PhD Studies

The aim of the doctoral programme in political science is to give the student specialised knowledge within the subject field, a thorough training in research methods and a good understanding of the problems occurring in the research and the practical application.

The programme should familiarise the student with different structures of society and ideas, and give a broad orientation of the research development within the subject, with the purpose of making the student a critical and independent researcher with the ability to plan and develop scientific reports. Furthermore, the aim of the program is to make the student suited, in the capacity of a researcher, teacher and expert, to complete such tasks in society where sound knowledge of political science is of value.

The Swedish doctoral programme, similar to the US Ph.D. system, is designed to take four years of full-time study. In terms of the Swedish university credit system, the program comprises 240 credits (1.5 credit = 1 week of study, 30 credits = 1 term of full-time study).

There are two main blocs in the programme: course work (75 credits, of which some courses are obligatory and some are selected in consultation with the supervisor) and work in connection with the Ph.D. dissertation, including research, writing and seminars (165 credits). The dissertation is either a mongraph or a compilation thesis.

Please find more information about the programme under Rules and regulations.

Language of instruction

The courses and seminars within the doctoral programme at the Department of Political Science are generally given in Swedish and/or English. Even though proficiency in Swedish is not a formal requirement for admission, it is very helpful for effective participation in the courses.

There are no open PhD positions at the Department of Political Science at the moment.

Stockholm university's page for open PhD positions

Here is more information on eligibility and selection.

All Ph.D. students are entitled to 48 months of research training funding within the programme. You often extend the time by also teaching from the beginning of semester 3 (at a maximum of 20% of full-time). The first 6-12 months are funded by a scholarship. The scholarship salary (tax-free) corresponds to the entrance salary for doctoral students after tax that applies at the time of the application for the scholarship fund (April 15). If you want to know more about the scholarship, contact the director of studies for postgraduate education or administrative manager at the Department of Political Science.