Application to become a doctoral student

Eligibility and admission

To have basic eligibility for third cycle (doctoral) studies, a student must have:

1. passed an exam at second cycle (Master’s) level,
2. fulfilled the course requirements for at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 at second cycle level, or
3. acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way.

The applicant should have a degree in Political Science or in a related subject. Proficiency in spoken and written English is of great importance. Proficiency in Swedish is not a requirement.

Selection criteria for doctoral positions

Selection among the eligible applicants is made on the basis of their qualifications. The determining selection criterion is the degree of ability to profit from doctoral studies and attain the goals of the education. Particular consideration is given to the applicant’s suitability for research in political science.

Rules for Licentiate Studies

The same rules apply to licentiate students as to those studying for a doctoral degree. If you have been admitted to licentiate studies, you must undergo a new admission process to continue to a doctoral degree.

Funding

To be admitted to doctoral education leading to a doctoral degree, you must be employed as a doctoral student. All admitted doctoral students receive a salary so there is no need to apply for scholarships. Other funding is only approved in exceptional cases. Each doctoral student must have a funding plan that covers the entire estimated study period.

Applications

Applications are accepted only following a vacancy announcement.  There is no need to contact potential supervisors in advance.

Regular admission

In the year of admission, the following usually takes place: 

• A vacancy announcement is made on the department’s website, usually in December.
• Applications are to be submitted to the Department of Political Science by the deadline specified in the announcement, usually by early Februari.
• In late March the short-listed applicants will be interviewed, and the decision on admission is then reached by an admissions board during the month of April.
• The doctoral studies program starts on 1 September.

Admission outside the regular timeframe

Occasionally the department receives funding (for example via a project) to employ doctoral students outside the regular round of admissions. In these cases, information is given directly here on the website via this page:

Jobs available at the department

You can also refer directly to the director of doctoral studies for more information: