phd in political science in sweden

Department of Political Science

Phd studies.

The Department of Political Science at Stockholm University offers a graduate programme leading to the Swedish degree of 'filosofie doktor' (PhD).

The studies of students accepted to the programme are fully financed by the Department (external financing by e.g. a research institute is also possible). Only Ph.D. students that are fully financed by either the department or a research institute or the like can be accepted to the programme.

Aim of the programme

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.

Description of the programme

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.

Application

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.

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Niklas Heijl Bremberg

Universitetsvägen 10 F, plan 7, Room F 748

Last updated: September 21, 2023

Source: Department of Political Science

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Outline of the PhD Programme in Political Science

Doctoral studies in political science are conducted within a four year programme comprising 240 ECTS credits and concluded with a doctoral degree. The programme includes 60 ECTS credits in courses that are mandatory for all students and are normally taken the first year. The PhD thesis corresponds to 180 ECTS credits. A maximum of 20 % of the position as PhD student may involve administrative and/or educational responsibilities at the department (not included in the PhD programme).  This means that most students take five years from admission to examination.

The research project for the thesis does not have to be formulated from the start. The research plan is developed as part of the first year of the programme. This is done within an introductory group headed by two department faculty and involving all new PhD students. The research plan is normally presented at the research seminar one year after admission. Activities in the introductory group are coordinated with the first year courses and will also introduce the student to research, administration and social activities at the department.

General Curriculum for the PhD Programme in Politcal Science

Financial support and salary                                                                           

PhD candidates at Uppsala University are university employees. Once you are admitted, you will not have to pay any tuition fees, but you will receive a salary, social security and an office space.

Supervision

Each PhD student has two supervisors. The faculty responsible for the introductory group function as supervisors until the research plan has been presented. Hence, students are normally assigned permanent supervisors only at the beginning of year two. This also means that potential supervisors should not be contacted before applying. Admitting PhD students to the department is a faculty responsibility, and no single supervisor can admit students to the program (cf. the procedure described under Application).

The first year includes four mandatory courses:

Central Analytical Perspectives (15 credits) This course introduces PhD students to core analytical perspectives in political science research. The four analytical perspectives that will be addressed in the course are the political-theoretical perspective, the rationalist perspective, the constructivist perspective, and the institutional perspective.

Methods (15 credits)

This course provides PhD students with a good understanding of relevant problems in the theory of social sciences as well as with knowledge about quantitative methods, comparative methods and case studies, and discourse analyses. It is organized together with the PhD program in political science at Stockholm University.

Foundations, Achievements, Conclusions (7,5 credits)

In this course you will read and discuss work that constitute foundations of/for political science as well as work that has generated major achievements. The aim is to provide an intellectual history of foundations and achievements and to reflect together.

Reviewing Prior Research (15 credits)

The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the concept of literature review, practice finding and critically reviewing literature and, as a final step, write a literature review related to their own planned dissertation topic.

Applied Methods (7,5 credits)

In this course, students work with a selected method that they consider using in their dissertation work. A methods paper is written and presented at a conference where PhD students from other political science departments in Sweden participate.

The PhD thesis

The PhD thesis may be a book (monograph) of 150-300 pages, or a collection of three or more journal articles with an introduction. The PhD student should plan the three years of work on the thesis together with his/her supervisors. Often, working on the thesis includes several field trips or other studies abroad. Students can keep their salary during such research trips, but usually they have to finance other costs with external scholarships. Drafts of the thesis are presented to the faculty research seminars at least twice. An internal committee of professors from the department decides when the manuscript is ready for public defense.

Examination: the Public Defence

The programme ends with a public defence of the PhD thesis. An external commentator (“opponent”) is invited to discuss the thesis and point out its strengths and weaknesses. After approximately two hours of discussion between the author and the commentator, the chair of the public defense opens up the floor for questions from the audience. When the discussion is over, a committee of three professors, two external and one from the department, decide if the thesis passes or not.

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Doctoral and Licentiate studies

The Department of Political Science offers a PhD in political science. As a part of the PhD studies, it is also possible to obtain a Licentiate degree.

It is the ambition of our department to have about ten active doctoral students. We aim to admit a couple of new students each year and that the same number complete their studies. About twenty professors and associate professors, and senior lecturers, are supervisors for the doctoral students.

The programme aiming at a PhD degree in political science (filosofie doktorsexamen) consists of 240 ECTS. The licentiate degree in political science (filosofie licentiatexamen) consists of 120 ECTS (equivalent to up to two years of full time studies).

