Course Structure

Structured PhD Model

As part of the structured PhD approach, Sociology adopts a paper-based dissertation model rather than a traditional monographic thesis format. The standard expectation is to produce four publishable papers that are submitted to peer-reviewed academic journals by the time the PhD viva voce examination takes place. In agreement with the supervisor, monographic dissertation formats may be possible as well, if required by a specific field of research (e.g., ethnographic research). 

Each PhD student has a thesis committee that includes the supervisor (and potential co-supervisor) and two non-supervisory committee members. Students have regular meetings with their supervisor(s) and a meeting with the non-supervisory committee members once per year to support the process of development.

Training Components

New entrants and continuing students are expected to follow a set of modules and seminars which form an integral part of the Sociology PhD Programme. The programme combines in-depth social scientific methodological training with transferrable and generic skills tailored to the needs of Sociology graduates. It consists of several components that include (a) participation at the PhD Skill Suite, the weekly Research Seminar Series, and the annual PhD day, (b) participation at social research methodology modules provided by the department. PhD students need to attain at least 10 ECTS through participation in taught modules.

Confirmation Interview (after first year)

After first year, students must pass a formal confirmation interview which takes place within 18 months after registration typically early in second year. The interview is crucial as it will determine whether the student continues on the register. The confirmation panel consists of the two non-supervisory members of the student’s thesis committee (not the supervisor) and the PhD Programme Director. By the end of their first year and before the confirmation interview in second year, students need to submit a detailed confirmation report (6,000–8,000 words) outlining the PhD project’s research agenda (research objectives and questions, a preliminary literature review, a theoretical framework, a clear-cut empirical methodology, time plan). This report provides the essential input for the confirmation interview and the panel will make decisions based on the academic quality of the confirmation report.

Completion of the PhD Degree (end of fourth year and after)

By the end of their fourth year (full-time students), student submit a dissertation thesis which normally includes four studies corresponding to four produced papers plus introduction and conclusion integrated in one document. After submission, the Viva Voce examination (the thesis defence) is scheduled. The examination is carried out by an internal and an external examiner who are normally nominated by the supervisor before thesis submission. 

More Details

Detailed information on the PhD in Sociology programme can be found in the PhD in Sociology Handbook provided by the programme administration.