Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to submit a research plan in my application?

A: No, you do not need to submit a research plan!

Q: Are you sure?!

A: Yes, our PhD students write and present their research plans during the first year of the programme.

Q: Do I need to establish contact with a supervisor before applying?

A: No, our PhD students work with temporary supervisor during year one. Once the PhD students have presented their research plans, the department will assign permanent supervisors.

Q: Am I eligible?

A: We do not evaluate merits beforehand. Requirements are described under The Application – what documents are to be submitted?. Please note that the wording “otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad” allows for some flexibility. Subjects closely related to what we traditionally refer to as political science may be of relevance. If you find yourself in that category, please argue your case in the application, providing information of your merits as well as stating the reason they should be regarded as equivalent!

Q: How do I finance my PhD?

A: PhD students are employed fulltime with a fixed monthly salary. The current salary for first year PhDs is SEK 29 000 (2022). See current doctoral student ladder here.

Q: I have a scholarship /I have my own funding, can I be accepted as a PhD student without having to go through the usual admission process?

A: No, all PhD students need to apply in one of our formal calls and be short-listed in order to be admitted. There are no other ways to be admitted. Please also note that all external funding must be accepted by the faculty of Social Sciences.