Thesis
The final thesis (bachelor’s, master’s, or dissertation) and its defence are essential parts of successfully completing your studies. They also form a key component of the State Final Examination.
General information for students is provided below.
For detailed and specific requirements, follow the official directive:
“Qualification Theses and Execution of State Final Examinations in Bachelor and Master Study Programmes” (see documents below).
For practical advice and tips from a student perspective, you can also consult the Bachelor Studies Guide.
Always check with your supervisor whether your department has any specific procedures.
General information on Bachelor and Master thesis
Your thesis supervisor is your main point of support throughout the process. You can consult them about anything related to your thesis—writing, content, structure, formatting, citations, or even the defense. If you’re unsure about something and cannot find the answer elsewhere, don’t hesitate to ask.
It is important to agree in advance on how your cooperation will work, including:
- The scope and time requirements of the practical part,
- Deadlines for individual stages,
- Regular check-ins or consultations.
Clear expectations and communication will help you avoid last-minute stress. Keep in mind that you will usually need to adapt to your supervisor’s availability.
Tip! To stay organized and productive, consider using task-planning strategies or productivity tools. You can find useful recommendations in the Learning, Mental Wellbeing and Life Management e-learning course.
Topic of the thesis
Choosing a Topic for Your Bachelor Thesis
Each faculty/department has its own process for listing topics. You can also make individual arrangements with a supervisor from your department (or externally) for a specific topic; enrollment is then governed by the supervisor’s instructions.
- FCHT – Topics are announced by individual departments; the Dean’s Office sends the current list of topics to second-year students.A list of preliminary topics can be found in the overview of preliminary theses (which includes a description of the thesis, requirements for its preparation, etc.). Excursions to individual departments, as well as presentations and video presentations by the departments, are also organized, where students can learn about the research and focus of the theses. More detailed information can be found on the faculty’s website.
- FET – The topics are listed in SIS (under the "Thesis Selection" section), make sure to check regularly. For more information on the topics and research groups, please visit SIS and the websites of the individual departments.
- FFBT – The topics (by department) are listed in SIS (under the "Thesis Selection" section), and the Dean’s Office notifies students of the available topics. For more information on the topics and research groups, please visit SIS or the websites of the individual departments.
- FCHI - The departments organize meetings with students to introduce them to research groups and thesis options. Students discuss their topics with faculty members on an individual basis (no later than the fall semester of their third year). Topics are posted in SIS (under the “Thesis Selection” section) usually at the beginning of the third year, or possibly earlier. More information about topics and research groups can be found in SIS and on the websites of the individual departments.
- SoB – Suggested topics are listed on the SoB website. Students agree on the topic individually with their chosen supervisor.
Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right topic. It’s much easier to write about a subject you are genuinely interested in. Explore different options, browse available topics, and if something appeals to you—whether the theme, supervisor, or laboratory—arrange a meeting with the potential supervisor to discuss details.
If you are considering multiple options, meet with different supervisors to understand what each project involves. Consider the topic, collaboration with the supervisor, team or lab environment, and other factors. Don’t wait too long—topics and supervisors can be taken quickly. If circumstances allow, you may continue with the same topic or research group for your master’s thesis.
Where to Get Inspiration
- Some faculties and departments organize presentations to introduce available topics. These events are a good opportunity to meet supervisors and talk with senior students.
- Tutors host events throughout the year where you can get advice on choosing a topic and tips for approaching your thesis.
- Open Day events are a great chance to explore laboratories and facilities.
- Department websites often describe the research focus of scientific groups, including projects and publications.
- Senior students can share recommendations and personal experiences with supervisors.
TIP! If you have the time and interest, start exploring topics earlier than your study plan requires.
Choosing a Topic for Your Master Thesis
The topic of the diploma thesis is usually chosen at the beginning of the master’s studies:
- As a field project at the department that runs your master’s program.
- During or after completion of branch laboratories, where the student learns about topics and agrees with the supervisor on a specific topic.
- It is possible to continue with the topic from the bachelor’s thesis.
Measurement and laboratory work for the diploma thesis takes place at the department that runs the master’s program, or in some cases at external workplaces.
