2) and computers (Principles of Computers, Introduction to Networking, Introduction to Linux).

During the second year students learn further mathematical theory (Combinatorics and Graph Theory 1, Mathematical Analysis 2, Propositional and Predicate Logic, Probability and Statistics 1), as well as the theoretical basics of programming and computers (Algorithms and Data Structures II, Automata and Grammars, Database Systems). In the second year, students are also required to learn some practical programming and to present an Individual Software Project. Students choose other courses according to their individual needs and interests, and they also select which of the three specializations they would like to pursue: General Computer Science, Databases and Web or Artificial Intelligence.

During the third year students choose courses according to their specialization and they are also expected to work on their bachelor’s thesis. Studies in the programme are concluded with the state final examination.

Graduates from our programme are familiar with the fundamentals of mathematics and computer science. They have both theoretical and practical experience with programming and basic knowledge in more specific areas according to their choice of advanced classes. The skills acquired provide a good background for a follow-up master’s degree, as well as sufficient knowledge for immediate employment. Graduates are able to perform well in any position where logical thinking is required. They may also work as programmers or network administrators.

Master’s Degree Programmes

In our master’s programmes, students are given a broad overview of their field, helping them to think independently, to distinguish between important and marginal problems, and to accommodate quickly to novel technologies. The focus is on understanding the core principles of how and why things work and on the application of these principles within modern technologies. The strong theoretical basis of the master’s study programme gives our graduates a competitive advantage in a dynamically evolving world where today’s technologies are often obsolete tomorrow.

Studies usually take two years and finish with a state final examination and master’s thesis defense. After successful completion the student is awarded the title of Master of Science. We offer Master’s Programmes in Computer Science, in Mathematics and in Physics; more detailed description of the programmes is provided below.

Master’s Programmes in Computer Science

Currently we offer seven Computer Science programmes in English (the complete description is available here):

• Artificial Intelligence

  The programme Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence provides a grounding in the theory and applications of the design of intelligent systems in such areas as data analysis, automated problem solving, and robotics. Emphasis is put on gaining a deep understanding of the formal theoretical foundations of the subject and an appreciation of their practical applicability.

• Discrete Models and Algorithms

  The programme Computer Science – Discrete Models and Algorithms offers a broad education in the theoretical and mathematical foundations of computer science. Students obtain knowledge in the area of discrete models and related algorithmic and data techniques and various mathematical methods for their design.

• Language Technologies and Computational Linguistics

  The aim of the programme Computer Science – Language Technologies and Computational Linguistics is to prepare graduates for research in the area of natural language processing and the development of applications in both written and spoken language. Emphasis is put on gaining a deep understanding of formal mathematical and algorithmic foundations and their practical applicability in natural language processing tasks.

• Software and Data Engineering

  The programme Computer Science – Software and Data Engineering leads to expertise in the analysis, design and development of complex software solutions, and in systems focused on big data processing. The portfolio of courses provided in the study programme covers a variety of technological platforms, from classic web-based to modern cloud and distributed solutions.

• Software Systems

  The programme Computer Science – Software Systems concerns system-oriented programming in one of three focus domains. System Programming focuses on designing and coding the basic layers of a computer system. Dependable Systems focuses on the systematic construction of systems with high reliability. High Performance Computing introduces techniques for software development on high performance computing systems.

• Theoretical Computer Science

  Computer Science – Theoretical Computer Science is a programme intended for research-oriented study. Students gain an overview and understanding of many areas of contemporary theoretical computer science – from cryptography and the limits of computational systems to state-of-the-art techniques in the design of efficient algorithms and data structures. Studies may include working in an international environment under the guidance of recognized experts while writing a master's thesis.

• Visual Computing and Game Development

  The programme Computer Science – Visual Computing and Game Development consists of two closely related study tracks. The first, Visual Computing, offers training in a wide range of visual sciences, including geometric modelling and rendering as well as the basics of image analysis and computer vision. The second, Computer Game Development, focuses on artificial intelligence and intelligent agent systems as well as on those software engineering skills needed for developing large-scale gaming projects.

