How the PhDr. rigorosum works online, step by step
The rigorosum is the route to the PhDr. title for master's graduates in Slovakia and Czechia. At VŠTE Prešov it is conducted entirely online, from application to defence, in Slovak or Czech. Here is what it looks like in practice.
1. Application and field check
The application is an electronic form on moodle.euversa.com. You enter your e-mail, confirm it, fill in your details and upload your master's documents as PDF. Before any payment, the system runs a preliminary check of whether your field and proposed topic relate to philosophy. It is supporting material labelled “AI – supporting material only”; the guarantor decides.
2. Guarantor and rector
The programme guarantor assesses the field and the quality of the topic within 30 days and proposes the elective subject of the oral exam. The rector decides on admission. You receive the decision electronically, with a deadline for the second fee and the latest date for submitting the thesis (12 months).
3. Working with the AI consultant
After the second fee the procedure starts. The course contains the thesis methodology, the theses and an AI consultant that gives feedback on six milestones: topic and aims, outline, theoretical part, methodology, analytical part, conclusion. It does not write or grade the thesis. A supervisor is available on request at no extra cost.
4. Submission, reviews, date
You submit the thesis as a PDF with declarations of originality and AI use. A formal check and an originality check in the Central Register of Theses follow. The chair of the board appoints reviewers; you receive the reports at least 7 days before the exam and choose from three dates.
5. The exam by video conference
A technical check takes place the day before. On exam day you show your ID, then comes the defence (about 40 minutes) and the oral exam in the compulsory subject Theory and History of Ethics and one elective. The result is announced publicly and the degree confirmation is issued the same day.
Duration and cost
Usually 6–12 months. The fee for applicants from Slovakia and Czechia is €950 in three instalments (150 + 650 + 150); for other applicants €1,100. Paid fees are non-refundable.