The postgraduate programme consists of

• A written thesis
• Active participation in the Research Seminar, which is devoted to the presentation and discussion of ongoing research
• Compulsory and optional courses

General eligibility requirements To be eligible to apply for a PhD place in Political Science at Umeå University, you must have 240 ECTS. At least 90 ECTS must be in political science or peace and conflict studies (or equivalent) and at least 60 ECTS must be at advanced level (i.e. Masters level). For admission, a degree awarded at the Advanced level of study is a prerequisite. All our doctoral studies positions are advertised on the university home page.

Doctoral studies in our department are preferably conducted in collaboration with one or more of the five research profiles.

Please note that we only accept graduate students after open calls on the university homepage, link below (Open positions). Likewise, we do not pre-judge or pre-evaluate applications, these are only reviewed in conjunction with an open and advertised call.

For additional information, please contact

Postgraduate programme coordinator.

Head of Department

Faculty of Social Sciences | Lund University

Lund University

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Our department is one of the largest research environments in Scandinavia concerned with political science.

Doctoral studies

Here we introduce doctoral studies at the department, how they are structured, and how you can apply.

Research groups

Seminars - Meetings - Collaborations

The department's researchers collaborate in research groups where similar research interests merge.

Research projects

The Political Science Department's extensive research makes us one of the largest research environments in political science in Sweden and we feel proud of our ability to attract external funding.

The Higher Research Seminar

Our latest publications, pufendorf chair, contact our researchers.

Political Science

Doctoral programme in Political Science at Karlstad University.

The doctoral programme in Political Science may result in a licentiate or doctoral degree. The programme is specifically designed to equip students for continuing academic work nationally or internationally, as well as to pursue careers as political scientists. Important objectives include that doctoral students should:

• Demonstrate wide as well as in-depth knowledge about Political Science as an international discipline and research tradition;
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge in a specific research or application area of Political Science;
• Demonstrate ability to do independent academic research in Political Science, and/or to conduct specialist investigatory work in the application areas of Political Science;
• Demonstrate ability to analyse current social concerns and political problems academically.

To the subject Political Science

71 Political-Science-PhD positions in Sweden

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PhD student in Political Science

why you are motivated to become a PhD candidate in political science CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses Research proposal describing: – why

PhD student in Political Science with orientation towards International Relations and Comparative Politics (2)

at the Department of Political Science . The planned entry date is September 1, 2024. Project description The PhD positions will be part of a research project Democracy, Autocracy, and International Cooperation, which

Senior lecturer in Political Science

are required have demonstrated teaching expertise. Applicants are also required to hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualifications in political science , or equivalent professional qualifications deemed relevant

PhD position in Environmental Science - blue carbon policy in SE Asia

by an inadequate natural science base, community hesitancy and slow political mobilisation. This PhD will address these knowledge gaps to define the potential of, and pathway to implementation

PhD Student in Energy Engineering with special emphasis on evaluation of biochar for sustainable steelmaking

the sustainable companies and societies of the future. The Division of Energy Science at Luleå University of Technology seeks one PhD student within Energy Engineering, who will focus on the fundamental

PhD Student in Energy Engineering

Postdoctoral fellow with a focus on national biodiversity accounting at the political science department (pa2024/741).

conditions, as well as clinical affiliation or service/assignment relevant to the subject area. We are looking for candidates with a PhD in Environmental Social Sciences , including Political Science

Postdoctoral position in Natural resources and sustainable environment

contributing to interdisciplinary research outputs. Requirements PhD degree in one of the following fields: political ecology, human geography, Science and technology studies (STS), anthropology, sustainable

Post-doctoral position in Russian and Eurasian Studies

, including political science , economics, geography , media and communication, sociology, anthropology, history and literature. IRES is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with established research expertise

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PhD programmes

When you apply for a phd programme in sweden, you’re actually applying for a job. yeah, you read that right. 👀.

“Do a master’s here – I’d say it’s a very good step to doing a PhD in Sweden. I did my master’s at Malmö University and now I’m doing a PhD at Lund University” – Sanjay, Malmö University. Photo: Oskar Omne

So that means – no tuition fees, no scholarships. But you’ll receive a monthly salary instead. Nice, eh? And that’s why available PhD positions are listed on a university’s job board.

How to apply for a PhD position? You’ll apply directly to the university.

Just so you know, there’s no centralised application process. And things like requirements and application dates? This kind of stuff is decided by each department. But we do know that you’ll need to have a master’s degree – in the same field of study – and a great level of English to apply for a PhD here. You might even need to be fluent in Swedish. But that’ll depend on the subject.