You can find the offered topics of final diploma theses in SIS.
In addition to the listed available topics, individual topics may be agreed upon with supervisors, depending on their time and other possibilities. You can also complete your thesis as part of the Double Degree program at a university abroad, for more information, visit the International Office website.
Do not rush into choosing a topic. Carefully consider the various options, their advantages and pitfalls, as well as the broader context of your own interests and future direction. A diploma thesis does not have to be just a final piece of work—it could later become an article for publication or the basis for a dissertation. If you are hesitating between several topics, arrange meetings with supervisors or visit laboratories to explore the field. However, don’t delay too long, as topics and supervisors may be taken by others.
The final thesis may also be completed outside the university (e.g., at the Czech Academy of Sciences, in a company, or another institution). However, it must always be supervised by a UCT Prague academic staff member.
In such cases, supervision is typically divided into two roles:
- Internal supervisor (UCT Prague):
- Ensures the thesis meets formal and academic requirements,
- Oversees the overall quality and compliance with university standards,
- Grants credit for the thesis.
- External supervisor (host institution):
- Guides the practical and experimental work,
- Provides expertise related to the specific research topic.
This collaboration allows you to gain practical experience while ensuring your thesis meets the academic standards of UCT Prague.
Bachelor’s Thesis Topic
Follow the instructions of the study office.
After choosing a topic, contact the supervisor/trainer to agree on details and confirm the topic has not already been assigned to someone else. Since multiple students may be interested in the same topic, reach out as early as possible.
If you work on an individual topic, follow the special instructions provided by the supervisor or study office for applying in SIS.
By faculty/department
- FCHT – Students apply for listed topics in a two-round selection process. Details are on the faculty website, and the current status of applicants and topic availability is provided in an online document.
- FET – Students apply for listed topics in SIS (Work Selection section), then contact the relevant supervisor for approval and confirmation.
- FFBT – Students select topics in SIS (Selection of Work section), then contact the supervisor to express interest. The supervisor chooses a student from the applicants and registers the topic in SIS.
- FCHI – Students register in SIS (Work Selection section) for a listed topic or a pre-agreed topic. For free listed topics, contact the supervisor for approval.
- SoB – Topic registration follows the instructions provided by the supervisor.
Master’s Thesis Topic
- Find out about the offered master’s thesis topics at the beginning of your master’s studies in the department that runs your program.
- After choosing a topic, contact the supervisor to agree on details and confirm that the topic has not already been assigned to someone else.
- Several students may be interested in one topic, so contact the supervisor as soon as possible.
- If you work on an individually agreed topic, follow the special instructions provided by the supervisor or study office on how to apply for it in SIS.
You register for the selected topic in SIS.
Each student must have the topic of their thesis registered in SIS by the end of the winter semester in their final year. For detailed instructions, see the Guidelines on Final Thesis.
After progressing to the last semester, the study office will verify the formal correctness of the assigned topic and confirm the final thesis assignment. The official assignment is then printed and provided to the student.
Always follow the instructions of your study officer or department when registering your topic.
Structure of the thesis
- Check in the SIS system that the specification of the thesis is up-to-date.
- Install End Note for citation administration - that will help you to make sure the quote is formally correct.
- Download Thesis Template with instruction
- Please note that the instructions are for illustrative purposes only, for example, your supervisor may specify different chapter titles/order.
- only as docx file format
The structure of your thesis (chapters, formatting, font size, layout, etc.) is generally fixed.
Basic guidelines are summarized in the Thesis Template (see documents below). The template includes examples of formatting, tables, citations, graphs, and instructions for each section.
These are general rules, but requirements may vary:
- Some faculties (e.g., FFBT) have their own templates,
- Individual departments may require specific formatting or citation styles.
Always confirm the requirements with your department and supervisor.
You can also explore previous theses in the Thesis Repository to understand structure and style.
Tip! While you can work directly in the template, it is often better to copy its formatting into a new document to avoid issues with citation tools.
Before you start writing, make sure your thesis assignment in the SIS system is up to date and matches your agreed plan.
Theoretical Part
This section is a literature review, summarizing existing knowledge on your topic. It requires thorough research using scientific publications and sources.
