Course of study for those who started between Autumn 2018 - Spring 2026

Recommended course of study

Course of study for those who started between 2015 - 2018

Course of study for those who started between 2015 - 2018.

Course of study for those who started before 2015

Course of study for those who started before 2015.

• All PhD courses at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography

Programme structure

Mandatory courses (12 credits)

• Required faculty courses (10 credits). All PhD candidates must participate in a starting seminar and pass mandatory courses in the philosophy of science, research ethics, and research skills. It is recommended that these courses be completed during the first year of study.
• Thesis seminar (2 credits) is intended to develop the individual candidate's thesis project. The thesis seminar aims to promote a sense of community among PhD candidates admitted in the same semester. In the case of a leave of absence, exchange abroad, or other warranting circumstances, it is possible to apply for postponement of the seminar. The thesis seminar consists of two modules:
  • SOS9001 or SGO9001: Introduction (1 credit) 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.
  • SOS9006 or SGO9006: Towards submission (1 credit). The second part should be completed the semester before planned submission. Offered both in Spring and Autumn semester. 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.
• Midway assessment: SOS9050 or SGO9050. The midway assessment 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. Offered every Spring semester. 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.

Elective courses (18 credits)

• 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 Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis and SOS9009 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 or Human Geographical theory.  Documentation: design of a scientific paper. Topics or perspectives form the thesis are viewed in relation to Sociological/Human Geographical academic traditions or academic traditions and literature on the subfield.
• Generic courses. Generic courses focus on general, transferable skills and competencies, rather than subject-specific knowledge. The aim of such courses is to provide participants with tools that are applicable in many different contexts. The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a number of generic courses. We particularly recommend: Starter Kit: Teaching as a PhD candidate.

• Conferences (maximum 4 ECTS). Conference participation with a presentation/paper can provide up to four ECTS in total. We encourage candidates to present their research internationally, and this will also be considered when assessing the number of ECTS: Presentation of a paper at international (non-Nordic) conferences provides two ECTS. Presentation of a paper at national and Nordic conferences provides one ECTS. NB! In case you are applying for approval of more than one conference, your presentation must be different each time. You find more information on approvals at the bottom of the page.

   

Read more about:

• Useful websites

• Tips on available courses, workshops, research schools, etc.

Approval of courses and conferences

All external (outside our department) courses and conferences you are planning to take must be approved by the department. 

• Conferences: In addition to the completed application form, please attach the conference program and abstract for the presented paper. NB! We only approve participation in conferences in 2026 and later.

• All courses taken outside of ISS, which you want to have approved in your training component, must be submitted for approval, preferably before you take the course. Here you will find more detailed information on approval of courses and the application form.

  Application form

  List of previously approved courses

Do you have questions?

• Contact us