Fakulta

Fakulta (plural fakulty) is an organizational unit used in several languages, notably Czech and Slovak, to denote a major division within a university that focuses on a broad field of study such as humanities, natural sciences, or medicine. It is typically responsible for organizing teaching and research in its field and for managing degree programs offered under its auspices.

Within a fakulta, teaching and research are organized into departments (katedry in Czech and Slovak) and often into institutes or research centers. A fakulta is usually led by a dean and may have a faculty council or senate responsible for academic matters such as curricula, examinations, and staffing. The fakulta reports to the university administration and coordinates with other faculties on cross-disciplinary programs.

Degrees are awarded to students enrolled in programs managed by the fakulta; in many Czech and Slovak universities, bachelor, master, and doctoral studies are conducted within a fakulta’s scope. The faculty also hosts research activities, collaborates with other institutions, and administers budgets, facilities, and student services for its community.

Usage and organization vary by country. In Czechia and Slovakia, fakulta is the standard term for a university division comparable to the English “faculty” or “college.” In other languages and contexts, similar terms exist with related meanings, and in some cases “fakulta” appears mainly in historical or bilingual contexts rather than as an official unit. Overall, fakulta denotes a core organizational unit within a university, focused on a coherent field of study and responsible for its educational and research activities.