PhD studies in Sociology and Demography

The PhD programme in Sociology and Sociological Demography leads to a doctoral degree (PhD) that comprises a total of 240 credits. This corresponds to approximately four years of full-time study.

A group of students going down the stairs at the university library, talking and smiling.

Photo: Lena Katarina Johansson

Announcement of PhD positions

When we have open PhD positions, we welcome applications starting February 1 and closing on March 1. Sometimes positions can be advertised opening September 1 and closing October 1. The application deadline is stated in the advertisement.

How to apply

All PhD positions are advertised on the Stockholm University's website. There you will also find all information about how to apply.

Open positions at Stockholm University

Financing

All of our advertised doctoral positions in Sociology and Sociological Demography are fully financed. Admitted doctoral students are employed at the Department of Sociology, which means that they receive a salary and other standard benefits of employment.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for education at postgraduate level:

a degree at second level (Master) or
at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits at second level (Master´s level).

Additional requirements for postgraduate studies in Sociological Demography:

at least one completed independent research work in Demography or a related subject documented in an essay or other written work.

Selection procedure

The selection is carried out by an admissions panel appointed by the Department of Sociology.

The panel surveys the qualifications of the applicants and selects possible candidates for further discussion. The purpose of this discussion is to explore how well the applicant's competence and interests match the Department's recourses.

Syllabi

The syllabi contain detailed information on the entry requirements, the objectives and structure of the programmes, supervision resources and course requirements.

Syllabus for Doctoral Studies in Sociological Demography pdf, 649.5 kB.

Syllabus for Doctoral Studies in Sociology pdf, 659.6 kB.

Courses for doctoral students

The majority of our courses are offered at half-time. There are exceptions, please find information at each course page.

Spring 2026

Courses starting in period A, January 19

Contemporary Demographic Challenges, 7.5 credits

Gender and Gender structures, 7.5 credits

Courses starting in period B, February 19

No courses start this period

Courses starting in period C, March 23

Courses starting in period D, May 4

No courses start this period

Autumn 2026

Courses starting in period D, December 3

No courses start this period.

Curious about previous theses?

Doctoral theses at the Department of Sociology span over many different areas in society – from internal migration in China to unconscious attitudes towards minorities.

Weiwen Lai explores internal migration in China

I think it’s very difficult for a Chinese, born and raised there, not to notice how important migration is in our social lives.

Filip Olsson examines unconscious attitudes

When I used the more unconscious measures, then the ethnic hierarchies emerged.

After the studies

Many of our alumni continue to a career in research. Signe Svallfors graduated from the PhD programme in Sociological Demography and is now leading a large research project about the impact of violent crime on sexual and reproductive health.

Signe Svallfors is leading a research project

"This project is about a very large aspect of human life. It is something that affects all people in the society."

Contact

Director of Studies at Graduate Level

Stefanie Möllborn

studierektorF@sociology.su.se

Last updated: 2026-02-04

Source: Department of Sociology