About the Department

About us

The Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Education, Charles University, has been a place where, since 1982, we have educated specialists capable of navigating psychological issues not only within education but also in a broader social context. The department was shaped and enriched by prominent czech psychologists such as Prof. Štech, Prof. Hrabal, Prof. Helus, Assoc. Prof. Pavelková, Assoc. Prof. Hříbková, Assoc. Prof. HadjMoussová, Assoc. Prof. Kučera, and other colleagues with exceptional expertise.

From its original focus on the psychological foundations of teaching, we have gradually evolved into a distinct academic department that prepares psychologists for a wide range of professional fields. Although we address psychology in its full breadth, educational, school, and counselling psychology remain our primary domain. Today, we are an open and friendly department where teaching, research, and practice are naturally interconnected.

 

Study of Psychology

We offer three consecutive study programmes: 1) the Bachelor’s programme in Psychology with Special Education, 2) the follow-on Master’s programme in Psychology, and 3) the Doctoral programme in Educational and School Psychology.

Our programmes are single-subject and satisfy the requirement for five years of psychological education, which enables graduates to enter any area of psychological practice. The programmes are accredited for the maximum possible period and have received excellent evaluations.

Bachelor’s studies focus primarily on building theoretical foundations, whereas the Master’s programme is distinctly professional in character – it includes extensive placements in counselling and clinical facilities and prepares students for specific roles in the field.

Teaching is led by experienced staff who link theoretical knowledge with practice. Experts from various psychological fields also participate in practically oriented courses. We apply interactive approaches, utilise diverse methods, and encourage cooperation among students. From our students, we expect independence, curiosity, and the ability to work with professional literature in English.

 

Lifelong Learning and Professional Development

We support the professional growth of those striving for a higher-quality and safer school environment. We offer educational programmes for: 1) school psychologists, 2) educational counsellors, and 3) school prevention methodologists.

Furthermore, we prepare interest-based courses for all who wish to further develop in psychology – across professions and life roles. The offer includes, for example, a long-term course for class teachers or a one-day course on LGBT+ topics in school practice. A complete, up-to-date overview can be found in the Lifelong Learning (CŽV) section.

 

Research and Professional Activities

We also develop psychology at the research level. We participate in the university’s Cooperatio programmes and manage grants supported by the GAČR (Czech Science Foundation), TAČR (Technology Agency of the Czech Republic), and European funds. We focus on topics such as learning and motivation, working with technologies, literacy development, the demands of the teaching profession, and mental health in the school environment. More information on research projects and publication outputs can be found in the Science section.

Our students often participate in research – either as co-investigators or through their own final theses. This results in original Bachelor’s and Master’s theses focusing, for example, on the behaviour of computer game players, burnout syndrome, specific learning disabilities, or family life with a sibling with an autism spectrum disorder.

 

International Outreach and Professional Network

Our programmes correspond to the European EuroPsy standard, which facilitates the employability of graduates abroad. Our teaching staff are active in international organisations such as EFPA, EERA, and ISPA, and also collaborate with national partners – for example, the Czech-Moravian Psychological Society, the Association of School Psychology, or the Czech Educational Research Association.

We regularly publish in professional journals and actively communicate with practitioners. Within the Association of Departments of Psychology of the Czech Republic, we coordinate teaching and research activities across academic institutions.

 

Life at the Department

We strive for a friendly and open environment where there is room for dialogue between students and teachers, between theory and practice, and between science and social reality. The Student Subject Council actively participates in improving study conditions and communicates with the management of the department and the faculty.

Every year, we organise a series of events – from student-led to professional ones: Day with School Psychology (a conference open to the public), Psychoseznamovák (an induction event for first-year students), Student Psychology Days (presentations of research and projects), or the Psychology Christmas Party, and others.

You can also follow events at the department on Instagram @psychologiepedfuk, where we regularly share updates and behind-the-scenes insights.