+ - Find a PhD at a Swedish university

• PhD at Blekinge Institute of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Chalmers University of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Dalarna University ↗️
• PhD at Halmstad University ↗️
• PhD at Jönköping University ↗️
• PhD at KTH Royal Institute of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Karlstad University ↗️
• PhD at Karolinska Institutet ↗️
• PhD at Konstfack ↗️
• PhD at Linköping University ↗️
• PhD at Linnaeus University ↗️
• PhD at Luleå University of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Lund University ↗️
• PhD at Malmö University ↗️
• PhD at Marie Cederschiöld University ↗️
• PhD at Mälardalen University ↗️
• PhD at SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm School of Economics ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm University ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm University of the Arts ↗️
• PhD at the Swedish Defence University ↗️
• PhD at Södertörn University ↗️
• PhD at Umeå University ↗️
• PhD at University College Stockholm ↗️
• PhD at University West ↗️
• PhD at University of Borås ↗️
• PhD at University of Gothenburg ↗️
• PhD at University of Gävle ↗️
• PhD at University of Skövde ↗️
• PhD at Uppsala University ↗️
• PhD at Örebro University ↗️

+ - Find other academic positions in Sweden

• University Positions ↗️
• Academic Positions ↗️
• EURAXESS academic positions in Europe ↗️

+ - Useful info about research

• CORDIS ↗️ – EU Research and Information Service
• EURAXESS information ↗️ – Portal for information and practical assistance for researchers moving to Sweden
• Formas ↗️ – The Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning
• Swedish Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare ↗️
• Swedish Research Council ↗️
• Vinnova — Sweden’s Innovation Agency ↗️ – An organisation that integrates research and development in technology, transport and working life
• Handbook for International Researchers ↗️ – Stockholm University’s handbook for international researchers

• 👩🏽‍🎓 Beyond the master's: a PhD?
• Find a research position at a Swedish university ↗️

Sweden: Up to 5 PhD positions in Political Sciences at Uppsala University

The Department of Government at Uppsala university provides a vibrant and internationally successful research environment. With approximately 60 faculty members and 30 PhD-students, we are recognized as one of the leading political science departments in the Nordic region.

Employed doctoral students must primarily devote their time to their own doctoral research. Other departmental duties may also be included in the position, such as, teaching or administrative tasks, but no more than 20%. The employment will be extended for a period corresponding to the time spent on departmental work.

Qualification requirements:

General eligibility is possessed by anyone who has obtained a degree at advanced level, fulfilled course requirements for at least 240 ECTS points, of which at least 60 ECTS points at advanced level, or otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

For special eligibility for admission to graduate studies in political science the applicant is required to have satisfactory results on courses carrying 90 ECTS points in political science. Special eligibility is also possessed by anyone who has otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

TA requirement for employment as a doctoral student is that the applicant must have been admitted to doctoral studies. Employment of doctoral students and admittance to doctoral studies are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance, and in regulations issued by Uppsala University http://regler.uu.se/ .

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

One or more students admitted to the PhD-program at the Department of Government will be employed by the Institute for Housing and Urban Research. These PhD projects will be designed in collaboration with supervisors as independent political science project in connection to research conducted at the institute ( https://www.ibf.uu.se/?languageId=1 ). You may enter information in the cover letter if you are especially interested in these positions.

How to apply:

The application should contain the following (more detailed info provided at the link below):

A cover letter. The letter should 1) contain a brief statement of intent (max 500 words), i.e. the applicant’s motives for applying. 2) Give a brief description of the documents submitted, please list them. 3) Indicate which piece of submitted academic work the applicant wants the committee to prioritize.

A maximum of two examples of the applicant’s research production (thesis, articles, reports or other texts of high scientific standard etc.). At least one of the submitted texts must have the applicant as its sole author. If a co-authored text is supplied, the applicant’s contribution must be described in an accompanying statement signed by all co-authors.

A reflection on the applicant’s prior research where he/she discusses its main strengths and weaknesses, theoretical and methodological challenges and choices, and the societal relevance of the work. (max. 1000 words)

Certified transcripts of academic records (to demonstrate qualification for admission).

Certification of competence in Swedish and/or English (not necessary for applicants that submit academic work in Swedish or English on which the applicant is sole author or applicants that have a degree from a Swedish university.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Starting date: 01-09-2020

Read more about the PhD Programme at the Department of Government and how to apply https://www.statsvet.uu.se/education/phd-programme/

For further information please contact: The Director of the PhD program PerOla Öberg, e-mail [email protected] .

Application Deadline is 5 February 2020. Your complete application must be received by 23:59 (Swedish time). UFV-PA 2019/4244.

You will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus . You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at [email protected] .

