PhD-Programme in Sociology 

The PhD programme in sociology is a course of education scheduled to take three years of full time study, leading to the PhD degree in sociology. The PhD-programme is made up of a training component equivalent to no less than 30 credits (one semester of full time study) and a dissertation. The dissertation is an independent piece of scientific work that meets international standards within the subject area. If the dissertation is approved, then it has to be defended at a public disputation.

The training component should include theory of science, ethics and research methods, together with courses providing a deeper understanding in topics relevant to the dissertation. The training programme can be fully obtained at Bodo University College, but students can also choose to follow courses approved by Bodo University College as part of the study plan, offered by other institutions or universities in Norway or abroad.

Why do a PhD-degree?

Having a doctoral degree qualifies you for research activity and for other work in society for witch a high level of scientific insight is demanded.

How to apply

The PhD-programme welcomes you applicants from students with a good master’s degree in sociology, or a masters degree in a different social science discipline approved by the Dept of social sciences as basis for admission. Master degrees that are approved as basis for admission includes: Master in Sociology, Master in Social Work, Master in Politics and Social Change, and Master in Rehabilitation. Also students with other master degrees might be admitted provided that the student can document sufficient theoretical and methodological training in sociology and the social sciences.

Application for admission should be sent to Dept of Social Sciences. Documentation of full funding is a presupposition for admission. Any applicant must submit a realistic time schedule and financial plan for the accomplishment of the doctoral course of study. The three-years financing could be distributed over a period of four maximum five years.

Application for funding from Norwegian sources is limited and highly competitive. The Department of social sciences does not have the capacity to give financial assistance to those who want to apply. For funding of the project, application may be made for an individual doctoral degree fellowship from the Department of social sciences. These few fellowships are occasionally advertised. The duration of the fellowship is either three years or four years. It the duration is four years, 1 man-year is compulsory service for the department.

Application for admission should also include a written proposal. This is a presentation of the research project you wish to carry out. Such a description is typically a 5-10 page document. The description should include a presentation of the problem / hypothesis you wish to investigate, what theoretical background and methods may be used, as well as a time schedule. This will enable the department to make an informed decision about your proposal and equally important to establish if there are appropriate supervisors for your planned research. Staff cannot be expected to provide feedback on proposals and students should submit a proposal that fully covers the elements required.