University of Gothenburg
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PhD programme in Economic History

The PhD programme in Economic History aims to give the PhD students scientific schooling and a profound knowledge of economic history. The programme comprises four years of full-time studies and lead to a doctoral degree (240 higher education credits). Students may also obtain a licentiate degree (120 higher education credits) after two years of full-time studies.

The PhD students will, during the programme, take courses, participate in seminars and play an active part in the research environment, as well as in planning and implementing an individual research project. The knowledge and skills acquired by licentiates or doctors of economic history form a firm foundation for future activities in research and teaching, or in public administration, trade and industry, the mass media, archives and libraries, etc.

There are four different research fields in which groups of researchers cooperate.

  • Business History
  • Macroeconomic History
  • Labour, migration and population
  • The economic history of slavery and colonialism
     

The basis for selection:
a) the applicant fulfills the general and specific entry requirements; b) there is funding ; c) the applicant is deemed capable of benefiting from such education.

General entry requirements

General entry requirements are fulfilled if the applicant has

  • completed an academic degree at advanced level (second cycle courses and programmes),
  • completed course requirements for a minimum of 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 at advanced level (second cycle), or
  • in another way acquired essentially the equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

Specific entry requirements

The specific entry requirements for third-cycle education in Economic History are fulfilled if the applicant has completed at least 90 higher education credits within the subject, including a degree project corresponding to 15 higher education credits or equivalent knowledge acquired in some other way.

The application should contain a letter of intent (ca. 3-4 pages), where the applicant describes his/her research interests and personal goals in relation to the research profile available at the Unit for Economic History in Gothenburg. A complete plan of action is not required, but if present it should be submitted.

The application must also be accompanied by references, CV, transcripts, Degree certificate as well as other documents of importance for the assessment. The documents shall clearly indicate the grades for both individual courses as for the degree. Theses (bachelor's, and master's theses) should be attached as well as other publications of relevance.

The announcements will contain specific information on what to submit with your application.

Announcements of PhD positions usually take place during spring, with programme start in September. The job positions are announced, in English and Swedish, on the University of Gothenburg’s website.

Each PhD student will be appointed a principal supervisor and an assistant supervisor.

An individual study plan must be drawn up for each doctoral student. The individual study plan must be followed up and revised yearly.

Study plan for the PhD programme in Economic History

General study plan Economic History (PDF)