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Doctoral study
English language exam

Required level of the PhD language exam: B2

The examination consists of

The exam consists of two parts: the written part tests grammar, vocabulary and listening skills and the oral part, for which the student prepares a short presentation (10 minutes, at least 9 slides) on the topic of his/her dissertation. The student will only take the oral part after  completing successfully the written part.

The written part

The written part (grammar test, reading comprehension, and listening) is the standardised internationally recognised Oxford Placement Test. The tests last 50 minutes, of which cca. 15-20 minutes takes the use of English part, the rest is listening.

The test costs 200 CZK – the faculty covers the first attempt. In case of failure, the student must pay for further attempts directly at the British Centre of the University of South Bohemia.

The tests will take place in a computer lab at the FAT. Students must bring their own headphones with wires to connect easily to the computers.

  • Winter semester: Students can sit for the written part in December, January and February. The oral part will be scheduled approximately one week after the last written part session in February. All sessions will be posted in IS/STAG in mid-November.
  • Summer semester: Students can sit for the written part in May, June and September. There will be an oral part session in June and one in September. All sessions will be posted in IS/STAG in mid-April.

The oral part

The oral part:  Students prepare a presentation on the topic of their dissertation. The presentation must last at least 10 minutes, and it must consist of at least 9 slides. Students are not allowed to read the presentation.

The presentation must be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 3 days before the oral exam.

How to prepare for the test

  • There are many online materials available, for example: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/
  • Students can use any B2-level textbooks and tests (also available online).
  • It is also recommended to visit the Academic Library and the British Centre, where many textbooks and sample tests for the required level are available.

How to register for the examination

The dates of the written part will be published in IS/STAG.

For further information, please turn to Mgr. Lucie Káplová at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Recognition of language examinations

A PhD student may apply for recognition of a language examination if:

  1. an internationally recognized certificate of B2 level is presented (only the written part of examination will be recognized),
  2. an internationally recognized certificate of C1 or C2 level is presented (the whole examination will be recognized),
  3. the student has completed an extended period of studies or work experience abroad, has been involved in research activities abroad, and it is clear that communication in a foreign language was essential for the student’s work abroad.

Examples of internationally recognised Englishlanguage exams

Cambridge ESOL
  • FCE – First Certificate in English (B2)
  • CAE – Cambridge English: Advanced (C1)
  • CPE - Cambridge English: Proficiency (C2)
City and Guilds
  • IESOL-ISESOL Communicator (B2)
  • IESOL-ISESOL Expert (C1)
  • IESOL-ISESOL Mastery (C2)
ECL
  • European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages (B2-C2)
TELC
  • European language certificate (B2-C2)
BEC
  • The Business English Certificate Vantage (B2)
  • The Business English Certificate Higher (C1)
EOS
  • English for Office Skills (B2-C2)
TOEIC
  • 785 points obtained in the exam