• University Library

Information about PhD Projects at the Institute

Doctoral Projects at the Chairs and Professorships of the Institute

• Doctoral projects at the Chair I (Prof. Dr. Roland Sturm)
• Completed doctoral projects at the Chair I (Prof. Dr. Roland Sturm)
• Doctoral projects at the Chair II (Prof. Dr. Clemens Kaufmann)
• Doctoral projects at the Chair for Middle East Politics and Society (Prof. Dr. Thomas Demmelhuber)

Community & Care: Central Elements to Fulfilling PhD Experience

Ricardo Jasso is a second-year PhD student in the Department of Political Science studying International Relations and Comparative Politics. He is interested in studying the force and the instrumentalization of anarchy in power politics. Before joining the University of Minnesota, he was a researcher of international politics at the Diplomatic Academy of Mexico (Instituto Matías Romero) for a couple of years. Ricardo completed his undergraduate degree (“licenciatura”) at El Colegio de México, a research institute specializing in the social sciences and the humanities in his hometown, Mexico City. He studied at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as a visiting student for one semester. He later earned a master’s in social sciences with a concentration in political science at The University of Chicago.

What has your experience in the program been like?

I’ve had a great and lovely experience in the program. I’ve had the joy of becoming part of a community of amazing, caring, kind, and lovely people who, on top of that, are also brilliant, creative, curious, and always brave. Every day, I feel energized by their spirit, supported by their kindness, and inspired by their minds and their hearts. The program and, crucially, the people that I have met in it have helped me mature as a person and also as a scholar.

What are you currently working on? What do you hope to achieve while in the program?

After two years, I am finishing my coursework and getting ready for the preliminary exams. I am also working on my own research with the idea of starting to publish it in the near future. I presented a paper on the interaction between empire and anarchy and the end of the American invasion of Mexico in 1848 this April in San Francisco. I am also working as a teaching assistant, which is always a challenging but lovely experience, and as a research assistant for a project on exceptionalism in international politics with Professor Ron Krebs.

How are you involved at UMN? How have you been able to find community as a graduate student?

Before joining the program, I was a little afraid from hearing stories of the terrible experiences of loneliness and hostility that people go through during their PhD years. I am very lucky that I have never experienced that during these two years of PhD life; I have been very happy in Minnesota. My colleagues in the program have become dear friends of mine—they have helped and cared for me through the rough patches that life has beyond the academic career. They are always happy to talk about academia, but also about life, and they always remind me that I am part of our community. As my cohort and I have met people inside and outside of the department across these two years at the University, our social circles have broadened, and our community of friends has become bigger.

What experiences and opportunities have you had in the program?

My professors in the department have always been very kind to me and have always cared about my work and my growth as a scholar. My advisor, Professor Nisha Fazal, constantly checks in with me to see how I am doing with school and life, to ask if I need any help, to talk about ideas and projects, and to guide me in this process of doing a PhD. This semester I have had the opportunity to do research with Professor Ron Krebs and learn with him. The department has also been very generous in sponsoring my participation at the  International Studies Association  conference this year in San Francisco to present one of my papers. My time here in the department has simply been great.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have endured as a graduate student? How have you overcome those challenges?

The biggest challenge for me as a graduate student has been dealing with life beyond academia while being in a very demanding academic and work setting. Life certainly doesn’t stop while you are doing a PhD, and you need to manage to go through the cycles and the eventualities of life while trying to keep your focus and your spirit high to be able to do your best academic work. My family in Mexico, my friends in the department and back home—and also those spread across the world—and my professors have been my greatest help.

What are some of the greatest skills you have learned as a graduate student?

I have realized once more the importance of keeping a daily routine of hard and focused work but also of relaxation and happiness—if we don’t make time for ourselves, we risk becoming little by little less happy, less deep, less interested and interesting, less engaged with life, less ourselves.

How have you evolved as a scholar? What has helped you grow?

I like to think that my time in Minnesota has helped me to think in more complex ways. The vibrant intellectual diversity of the department has made me question ideas that I used to hold as evident and has encouraged me to think in more creative ways about the world. Also, the classes that I have taken and my daily interactions with my colleagues and professors have broadened my knowledge and my perspective on the political and the work of the scholar.

Do you have any advice for prospective and/or current graduate students?

Back home, we say that “family and friends come first”—this would be my advice. The love, the reassurance, and the strength that we find in them—in our community—is what sustains us through the tough times of PhD life and what will remain at the end of those years.

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International Programs

Ui student chase laspisa awarded fulbright to norway.

Chase LaSpisa , a PhD candidate in political science from the University of Iowa, is the winner of a Fulbright Study/Research Grant to Norway for 2024-25.  

Hometown: Bartlesville, Oklahoma Degree: PhD candidate in political science  

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?      During my Fulbright year, I will be in Tromsø to study why Norway is more cooperative on maritime security issues despite having substantial interest in offshore fossil-fuel resources. I will be conducting interviews with local community leaders, foreign policy officials, and fossil-fuel industry experts as well as attending international conferences hosted in Tromsø. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in Norwegian culture and to learn first-hand what it is like to live in the Arctic Circle.  

