Professor Nils Holm helps Doctor Henrik Swärd to nail up his doctoral dissertation. Photo: Private

Generally, PhD students at our department take four years to complete their training, taking a total of 60 ECTS in parallel to their research. Research topics are most often defined by scientists from our department who hire you for their project and act as your supervisor during your studies. The Department of Geological Sciences offers PhD students a dynamic and exciting research environment. We have scientists working on broad range of topics in the earth sciences looking at time scales from hour to billions of years.

We have access to advanced field equipment and our department houses state of the art laboratory facilities for chemical and physical analyses. We are also linked to the Natural History Museum and the Baltic Sea Centre and are part of the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, providing our students with valuable networking opportunities.  

Entry Requirements

An applicant to the PhD programs at the Department of Geological Sciences must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere. There are further specific requirements depending on which program you apply to which are as follows:

Geochemistry

• At least 90 credits in geosciences
• At least 30 credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry and/or biology depending on the chosen subject area within geochemistry or biogeochemistry
• In addition, at least 60 credits at the advanced level, including 30 credits of independent work in geosciences. 
• Download syllabus for doctoral studies in Geochemistry (pdf file).

Geology

• At least 90 credits in geosciences
• At least 30 credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry and/or biology depending on the chosen subject area in geology
• In addition, at least 60 credits at the advanced level, including 30 credits of independent work in geosciences. 
• Download syllabus for doctoral studies in Geology (pdf file).

Marine Geology

• At least 90 credits in geosciences
• At least 30 credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry and/or biology depending on the chosen subject area in marine geoscience
• In addition, at least 60 credits at the advanced level, including 30 credits of independent work in geosciences.
• Download syllabus for doctoral studies in Marine Geology (pdf file).

Admission

Available positions are advertised when available on the departmental website as well at Stockholm University’s central site. You will find instructions on how to apply on "How to apply for a position" page.

For any questions please contact the Director of PhD Studies at malin.kylander@geo.su.se

PhD handbook