Integrated studies combine undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and postgraduate (Master’s) university studies, i.e. admission is the same as for undergraduate studies, with postgraduate results on completion. More information on undergraduate and postgraduate studies can be found in Sections 7.2 and 7.3 of this chapter.

Integrated degree programmes can total 300 or 360 credits. Of these, the total volume of internships must be at least 20 credits, and the final thesis/project and/or the final examinations must be at least 15 credits per field.

The HEI must provide students on these programmes with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of at least one foreign language in the subject matter (most often, the official languages of the European Union – English, French, German), and the ability to communicate in the language of the subject matter to an audience of specialists.

Admission requirements. Individuals who have a certificate of secondary education are admitted to integrated studies by way of competition, taking into consideration their performance results, entrance examinations and other criteria established by the HEI. The applicant has the right to file several applications to HEIs.

Certification. Diplomas are awarded to graduates on completion of the integrated study programmes attesting to the qualification degree awarded and a diploma supplement. The diploma supplement is an integral part of the diploma providing the name of the study programme and information on the study results achieved.

Non-degree study programmes are carried out at HEIs and are intended as a qualification or preparation for an independent practical activity in the following cases for anyone:

• Who seeks to acquire the qualification of physician or family doctor – medical residency
• Seeking to acquire the qualification of a specialist physician-dentist – dental residency
• Seeking to acquire the qualification of veterinarian – veterinary medicine residency
• Who seeks to acquire the qualification of a pedagogue – vocational studies in pedagogy.

Residency is a non-degree programme of study designed to prepare those who have completed higher university education for independent practical activity in accordance with the procedures set out in the legislation. A residency certificate is issued upon completion of the residency.

Pedagogical studies under vocational study programmes are studies aimed at acquiring pedagogical qualifications. It is open to anyone with higher education qualifications who wishes to become a teacher. Completion of these study programmes leads to the award of a teaching qualification, which is confirmed by a study certificate.

A medical residency is intended for physicians wishing to acquire or change their professional qualification in the field of medicine, following their university studies. Upon completion, graduates are issued with a certificate of residency certifying the award of the professional qualification for a medical specialist or family doctor. During the residency, a resident studies and fulfils the established duties under the supervision of the head of residency and acquires knowledge, skills and clinical practice in specialised medicine.

The duration of the medical residency programme is 4–7 years. The total theoretical and practical part of the residency study programme must comprise at least 60 study credits per year of study. The residency training programme consists of a theoretical component (25 %) and a professional practice component (75 %).

Residency studies are full-time. These studies are organised at university, the university hospital or an establishment assessed and selected by the university. 

A dentistry residency is university studies in the field of dentistry upon completion of which a certificate of residency attesting to the professional qualification of a physician-dentist is issued. During these studies a physician-dentist studies and performs the established duties under the supervision of the residency supervisor and acquires the knowledge and skills of dentistry and clinical experience.

The duration of the dental residency programme is 3 years. The total theoretical and practical part of the residency study programme must comprise at least 60 study credits per study year. The curriculum consists of a theoretical component (25 %) and a professional practice component (75 %).

Residency studies are full-time. These studies are organised at a university, the university hospital or an institution evaluated and chosen by the university. 

A veterinary residency is university studies intended for a veterinary physician who has completed the integrated studies of veterinary medicine and seeks to acquire the qualification of a veterinarian in veterinary medicine. The course has theoretical and practical components, and these together with the preparation and a defence of the final degree thesis constitute these studies. Residency studies are conducted in full-time mode.

To be eligible for admission a person must hold a Master’s degree in veterinary science, a qualification as a veterinarian (or equivalent higher education qualification) and a valid licence to practise veterinary medicine.

During residency studies a resident acquires knowledge, skills and experience of veterinary medical practice (speciality) and the respective qualification of a veterinary physician-specialist. Upon completion of the residency, a certificate of residency is issued.

The duration of veterinary medicine residency study programmes is two years.  The total theoretical and practical part of the one-year veterinary medicine residency study programme is 66 study credits. The study programme consists of a theoretical component (25%) and a veterinary medicine practice component (75%).

Vocational studies in pedagogy

The Vocational Programme in Pedagogy is based on a pedagogical studies module and a teaching subject module. It is a university course designed to prepare students for independent pedagogical activity and is open to graduates with a university degree or a higher college degree who meet the requirements for teacher qualifications approved by the Minister of Education, Science and Sport.

For admission to professional programmes in education, candidates are selected in accordance with the requirements set out in the rules of the HEI and must undergo a mandatory motivation assessment.

The HEI may assess and recognise competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning in a subject module (60 study credits) of a professional studies programme in pedagogy and may draw up an individual study plan for the missing modules in the subject.

Certification.  Upon completing these study programmes, a certificate attesting to their completion is awarded.