How do you envision this will influence your life/future career?   As a future maritime conflict scholar, this opportunity to do research on Arctic international relations in Norway will significantly enhance my dissertation research, allow me to gain international connections, and learn more about the geopolitical challenges countries face in the fast-changing Arctic Circle. I plan to use this experience to set myself up for a career that will allow my research to reach foreign policymakers and advocate for peaceful and sustainable interactions in our oceans.  

What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright?   The Fulbright is an amazing opportunity, but it can seem extremely daunting in the beginning. My advice for future students is to start early, not be afraid to ask questions, and trust Iowa's process! We have an amazing group of people at Iowa who help prepare and support Fulbright applicants, and they want you to have as best of a chance as possible to get the grant. The feedback can be tough at times, but the staff and faculty mentors have a ton of experience and will make your application much stronger!  

Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright ?   As a graduate student, I have not been able to participate in any of the numerous international experience opportunities that Iowa offers, but I was inspired by the many success stories that we have every year for Fulbright applicants. I would often check the International Programs page around this time every year to read the short blurbs from the numerous UI students who were receiving grants.  

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?      I'd like to thank the Fulbright advising team, especially Karen Wachsmuth and Bill Reisinger, for their help with my application. I would like to thank my mentor Sara Mitchell for reading drafts and writing me a letter of recommendation as well as Brian Lai and Holley Hansen for also writing me letters. I want to thank my friends in my department who helped read drafts and listened to me talk things through, specifically Carly Millerd and Dasha Kuznetsova. Lastly, I'd like to thank my family for always supporting me!  

EXPLORE THE MANY FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO UI STUDENTS AND ALUMNI  

International Programs  (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.

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International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .  

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Graduate programs, ma in political science.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION. BE BACK SOON!

How To Apply

The university's application for admission is available online . 

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: Domestic - Spring Semester: Domestic -  No summer admissions

Admission Requirements

Must meet University Requirements , as well as the requirements listed below: 

• Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• GRE/ TOEFL scores
• Three (3) letters of recommendation, preferably by academics
• A 500 word personal statement
• Official transcripts
• Minimum GPA of 3.00
• Must have an undergraduate background in political science

International students:

Transcripts/documents that are issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a literal English translation. In addition, transfer applicants who completed any postsecondary work (college or university) at an institution not in the U.S. are required to submit an evaluation of that academic work. The evaluation must include a course-by-course assessment, with grades or marks and credits or hours equated to the U.S. system. Click here for a list of evaluation services.

Curriculum Requirements

During the first semester in the program, each student must develop a plan of study in consultation with the Graduate Director. Thereafter, students consult with the Graduate Director who provides technical and procedural advising as well as substantive advice. However, students are also encouraged to discuss their research interests with individual members of the faculty. An orientation session for new and continuing students is provided at the beginning of the academic year. In addition, monthly professional workshops discuss topics of interest to graduate students.

Total Minimum Hours: 36 credit hours Common Core – 12 credit hours Major Field or Concentration 9 credit hours Electives – 9 credit hours minimum Thesis/Non-Thesis – 6 credit hours

For instructional purposes, the graduate curriculum in Political Science has been divided into four fields: Field 1 Comparative Politics (courses with a CPO prefix) Field 2 International Relations (courses with an INR prefix) Field 3 American Government (Courses with a PUP, POS, or URP prefix) Field 4 Political Theory (courses with a POT prefix)

Common Core Courses -12 credit hours POS 6735 Foundations of Political Inquiry (3)

Disciplinary Seminar Requirements - Select two: POS 6045 Seminar in American Government (3) POT 6007 Seminar in Political Theory (3) INR 6007 Seminar in International Relations (3) CPO 6091 Seminar in Comparative Politics (3)

Required Research Methods Sequence - Select one: POS 6746 Quantitative Analysis I (3) POS 6707 Qualitative Analysis (3)

Students may either choose a Major Field of study, or the concentration in Africana Studies. Major field - 9 credit hours

In addition to the core course in major area, three additional courses in the core area are chosen from American Government, Political Theory, International Relations, or Comparative Politics.

Concentration in Africana Studies - 9 credit hours AFA 6932: Topics in Africana Studies (3) AFA 6120: Social Theory and Social Thought (3) AFA 6108: Social Construction of Race and Racism (3)

Electives - 9 credit hours minimum. Electives include, but are not limited to: AFA 6207: African American Historiography AFA 6805: African Historiography AFA 6355: African American Community Research AFA 6387: Seminar on Genocide and Human Rights AFA 6932: Special Topics AFA 6905: Independent Study AFA 6910: Directed Research CPO 5934: Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (3) POS 6933: Selected Topics in Political Science (3)

Electives have to be approved by the Graduate Director. Other graduate courses may also be taken as electives, with approval by the Graduate Director.

