Sociology > Study programmes > PhD student
PhD studies at the Department of Sociology
The Department of Sociology at the University of Copenhagen takes a broad approach to social, political and cultural sociology, reflected in the courses offered and in ongoing research activities. It provides diversity in terms of both theoretical orientations and methodologies. Major areas of departmental interest include ‘knowledge and normativity', ‘welfare and marginalisation', ‘work and organisation', ‘politics and social change' as well as ‘culture, identity and the body'.
The Department offers a three-year PhD programme. The programme of study consists of:
• The completion of a major independent research project under supervision of a member of staff. The resulting dissertation often takes the form of a monograph, but may also consist of a set of published (or publishable) articles
• Coursework, approximately one semester of study in total
• Teaching and supervision of BA and MA students, corresponding to approximately 14 weeks of work
The PhD degree is awarded after the successful completion of the three years programme and after the PhD thesis has been accepted by an evaluation committee.
About the PhD programme
The PhD programme is open to both Danish and international students who have a master's degree in sociology or qualifications equivalent to this. In order to be accepted as a PhD student it is necessary to submit a proposal for an independent research project and to have funding for the three-year programme of study. Read about how to apply at the Faculty of Social Sciences's homepage: http://samf.ku.dk/phd-skolen/english/
More Grants are announced by the Department at relevant intervals; or funding may be obtained from other sources. In the latter case, it is up to the PhD student her/himself to provide funding.
The Social Sciences Research School offers the required doctoral courses in research methodology, analysis and write-up of data as well as specialized courses with more in-depth focus on one specific theme, theory or region.
PhD students are encouraged to participate in planning of course activities. This ensures that the specialized courses offered through the Research School resonate with the interests of the PhD students, while providing the opportunity for the students to become part of an international academic network and build their capacity to organize academic events.
Because they participate as teachers as well as supervisors and internal examiners at the BA and MA level, PhD candidates are regarded as an integral part of the academic milieu in the Department. Among the PhD students there is a keen interest in establishing an environment conducive to critical thinking based on a solid body of empirical field studies and advanced theoretical investigation.
On the principle that processes of learning and thinking are always social in nature, every enrolled PhD student is expected to contribute to the on-going academic discussions at departmental seminars. Apart from in-house presentations of projects, PhD students are also expected to present papers at international conferences.
There are currently about 30 PhD students in the department. Every effort is made in the PhD group to promote an inclusive and inspiring milieu responsive to individual needs and interests. A mentor scheme has also been put in place, whereby an experienced student takes a special responsibility vis-à-vis a new PhD student.
Application
Guidelines for the PhD Application
Applicants for the PhD programme at the Department of Sociology must fill out the electronic application form in the call. Please note that applying is only possible if the department has announced that grants are available, or if the student brings her or his own funding.
The research proposal (maximum 10 pages) should include the following
- Introduction and major research questions (1 page)
- Theoretical framework (2-3 pages)
- Methods (1-2 pages)
- Use of empirical material, including reasons for choosing the kinds of empirical material suggested (2 pages)
- Study programme (1 page)
- Preliminary list of literature (maximum 2 pages)
There are currently five thematic fields of research at the Department of Sociology
- Knowledge and normativity
- Welfare and marginalising
- Work and organisations
- Politics and social changes
- Culture, identity and the body
If possible, the applicant should specify the relation of her/his project to one or more of these fields. Please note that it is also possible to hand in an application for a sociological PhD project that falls outside of these five research themes; for instance a project concerning sociological theory or sociological methodology.
Budget: Please follow the general guidelines given by the Faculty of Social Sciences.