About doctoral education

Two degrees at the doctoral level

After completing second-cycle studies, you can apply for doctoral education, which will give you the knowledge and skills required to conduct independent research. There are two degrees at the doctoral level.

Doctoral degree

A doctoral degree is the highest academic qualification in Sweden. The programme comprises four years of full-time study (240 credits) and results in a doctoral thesis, which is presented and defended at a public defence. Once you have completed your degree, you will be invited to the doctoral conferment ceremony, where new doctors and honorary doctors are celebrated in a formal ceremony.

Licentiate degree

A licentiate degree can be a good alternative if, for any reason, you do not wish to undertake the four years of full-time study required for a doctoral degree. The program comprises two years of full-time study (120 credits) and results in a licentiate thesis, which is presented and defended at a licentiate seminar.

Study financing

Doctoral education in Sweden is free of charge for those who undertake it. In fact, it is normally financed through a doctoral studentship at the admitting university or through employment with another employer. In exceptional cases, a doctoral student may be funded through scholarships. These exceptions are regulated in the university’s doctoral rules.

Doctoral studentship

Most doctoral students at the University of Gothenburg are employed by the University once they are admitted. The initial period of a doctoral studentship may not exceed one year and may be renewed for no more than two years at a time. Absence due to parental leave, illness, or elected positions in trade unions or student organisations entitles the student to an extension of the studentship.

As a doctoral student, you are also entitled to the benefits available to all university employees, including health insurance, reimbursement for medical care and medication, and the right to paid holiday leave during your first year of employment. The number of holiday days varies between 28 and 35, depending on your age.

External position

It is also possible to be admitted to doctoral studies with an external position. This means that you are employed by an organisation other than the University of Gothenburg.

As a doctoral student with an external position, you must conduct your studies at a rate of at least 50 per cent, within the framework of your external employment.

Studies

As a doctoral student, you follow both a general and an individual study plan. You take doctoral courses, plan your thesis work, and develop within your chosen research field.

Study plans

Your doctoral education is governed by both a general study syllabus and an individual study plan.

• General study syllabus applies to the doctoral subject to which you are admitted. It outlines, among other things, the eligibility requirements, the structure of the programme, and the compulsory courses and other components included in the education.
• Individual study plan is developed together with your supervisors and is unique to your doctoral studies. It contains a detailed plan for your progress, elective courses, and thesis work. The individual study plan is updated continuously throughout your education.

Doctoral courses

In addition to writing a thesis, doctoral education also includes doctoral courses. The University of Gothenburg offers a wide range of such courses.

You can apply for courses through the university’s web-based course catalogue, whether you are a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg or at another higher education institution.

Departmental duties 

As a doctoral student with a doctoral studentship, you may be offered the opportunity to combine your studies with departmental duties at your department. These duties may include teaching, research, artistic development work, and administration. Departmental duties may comprise up to 20 per cent of a full-time position and result in an extension of your studies equivalent to the time spent on these duties.

If you intend to pursue a career as a teacher or researcher in higher education after graduation, having teaching experience during your doctoral studies is usually considered an advantage.

Thesis and dissertation

If you are aiming for a doctoral degree, your studies will result in a doctoral thesis. The scope of the thesis is determined by the general study syllabus for the subject to which you are admitted. Your thesis must be presented and orally defended at a public defence (dissertation).

If you are aiming for a licentiate degree, your studies will result in a licentiate thesis. The scope of the licentiate thesis is determined by the general study syllabus for your subject. The format of the licentiate thesis is decided in consultation with your supervisors. Your licentiate thesis must be presented and orally defended at a public licentiate seminar.

After your studies

A doctoral degree opens up opportunities both within and beyond academia. Many doctoral graduates continue to conduct research and teach in universities, while others move into specialist roles in industry, government agencies, or international organisations.

It is therefore important to reflect early in your programme on what you would like to do after completing your doctoral studies, as this may influence the choices you make along the way. Whatever path you choose, the skills gained through doctoral education – analysing, solving complex problems, and driving development – are highly valued across national and international sectors.