Thesis/Non Thesis - 6 hours minimum Thesis POS 6971 6 Thesis: Master’s AFA 6971 6 Thesis: Master’s

Students must enroll in either POS 6971 or AFA 6971 (Africana Studies Concentration students) Thesis: Master’s for a minimum of 6 credit hours. In their thesis, students must provide new insight into a relevant topic in political science or international studies. As students approach the thesis stage, they need to compose a thesis committee consisting of a major professor, who must be a member of the Department of Government and International Affairs, and two readers. One of the two readers can be from another department, but that person must first be approved by the Graduate Director. The thesis committee must approve proposals before students embark on their projects. Students must prepare a written thesis and defend their work in a formal oral presentation before their committee.

Non-Thesis: Elective 3 Structured course approved by the Graduate Director and one of the following: POS 6909 3 Independent Study (for students in a major field) AFA 6905 3 Independent Study (for students in the Africana Studies Concentration)

Students who choose a non-thesis option will be required to complete an additional 6 hours of course work at the 6000 level. The student is required to demonstrate competency by successfully completing a substantial literature review of approximately 50 pages in his or her major field, or in the Africana Studies Concentration.

Comprehensive Examination For students in the thesis option, successful completion of the Thesis serves in lieu of the Comprehensive Exam. For students in the non-thesis option, the extensive literature review determines competency and serves as the equivalent of a comprehensive examination.

Students may take a maximum of 3 credit hours of Independent Study (POS 6909) and 3 credit hours of Directed Research (POS 6919)

For the full requirements, please visit the Office of Graduate Studies Graduate Catalog. 

Forms and information

General Information Course Offerings (Please verify the requirements based on the catalog from the year you were admitted) Research Proposal Example SIGS Graduate Resources   MA in Political Science Tracking Sheet   MA in Political Science/Africana Studies Concentration Tracking Sheet Independent Study/Directed Research Contract Graduate Catalog Listing Office of Graduate Studies Forms Plagiarism Information (Office of Graduate Studies) Thesis and Literature Review Forms Thesis, Dissertation, and Proposal Guidelines and Tips MA Thesis Checklist Graduate Student Supervisory Committee Appointment Form Request to Schedule Thesis Defense Form Certificate of Approval Form for Thesis & Dissertation Doing a Literature Review General Guidelines for the Literature Review (MA Student Non-Thesis Option)

Political Science in the News

Phd candidate, max kagan, featured in the science of politics podcast.

We're pleased to share that PhD candidate, Max Kagan, had his research featured in the Science of Politics podcast from the Niskanen Center.

To listen to the Podcast and learn more about Max's research follow this link:  https://www. niskanencenter.org/the- politics-of-our-jobs/ .

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• School of Public Administration

Doctoral Studies

The aim of the PhD program at the School of Public Administration is to foster an enriching, dynamic and rigorous research environment that provides doctoral students with the necessary theoretical knowledge, along with both the methodological and practical skills allowing them to analyze a broad range of public sector-related phenomena.

The doctoral program is interdisciplinary, drawing upon social science fields such as anthropology, economics, organization studies, political science and sociology. The program is decidedly pluralist in terms of methodology, encouraging students to develop novel approaches to the analysis of research puzzles. Courses in the program are offered at the School of Public Administration, and students also have the opportunity to take courses at other departments and faculties in the university as well as at other universities in Sweden and abroad. Our courses are offered in both English and Swedish. Graduates of the PhD program are well positioned for careers in academia, as well as in governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and private organizations. Recent graduates are employed at Lund University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karlstad University, and Örebro University. Others are employed in the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, the Government Offices of Sweden, and the Swedish International Center for Local Democracy, as well as Price Waterhouse Cooper. We collaborate with other relevant PhD programs both in Scandinavia and globally, and we are actively interested in establishing additional partnerships.

PhD Courses

General Study Programme

The study programme was ratified by the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Gothenburg on 27 March 2007 and revised on 11 October 2012.

1 The programme’s aim The programme’s aim is to develop the knowledge and skills required to pursue independent research within public administration and to contribute to development of knowledge within the subject through production of an academic thesis.

The third level programme in public administration also has the aim of developing the doctoral student’s ability to apply the academic skills and knowledge gained in further research work or in other advanced professional work. In addition, the programme shall develop the doctoral student’s communicational and pedagogical skills in expressing him/herself well verbally and in writing both within and outside the academic context. Within the framework of the 240 higher education credits that the programme comprises, it is compulsory for the doctoral student to study 5 higher education credits in teaching and learning in higher education. The doctoral student shall also have acquired knowledge in planning and conducting research projects.

The programme shall also provide the opportunity for international contacts, for example in the form of participation at international research conferences and/or visits to foreign higher education institutions. The programme’s specific goals, which must be fulfilled for a doctoral degree in public administration to be awarded, are detailed below. In other respects the requirements detailed in the Higher Education Ordinance and the Degree Ordinance concerning degrees at third level apply.

