University of Gothenburg

Doctoral Studies

As a doctoral student, you will learn to conduct research on topics that interest you by immersing yourself in your own thesis project. During your studies, you will become part of our diverse research environment, together with other doctoral students.

About our doctoral programmes

The department offers doctoral programmes in sociology and work science. Within sociology, there is also the option to study with a focus on technology and science studies.

Regardless of specialisation, the doctoral programme comprises 240 credits and concludes with a doctoral degree. It is also possible to obtain a licentiate degree after 120 credits. Specific information about the doctoral programmes, such as eligibility requirements, content and structure, can be found in the respective study plans.

During the programme, you will be employed by the department. The focus is on your own research work, which will lead to a scientific thesis, but you will also take courses at the research level.

Our doctoral students write theses in a variety of areas, such as social movements, working life, welfare, migration, crime and punishment, environment and climate, digitalisation, gender and emotions.

Read more about our research

Admission

All vacant doctoral positions are advertised via the University of Gothenburg's job portal, where applications are also submitted. We do not accept unsolicited applications.

Career

After completing your doctoral education, you will have acquired the knowledge you need to conduct independent research. You can apply for continued employment in academia and work in research or teaching. You can also seek employment outside academia, where your ability to analyse complex issues and drive development will make you attractive to employers in both the public and private sectors.

Research training for teachers

If you have a teaching degree, you can study at the department within the framework of the Graduate School CUL, which is a collaboration between several faculties at the University of Gothenburg.

Become a collaborative doctoral student

As a collaborative doctoral student, your research education is funded through employment with an employer other than the University of Gothenburg. Your employer has entered into an agreement with our department and agreed that you may devote at least 50% of your working hours to research education within the framework of your employment. 

Graduate school in migration and integration

The Swedish Research Council's graduate school is a collaboration between the University of Gothenburg and Linköping University.