You can use databases such as SciFinder, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Reaxys, ScienceDirect, or Elsevier. Access is typically available via university login. You can also use Google Scholar for broader academic searches.
The National Library of Technology (NTK) provides extensive access to journals, books, and databases, including the chemTK digital library.
Practical Part
For chemistry programs:
The practical part typically includes experiments such as measurements, syntheses, or method testing. You must clearly document procedures, conditions, and results. Maintaining a detailed laboratory notebook is essential for later writing.
For economics programs (School of Business):
The practical part focuses on solving a specific problem using analysis, calculations, or discussion. Clearly explain your data, methodology, and how your results address your research objectives or hypothesis.
Tip: Every thesis differs in scope and timing. Some require intensive experimental work early on, while others focus more on literature. Plan your time carefully and allow for reserves at each stage.
Evaluation
The bachelor diploma is evaluated only by the supervisor. The diploma thesis is evaluated by one opponent, who reviews both the content and formal aspects of the thesis.
Writing the thesis
The timeline for working on your thesis is highly individual. It depends mainly on:
- Your agreement with your supervisor,
- Regular progress checks and consultations,
- Your other study obligations.
It is recommended to start early with small steps, such as:
- Literature research,
- Taking notes for the theoretical part.
Good time planning is essential to avoid unnecessary stress later.
Do not compare your progress to others—everyone works differently and has different conditions and timelines.
According to the principles of good scientific practice, you must cite all information taken from external sources, both direct quotations and paraphrased content.
Every external source (e.g., articles, images, data) must be properly referenced in your thesis.
To make citation easier, it is recommended to use citation management tools such as EndNote, which is available to students free of charge. Guidelines and resources (including citation styles and EndNote support) can be found on the UCT Prague intranet.
Important: Each department may require a different citation style. Always confirm the required format with your supervisor. Tools like EndNote allow you to easily switch styles across your document.
Failure to properly cite sources constitutes plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense.
For more information on correct use of sources, including images and non-text materials, see: Guide to the Legal Use of Images and Other Non-Textual Sources .
Additional support is available through the lecture and webinar series “How to write a final thesis”, organized regularly by the National Library of Technology (NTK) . These sessions cover citation practices, source searching, and academic writing skills.
Notice as of March 20, 2023
The use of AI assistance tools when creating texts is not prohibited. This ranges from simple tools (e.g., spelling and grammar checkers such as Writefull) to advanced AI (e.g., OpenAI tools like ChatGPT). However, the author (student or researcher) is fully and unconditionally responsible for all content produced, as AI outputs are only materials that must be further processed, verified, and critically assessed.
AI-generated content does not guarantee factual accuracy and may contain errors. All statements, including references, must be independently verified by the author. Users are advised to familiarize themselves with AI limitations and best practices before use.
AI-generated materials are not considered original work that would require direct citation. Nevertheless, if AI tools are used to assist in your work, you must clearly acknowledge their use in the relevant sections (e.g., specify chapters or parts of the work where AI was applied).
It is recommended to consult your supervisor regarding the intended use of AI tools when writing your thesis.
Submission of the thesis
Bachelor's thesis
The submission deadline for the bachelor's thesis depends on the date of the state exams: early June for the first term and mid-July for the second term. Exact submission dates for both versions (first electronic, followed by printed a few days later) can be found in the Academic Year Organisation.
Master's thesis
The master's thesis must be uploaded to the Study Information System (SIS) and submitted in printed form (bound) form to the secretariat of the relevant department by the specific date (see in Academic Year Organisation) before the State exams.
The thesis must be uploaded to the Study Information System (SIS) and also submitted in printed (bound) form to the designated location (study office, secretariat, etc.) by the deadline specified in the Academic Year Organisation, prior to the State Final Exams.
Instructions for electronic submission, including visual guides for submitting your work, can be found on the intranet here.
The text of the thesis, an abstract (in PDF format) and scan of the signed Declaration must be submitted separately. Before submitting, ensure your work is correctly formatted, as formatting issues may occur when exporting to PDF.
