Courses and programmes

A master’s degree (240 credits, of which at least 60 credits from advanced level courses, including a thesis) or a comparable degree is generally required to be qualified to apply to the program.

A committee of researchers evaluate the applicants’ merits. The selection criteria include: demonstrated capacity to successfully manage coursework and conduct independent research, the quality of previous research, the quality of suggested research, and the potential to complete a doctoral dissertation.

Applications to available positions in the PHD programme are usually due in August/September, and will be announced on the university website. We generally accept one PHD student per year, who usually has a M.Sc. in criminology.
For more information, please read our F&Q about the PhD Programme in criminology. If you have any further questions, you can contact Susanne Alm, director of postgraduate studies, Susanne.Alm@criminology.su.se.

How do I apply to the PhD Programme in criminology? 
You can normally apply once a year, in August/September, please see the university website for more information at that time. You will need to submit your previous theses and other texts in English or Swedish, as well as a research proposal. We usually accept 1 applicant with a master in criminology to the programme, and supervisors are selected after a PhD student has been accepted.

What is the PhD Programme like?
The programme for postgraduate studies normally consists of a total of four years of full-time studies in order to accumulate the required 240 credits (30 credits = 1 term of full time studies). The programme is divided into two main parts: One part consists of coursework which are usually courses on campus at Stockholm University (75 credits). The second part consists of independent research and the writing of the doctoral dissertation (165 credits). There is no student fee. Instead, you are employed with a set salary by the department during your time as a PhD student.

Can I apply if I am only fluent in English?
Yes, but we expect you to learn some Swedish during your time as a PhD student. Our meetings and many of our seminars are in Swedish, and many courses that you may want to include in your PhD studies are in Swedish, especially those in criminology.

Can I study remotely?
Since half of the programme consists of courses that are usually courses on campus at Stockholm University, you need to be on site during most of your four years. Also, we have seminars and meetings each week during the terms, which we expect you to attend. Many PhD students also teach, which means more time on campus and in meetings during teaching periods. Teaching also means that you get to be employed as a PhD student for longer, for a maximum total of five years instead of four.

Will I get some help with my PhD thesis?
Yes! You will have two supervisors who will meet you at least once a month, and guide you through the programme. You will also be part of the PhD community at the department. During participation in seminars, meetings, coffee breaks (“fika”), and lunches you will get to know the entire staff. You will be part of both social and research conversations. Furthermore, as a PhD student you will have a desk space, a computer, and access to the University’s library, which has both research books and international, academic journals to help you in your studies.

What can I work with as a doctor in criminology?
As a doctor in criminology you can continue working in academia as an independent researcher. Many universities and university colleges in Sweden are interested in hiring lecturers in criminology, although you often have to start as a substitute lecturer before you are employed as a lecturer. Meanwhile you can apply for funding to secure research time. Another path is to work in different governmental jobs, such as working as an analyst for the Police, the Customs, or the Prison Authorities, or with research work in governmental agencies such as the Swedish Research Council for Criminology (Brå) or the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen).