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30 PHD STUDIES
PHD STUDIES
World-class research, outstanding research staff and specialised research environments create a breeding
ground for PhD studies at Lund University. Doctoral candidates at Lund University are not only well prepared
for successful careers as independent researchers but they also have strong possibilities to publish their work
independently during their studies and to gain significant teaching experience, making them attractive in
the marketplace after graduation.
Lund University offers PhD studies in all eight faculties. There are no tuition fees for PhD studies at Lund
University.
PHD/DOCTORAL STUDIES
A PhD programme consists of two parts: courses and
thesis, forming a total of 240 ECTS credits, in which the
doctoral thesis is to account for at least 120 credits. A PhD
involves a total of four years of full-time study.
In Sweden a ‘licentiate’ degree equals the completion
of half of the coursework, or thesis, required for a full
PhD, i.e. a licentiate degree corresponds to two years of
full-time study and at least 60 credits have to be awarded
for a licentiate thesis. It is equivalent to the MPhil of the
British education system.
FUNDING AND FINANCING DOCTORAL STUDIES
In Sweden, the most common form of funding postgraduate
study is through appointment to a doctoral studentship
position or a doctoral study grant position. In both
cases, the University employs the doctoral candidate as a
staff member and pays a salary whilst the doctoral candidate
undertakes their PhD studies. In return the doctoral
candidate provides some departmental and teaching duties
(no more than 20% of their time).
APPLYING FOR PHD STUDIES:
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be admitted to doctoral studies, you need to have
completed courses for at least 240 credits, of which at
least 60 credits must be for Master’s level studies. In
most cases, students will hold a Bachelor’s degree and a
Master’s degree, with a major in the same subject as the
intended postgraduate study. The major must include a
degree thesis presenting the results of independent research.
The quality of your thesis/theses is of particular
importance and it is important that you demonstrate a
capacity for independent thinking in this piece of work.
Students must have a very good command of English
and you may be asked to include proof of proficiency in
the form of a TOEFL or IELTS test, if requested by the
individual department.
ERASMUS MUNDUS ACTION 2
Lund University is a partner in several Erasmus Mundus
Action 2 “lots”. If you are from an eligible country you
can apply for a scholarship to come to Lund University.
Scholarships are available to PhD students and may cover
living expenses. Refer to the Lund University website for
more information.
PhD studies are organised at the faculty level and the process for applying for PhD positions is specific to each
faculty. There is no set application period for PhD positions. Some departments advertise their positions in spring,
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tain subject area. Admission to PhD positions is restricted and competition for advertised positions is usually tough.
Most faculties advertise their PhD positions on Lund University’s main website through the doctoral job vacancy
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advertised for the specific vacancy. Applications are sent directly to the faculty together with the officially certi�
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