1.1 Knowledge and understanding For the award of a doctorate the doctoral student shall – demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in and systematic understanding of the research field and advanced and current specialist knowledge within a delimited part of the research field, and – demonstrate familiarity with scientific method in general and the specific research field’s method in particular.

1.2 Skills and capabilities For the award of a doctorate the doctoral student shall – demonstrate capability for scientific analysis and synthesis and for independent critical review and assessment of new and complex phenomena, issues and situations, – demonstrate capability to critically, independently, creatively and with scientific exactitude identify and formulate questions and plan and with adequate methods conduct research and other qualified tasks within set time frames and evaluate such work, – in an academic thesis demonstrate ability to make significant contribution to the development of knowledge, – demonstrate ability to present and discuss research findings in dialogue with the scientific community and the rest of society verbally and in writing and with authority in both national and international contexts, – demonstrate ability to identify needs for further knowledge, and – display prerequisites to contribute to the development of society and others’ learning in research and education and in other qualified professional contexts.

1.3 Judgement and approach For the award of a doctorate the doctoral student shall ‐ demonstrate intellectual independence and scientific integrity and the ability to make ethical judgements, ‐ demonstrate the ability to critically review and evaluate research in public administration, ‐ demonstrate advanced understanding of science’s possibilities and limitations and its role in society and people’s responsibility for how it is used, ‐ be able to evaluate strengths and weaknesses in his or her own academic thesis.

2 Eligibility and required previous knowledge Admission to the programme requires applicants to have fulfilled criteria for general eligibility in accordance with what is stated in Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

2.1 Basic eligibility According to Chapter 7 Section 39 of the Higher Education Ordinance, general eligibility comprises ‐ completion of a second level degree, ‐ completion of course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, at least 60 of which are at second level, or ‐ acquisition in some other way of fundamentally equivalent knowledge inside or outside the country. According to interim regulations, applicants satisfying the basic eligibility requirements for admission to post graduate studies before 1 July 2007 satisfy the basic eligibility requirements for admission to third level education but only until 31 December 2015.

2.2 Specific eligibility requirements Admission to a third level programme in public administration requires – a second level degree in public administration or a second level degree comprising a degree project focused on public administration. Specific eligibility requirements are also satisfied by persons who have in some other way acquired fundamentally equivalent knowledge inside or outside the country.

3 Admission and selection Admission to a third level programme in public administration generally requires a special faculty wide announcement. Other regulations concerning announcement and admission can be found in the faculty’s rules for admission to third level programmes at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance states that applicants shall be selected taking their ability to complete the programme into account. The Department’s competence and supervisory resources in the doctoral student’s preliminary research area of focus is also considered. As a basis for selection applicants are required to enclose the following: a. Essays and degree projects that have been assessed according to normal scientific quality criteria. An overall appraisal is then made of the doctoral student’s ability to formulate problems, theoretical linkages, methodological awareness, and analytical and narrative abilities. b. A project outline in which the applicant indicates his or her research interests / intended thesis field. c. CV, course certificates and other certificates to which the applicant makes reference. Good references and qualifications in fields relevant to research within public administration are taken into account in the assessment.

Admission decisions are made by the head of department.

4 The programme’s content and structure The programme comprises 240 higher education credits and ends in a PhD degree. The option is available to be awarded a licentiate degree after 120 higher education credits if the requirements specified in the Higher Education Ordinance’s degree ordinance concerning licentiate degrees are fulfilled.

A third level programme consists partly of courses that are examined as the programme progresses, and partly of individual research work leading to an academic thesis. Within the framework of his or her programme a doctoral student is also expected to take part in seminar activities and, unless particular reasons exist, contribute to the department’s joint activities.

A doctoral candidate may transfer higher education credits from other programmes. Following personal application by the doctoral student, the decision on transferral of credits and associated reduction of the period of study is made by the head of department when the student’s individual study plan is drawn up but no later than six months after it has been drawn up. Transferrals shall be linked to a decision to shorten the funding period by a period of time equivalent to the transferred credits. The reduction is to be documented in the student’s individual study plan. A maximum of two years’ credits with associated reductions may be transferred.

4.1 Courses The programme comprises a course component of 65 higher education credits, of which: ‐ 15 higher education credits represent compulsory theoretical courses ‐ 15 higher education credits represent compulsory methodological courses, ‐ 30 higher education credits represent optional courses, and ‐ 5 higher education credits represent a compulsory course in teaching and learning in higher education. Optional courses are chosen in consultation with the doctoral student’s supervisors.