Master’s Programme in Mathematics

The master’s programme in Mathematics leads students to achieve a deep and solid understanding of higher mathematics. It is designed to encourage analytical thinking, creativity and comprehensive understanding, combined with an ability to apply mathematical methods to real-life problems. It offers degrees in several study branches, ranging from pure abstract mathematics to applications in various fields (the complete description is available here):

• Mathematical Structures

  provides a deep knowledge of advanced algebra, geometry, logic, and combinatorics.

• Mathematical Analysis

  focuses on advanced real function theory, complex analysis, functional analysis, ordinary and partial differential equations.

• Computational Mathematics

  deals with design, analysis, algorithmization, and implementation of methods for computer processing of mathematical models.

• Mathematical Modelling in Physics and Technology

  is an interdisciplinary field connecting mathematical analysis, numerical mathematics, and physics to develop and apply mathematical models of natural phenomena.

• Probability, Mathematical Statistics and Econometrics

  offers advanced courses in probability theory, optimization, statistical modelling, and random processes, and applies problem-solving methods from economics, technology, natural sciences, and informatics.

• Financial and Insurance Mathematics

  focuses on mathematical methods for finance, life and non-life insurance, and financial management.

• Mathematics for Information Technologies

  is an interdisciplinary program focusing on mathematical, algorithmic and numerical foundations of modern information technologies, with applications in information security, computer vision, information processing etc.

Master’s Programme in Physics

• Particle and Nuclear Physics

  Particle physics (high-energy, subnuclear physics) investigates the structure of matter on the level of elementary particles and their fundamental interactions. Nuclear physics studies the structure of atomic nuclei and more generally the behaviour of finite quantum systems of mutually interacting particles. The study is based on comprehensive courses of theoretical and experimental particle and nuclear physics, based on extensive courses of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. The emphasis is put on mastering the relevant computational techniques and managing the methods of acquisition and evaluation of experimental data, including an efficient use of computing and advanced software tools. With the aid of optional courses and the Master project, the students gain deep knowledge in a selected area and choose orientation to theory or experiment.

• Atmospheric Physics, Meteorology and Climatology

  The program is the only one in the Czech Republic offering a comprehensive study of meteorology and climatology, including courses in weather and climate modelling, numerical flow simulation or air quality modelling. We cover topics like climate change, weather prediction, remote sensing techniques, middle and higher atmosphere or nonlinear and deterministic chaotic processes in the atmosphere. Students may engage in related research projects, carried out in collaboration with various Czech and international universities, research institutes and commercial companies.

• Surface and Plasma Physics

  The program covers an extensive and interdisciplinary discipline that includes a fundamental knowledge about the motion of neutral and charged particles in all states and their interactions with a particular medium. A connection of many fields of physics – vacuum physics, physics of surface and thin films, and plasma physics ranging from the laboratory through industry up to the plasma in space – provides a reasonable basis for engagement in different applications like modern diagnostic methods in material sciences, plasma technologies, nuclear fusion or space research. All these disciplines can be treated experimentally as well as using the methods of theoretical or computational physics. Students choose a diploma thesis topic in accord with their orientation from the following areas: surface physics, thin film physics, vacuum physics, plasma physics, and space physics, and is focused either on experiment and its automation or numerical simulations or an extension of the theoretical knowledge.

• Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

  Physics of Condensed Systems and Materials is devoted to experimental and theoretical study of properties of condensed systems, their microphysical interpretation and application possibilities, especially with regard to the current development of materials research. During study students can choose one focus: Physics of atomic and electronic structures, Physics of macromolecular substances , Physics of Materials, Physics of Low Temperatures and Physics of Surface Modifications. Each of these provides general education in the field at the current level of knowledge and profiles the graduate in the chosen specialization. Studies may include providing experiments on large international facilities like ESRF, ILL, etc.

