Doctoral Studies
As a doctoral student at our Department you can go deep into subjects as for example computer science, software engineering, interaction design and bioscience.
Doctoral studies at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Our wide-ranging research encompasses many aspects of computing encompassing both hardware and software.
From how to make computer systems and networks work better, the engineering of software, reliability and security of computer systems, through the theory of computer science and programming languages to artificial intelligence, graphics and visualisation, and how users interact with computers.
As a doctoral student, you are expected to contribute to the development of theories and concepts to describe, understand and develop the use of computers, their theory, their applications, and to design innovative applications.
If you are accepted, you will belong to one of the department's research groups, which means that you will be introduced to the national and international research community. Collaborations with researchers in other disciplines, or contacts with companies and organizations, provide good conditions for a continued career both inside and outside the academy.
Subjects
The Department has at University of Gothenburg two main fields of science for the education at third-cycle level:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Interaction Design
Link to the main page for Doctoral Studies at the Department (Chalmers)
The subject Computer Science and Engineering:
The subject of computer science and engineering covers the following specializations:
- Bioinformatics studies algorithms for handling, analysing, structuring and/or visualising biological data.
- Computer engineering studies the behaviour of computer systems’ hardware and software, in particular modelling and analysis of their non-functional behaviour, e.g. energy consumption, reliability, security, critical timing, or realism in computer graphics.
- Computer science studies logical-mathematical modelling of computation with applications in algorithms, data, software languages and machine learning.
- Interaction Design studies designing computer-based products and systems with a focus on usage.
- Natural Language Processing studies the development of computer programs for analysing, understanding, or generating human languages.
- Software engineering studies systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches to design, development, and maintenance of software in practice.
The subject Interaction Design:
Interaction design is about the design of computer-based products and systems with a focus on use. Interaction design also introduces a shift of focus from things and tools, to what define them when they are in use; from a design of the product to a design of its use.
As an academic subject, interaction design ranges from methodology for usability studies to pure experimental interaction design. The subject includes experimental and theoretical work with a focus on the development and critical evaluation of design methods and design programmes, and to explore and develop computerised technology as a design material.
General syllabuses
According to the Higher Education Ordinance in Sweden, a general syllabus needs to be stated for each field of science. The purpose of the syllabus is to clarify the structure and content of the doctoral education, learning objectives, admission requirements, degree title, thesis scope, and the number of compulsory courses. The general syllabuses for our two subjects are found here: Faculty of Science and Technology
Application
The first step in the process is to apply for a vacant PhD position. All open positions are advertised on the web pages of University of Gothenburg:
Since the department is joint between Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, you can of course also apply for an open PhD position at Chalmers:
Eligibility
To be admitted to doctoral level you have to meet the requirements stated in the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen). General entry requirements include:
- a degree at master's level (second cycle)
- completed course requirements of at least 240 hec, including at least 60 hec at master's level
- or have acquired well documented equivalent knowledge
The specific subject areas usually require specific entry requirements in addition to the general entry requirements.
Selection process
The selection of a person for the PhD position is made with respect to the applicant's ability to benefit from the programme. The assessment may be based on essays, master theses, and other relevant publications such as scientific articles etcetera. Scientific reflection – "research statement" – can also be a part of the consideration, where the applicant reflects on how to proceed regarding a specific research issue.
Combine elite sports and studies at third-cycle level
Through the Swedish National Sports University (Riksidrottsuniversitetet, RIU), students can combine elite sports with studies at the University of Gothenburg. Elite athletes at the University of Gothenburg can now also become RIU students at third-cycle level. Your studies will be adjusted to fit you as an elite athlete.