4.2 Thesis and public defence Central to the programme is the writing of an academic thesis in which the doctoral student advances knowledge in the research field. The doctoral student is expected to report regularly on the progress of his/her thesis. This is done primarily by writing a thesis memorandum which is then presented at the department’s seminars.

An external reader shall be used at the mid-point and/or final seminar. The thesis shall be based on independent research and be of good international scientific standard. It may take the form of either a monograph or a compilation thesis. The thesis shall in other respects be in agreement with the provisions of the Higher Education Ordinance. In accordance with the rules stated in the Higher Education Ordinance for doctoraland licentiate degrees, the thesis shall be defended at a public defence and seminar respectively.

5 Supervision Two supervisors shall be appointed for each doctoral candidate; one main supervisor and one assistant supervisor. The main supervisor shall be employed at or co-opted by the University of Gothenburg. At least one of the supervisors shall be qualified for appointment to a readership and at least one of the supervisors shall have completed supervisor training. The doctoral student is entitled to supervision according to what is stated in Guidelines for third level programmes at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Doctoral students who so request have the right to change supervisor.

6 Individual study programme The individual study programme shall contain a schedule and a funding plan for the entire period of study up to the planned date of the public defence.

An individual study programme is drawn up for every doctoral student at the time of admission. The programme is approved by the head of department after consultation with the doctoral student and his/her supervisors.

The individual study programme shall be followed up at least once a year. The follow-up shall clearly show how the programme is progressing. Doctoral student, supervisors and head of department shall certify in writing that they have studied the content of the individual study programme and any alterations made to it.

7 Other In other regards, please refer to applicable legislation and guidelines at the University of Gothenburg and at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Details of applicable regulatory frameworks can be found at www.samfak.gu.se.

Application

The School of Public Administration regularly recruit PhD-students in Public Administration.  These positions will be announced on this web site at gu.se.

The PhD programme consists of 240 higher education credits, which corresponds to four-year's full-time studies, and concludes with an examination for the doctorate degree. The programme consists of a course section comprising 65 higher education credits. The course section aims to provide the student with theoretically advanced, well-rounded and methodical schooling. The second part of the programme consists of research work, which leads on to a scientific thesis.

Our PhD positions  are fully funded and the doctoral students are employed with salary by the School of Public Administration, University of Gothenburg

Eligibility conditions and admission

Applicants must meet both general and specific entry requirements. General entry requirements: To be eligible for postgraduate studies applicant must have (cf the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, chapter 7, section 40): 1. been awarded a second-cycle degree 2. been awarded at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 must be at second-cycle level, or 3. acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements: To be eligible for postgraduate studies applicants must have (cf Swedish Higher Education ordinance, chapter 7 section 40): completed a second-cycle degree in public administration or a second-cycle degree incorporating a dredger project focusing on public administration. The specific entry requirements are also met by applicants who have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (for example business administration of Political Science)

Processing and Decision Process

Applications for the PhD Programme in Public Administration are processed as follows:

- The School of Public Administration's Board for Research and Education (RFF) appoints a preparation group from its own members, which prepares the applications and carries out interviews with the applicants. - RFF processes that applications and submits a proposal for decision on admissions to the Dean - Notifications on admissions are sent to the applicants. - The programme starts as soon as posible.

More information

David Karlsson Director of Studies for PhD Programme in Public Administration e-mail: [email protected] or telephone: 46 (0)31 786 1611

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Congratulations to graduate students, Francy Luna Diaz and Zoe Walker, for receiving the Student-Faculty Diversity Pipeline Awards!

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Congratulations to graduate students Francy Luna Diaz and Zoe Walker for receiving the Student-Faculty Diversity Pipeline Awards!

The Student-Faculty Diversity Pipeline Awards are intended to recruit faculty-student “pairs” interested in becoming AAPOR colleagues. The award targets members of historically underrepresented racial-ethnic groups, interested in the study of public opinion and survey research methodology.

Francy Luna Diaz is a Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science at the University of Michigan. Francy earned her B.A. in Political Science and Law from the University of Arizona in 2019 and graduated Summa Cum Laude. The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship supports Francy’s research . Her interests center on American Politics, public opinion and behavior, political psychology, social media, misinformation and disinformation, and Latino politics. Francy Luna Diaz’s dissertation examines how misinformation spread through social media influences the political behavior of Latinos in the U.S.

Zoe Walker is a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at the University of Michigan and a Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellow. She is broadly interested in Black politics, inequality, racial attitudes, and political behavior. Her dissertation project considers how beliefs about economic opportunity influence perceptions of racial inequality and support for racially redistributive policies among Black Americans. It is supported by the Russell Sage Foundation Dissertation Research Grant.

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The Department of Political Science

Phd candidate jessie croteau’s interview with the johns hopkins university sustainability office.

Jessie Croteau explores decomposition, destruction, and decline through her research.