Programme structure

Required courses (9 credits):

• The Faculty of Social Sciences courses in the Philosophy and Methodology of The Social Sciences and Research Ethics (5 + 1 credits)
• Thesis seminar (3 credits)

Elective courses (21 credits):

• Course in academic presentation (1 credits)
• How to publish in high–level international journals (1 credits)
• Research Methods (5-15 credits)
• Course in Theory/substance (5-15 credits)
• Conference participation (1 credits)

Recommended course of study

Required courses

(Note: some of these pages are only in Norwegian)

• SV9101 and SV9102 The Faculty of Social Sciences' courses in the Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences and Research Ethics (5 + 1 credits). It is recommended that these courses are completed during the first semester of the programme. The courses are held in Norwegian during the spring semester, and in English during the fall semester. The course may, upon application, be replaced by other equivalent courses.
• The thesis seminar (3 credits) is intended to develop the individual candidate's thesis project. In the case of a leave of absence, exchange abroad, or other warranting circumstances, it is possible to apply for postponement of the first and second part of the seminar. The thesis seminar consists of three modules:

SOS9001 or SGO9001Thesis seminar: Introduction (1 credits) is a seminar common to all PhD candidates at the Department, that must be completed in the semester of -or following admission. Here candidates present their projects to each other as well as to the heads of research at the Department. The question of whether to write the thesis as a monograph or a selection of articles is discussed. Courses in literature searching and use of the university library are held. The first part of the thesis seminar also aims to promote a sense of community among the newly admitted PhD candidates.

SOS9005 or SGO9005 Thesis seminar: Midway assessment (1 credits) The second part of the thesis seminar acts as a midway assessment and should be completed during the fourth semester for candidates with a 3-year scholarship, and in the fifth semester for those with a 4-year scholarship. The midway assessment consists of a status report for the thesis as well as an article/chapter draft. An appointed opponent, seminar leaders, supervisors and the other research fellows in attendance will give comments on the presented material. It is required that the candidates' main supervisor is present and we also encourage co-supervisiors to participate.

SOS9006 or SGO9006 Thesis seminar: Towards submission(1 credits) The third part should be completed the semester before planned submission. Here the candidate will be given feedback in the process of completing the thesis. Candidates writing article-based thesis present a draft for the introductory part. Those writing a monograph present the introductory chapter of the thesis.

Elective courses

Courses at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography that counts as electives

• SOS9002 / SGO9002 Course in academic presentation (1 credits). Only in Norwegian! The course focus on how to present academic research. The Department does not have any requirements for when this course is completed. The main focus of the course is writing op-eds and feature articles for the daily press, but other forms of presenting research is also included. The course lasts a day. Candidates are required to submit a draft ahead of the course, which must be approved by he course instructor after the course.
• SOS9007 / SGO9007 How to publish in high–level international journals (1 credit) Most Ph.D. students now compose their theses as a collection of research articles published in peer-reviewed international journals. This one-day Ph.D. course is structured as a seminar where we introduce this field and give practical advice.
• Course in Research Methods. Minimum: 5 credits. For those writing theses that incorporate empirical analysis, the courses selected should be relevant for your analysis. Courses providing a broader introduction to current research methods within the academic field of interest might nevertheless be of interest. Our department offers course in both qualitative and quantitative methods every spring semester - SOS9008 / SGO9008 Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis and SOS9009 / SGO9009 Advanced statistical Methods.
• Course in Theory- or substance. Minimum: 5 credits. These might be courses that go more in-depth on current theory and research in the candidate's field of interest, or more general courses in Sociological theory.  Documentation: design of a scientific paper. Topics or perspectives form the thesis are viewed in relation to Sociological academic traditions or academic traditions and literature on the subfield.
• Participation in international conferences including presentation/paper can give a total of 1 credits.

Courses without a written paper can normally be rewarded with a maximum of 3 credits. For these courses an oral or written presentation or other forms of documentation is required, in accordance with the Faculty of Social Science guidelines (see Comprehensive rules § 8 Educational component).

Approval of courses

All courses, seminars, and conferences must be approved by the Department. Here you will find detailed information on approval of courses.

Courses undertaken externally (outside of the University of Oslo) must be pre-approved. An electronic version of the application form (doc.) must be submitted to the PhD administrator along with scanned documentation (course certificates, syllabus, confirmation of presentation at conferences, print-out of conference program to demonstrate this etc.).