Admission

The admission process runs from February to April. During this period, an admissions committee reviews and assesses the applications and interviews the highest-ranked candidates. Admission decisions are made in April. New doctoral students begin the programme at the beginning of September.

All vacant doctoral positions are advertised through the University of Gothenburg’s application portal. Applications must also be submitted through the portal. We do not accept unsolicited applications.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to the doctoral programme, applicants must meet the requirements for both general and specific eligibility; see Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

In brief, applicants must have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at the second-cycle (master’s) level. In addition, at least 60 credits in Political Science or a closely related subject are required.

Application

Applications must be complete for us to assess eligibility, qualifications, and skills. In addition to a CV and cover letter, applicants are usually asked to submit the following:

• A previous independent research work, such as a thesis or article
• A research proposal outlining the intended dissertation project
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

More detailed instructions are provided in the advertisement when the call for applications is open. References and interviews form part of the selection process.

Assessment

Applications are reviewed and assessed by an admissions committee at the department. Selection is based on the applicant’s ability to benefit from doctoral education.

The admissions committee ranks the applications and interviews suitable candidates. The committee’s recommendations are discussed in the Supervisors’ Collegium, which consists of faculty members and supervisors involved in the doctoral programme. Final admission decisions are made by the Head of Department.