• Optics and optoelectronics

  The program is offered to students who want to gain a broader physical perspective and a detailed knowledge and practical skills needed for research and scientific activities in the field of optics and optoelectronics. The program offers a comprehensive study in optics and optoelectronics. It includes courses in quantum and nonlinear optics, solid state physics, laser physics, light-mater interaction, detection of light, and photonics. Selected lectures cover emerging topics in optics such as opto-spintronics, physics of metamaterials or terahertz spectroscopy, and others. Teaching prepares students for independent creative activity, as well as for teamwork. The obtained broader overview also creates preconditions for work in interdisciplinary areas at the interface of physics, biology and technical disciplines. Graduates are fully prepared for further doctoral studies.

• Biophysics and Chemical Physics

  The focus of this field lies at the interface of physics, biology and chemistry. The graduate will gain knowledge of quantum theory and statistics physics of molecules and molecular systems, from experimental methods of biophysics and chemical physics, especially optical and other spectroscopic methods, structural analysis and imaging techniques. Students choose one of two specializations: theoretical or experimental biophysics and chemical physics. They will gain deeper knowledge in the theoretical specialization in the field of quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics or advanced theoretical spectroscopy; in experimental in biochemistry and molecular biology, biophysics of photosynthesis or structural methods. Graduates have the opportunity to apply in research and applied fields related to physics, biology, chemistry, medicine, materials research, bio- and nanotechnologies, pharmacy, etc.

Graduates find employment not only at universities and research institutes, but also in banks, financial and insurance companies, the pharmaceutical industry, the software industry, and marketing and telecommunication companies.

PhD Degree Programmes

• Mathematics
• Computer Science (Informatics)
• Physics

Study Programme Mathematics

• General Questions of Mathematics and Computer Science
• Algebra, number theory, and mathematical logic
• Computational mathematics
• Probability and statistics, econometrics and financial mathematics
• Mathematical Analysis
• Geometry, topology, and global analysis

Study Programme Computer Science

• Computer Science – Visual computing and computer games
• Computer Science – Software Systems
• Computer Science – Theory of Computing, Discrete Models and Optimization
• Computational linguistics
• Theoretical Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
• General Questions of Mathematics and Computer Science

Study Programme Physics

• Atmospheric physics, meteorology and climatology
• Quantum Optics and Optoelectronics
• Physics Education and General Problems of Physics
• Physics of Plasmas and Ionized Media
• Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces
• Particle and Nuclear Physics
• Mathematical and computer modeling
• Physics of the Earth and Planets
• Theoretical Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Biophysics, chemical and macromolecular physics
• Physics of nanostructures and nanomaterials
• Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Research

Semesters, Lectures and Exams

The academic year is divided into two semesters — a winter semester, starting in October, and a summer semester, starting in February. In each semester, there are 13 weeks of teaching and an examination period of 5 weeks. The courses are mostly in the form of lectures and recitations. The lectures cover the theoretical underpinnings of the subject, and there is time for applications of the theory in the recitations. The schedule of the faculty consists of 45-minute lessons with 5-minute breaks, and most of the lectures and recitations are organized as 90-minute long blocks of two such lessons once or twice a week. Attendance of lectures and recitations is usually not obligatory, but is strongly recommended. Mastery of a subject is confirmed by course credit and/or by an exam. Course credits (usually for recitations) are awarded at the end of the semester. The conditions for obtaining a course credit differ according to the nature of the course, from completing a test to programming an application or writing a survey. Exams are taken during the 5-week examination period and can be oral or written.

Want to know more?

Check our admission procedure, read alumni testimonials, find out about living in Prague or download our Study Guide which contains a detailed description of our programmes.

Other study options at Charles University in Prague

Do you want to study in the Czech Republic, but you find the Czech language to be really tricky? If you are interested in economics, sociology, politics or territorial studies, the Faculty of Social Sciences is a great option for you! One bachelor’s degree programme and thirteen master’s degree programmes are taught in English, fully accredited by the Czech Ministry of Education. Find more information about the programmes, admissions and student life at https://fsv.cuni.cz/en.