When uploaded, the text is automatically checked by the Theses.cz anti-plagiarism system. The boundary between original work and other work is not strictly defined. The final assessment of the degree of similarity is up to the supervisor. The basis is honest citation of sources.
Some final theses may contain data for which publication must be legally delayed. This is particularly the case when:
- The thesis is developed in cooperation with an external partner, and the contract requires postponement of publication.
- The work is part of a GAČR/TAČR project that mandates a delay in publishing results.
- Protection of industrial property (e.g., patent, utility model, or industrial design) based on the thesis results is planned.
Postponement of publication is requested by the supervisor. Theses marked for deferred publication are governed by special rules regarding submission, printing, and defence (more information here).
For full instructions, refer to Directive A/S/961/6/2018: Defence and storage of theses with deferred publishing (see document).
- After finishing a manuscript, generate your cover in Cover Generator
- The Thesis Cover Generator automatically inserts the thesis title, supervisor, and other required information from SIS. Download the cover and send it to the print shop together with your thesis. For technical problems with covers of formatting (not printing), contact cis-support@vscht.cz.
- Can't log in to the thesis generator? Your password may have expired. Visit the web interface of university email https:/mailex.vscht.cz and set up a new one. Information about the password can be found at vc.vscht.cz/password.
Printing the thesis
TIP! If your work is extremely long (more than 100 pages), enter the estimated number of pages in the generator and the cover will be adjusted. If your work is extremely short (less than 40 pages), contact the printer where you will be binding your work – it may be necessary to arrange an alternative cover/print format.
Number of printed copies of Bachelor thesis by faculty
- FCHT: 2 copies (plastic spine or other binding per department rules)
- FET: 1 copy (binding not specified)
- FFFT: 1 copy (non-removable binding)
- FCHI: 2 copies (hardcover or stitched binding with plastic or paper spine; some departments may reduce to 0 printed copies)
- SoB: 1 copy (stitched binding)
Number of printed copies of Master thesis by faculty
- FCHT – 2 copies (plastic spine or other binding as instructed by the department)
- FET – 2 copies (binding not specified)
- FFFT – 2 copies (non-removable binding)
- FCHI – 2 copies (hardcover or stitched binding with plastic or paper spine; some departments may reduce the number of printed copies to 0)
- SoB – 2 copies (1 hardcover, 1 stitched binding)
Submission and Printing of the Thesis
By the deadline (see Studies – Organization of the Academic Year), you must upload your thesis in PDF format to the Study Information System (SIS) and submit a printed, bound copy to the designated office (e.g., Dean’s Office, Department Secretariat). Upload the final PDF version to SIS before printing and binding.
Bound Copy Contents (in order)
- Transparent front cover
- Printed cover page (generated via the Thesis cover generator) printed on A3, weight of paper 120 g/m2 and cut to A4
- Introductory pages
- Title pages in English (with blank pages in between)
- Signed declaration with date
- Thesis assignment sheet
- Main text, formatted according to the official template
- Abstract (max. 2,000 characters; same text must also be entered into SIS)
- Back cover and transparent back sheet (or laminated back cover)
You can print your thesis at the UCT Copy Centre (Building B, tel. 220 44 3102, e-mail: kopirovani@vscht.cz). Follow deadlines and instructions carefully.
At least three working days in advance, send the front and back cover (from the Cover Generator) and the introductory pages, specifying the number of copies. Remember to:
- Bring your thesis in PDF format on a flash drive (also keep a Word version as backup).
- Mark which pages should be printed in color and which in black and white.
- Include the original thesis assignment sheet – it must be bound into the thesis.
- The price of printing a black and white page is CZK 0.90. the price of colour page is CZK 6.50. The price of binding one thesis (printing of cover, plastic spine) is CZK 80.00.
Binding at UCT Copy Centre is only possible using thermal binding. For hardcover or stitched binding, use external print shops/bookbinders and ensure their binding meets UCT requirements. Nearby options include:
- Repro Fetterle – discounted prices for UCT students; binding possible only if pages are pre-printed
- Powerprint / Diplomka24 – printing and binding services together
PowerPrint company
Tel. 730 517 831
email: dejvice@powerprint.cz
(order in person directly at the branch)
- Other local print shops that provide the required type of binding