PhD in Social Sciences

During their doctoral studies, students enhance their identity as independent researchers and experts. The discipline-specific competence generated during the doctoral programme includes an in-depth understanding of the nature of the relevant disciplines, command of any key theories, concepts and research methods, knowledge of the relationship between theory and practice, the practical applicability of knowledge, as well as the ability to generate new scientific knowledge. All doctoral research should aim to push the boundaries of existing knowledge and, whenever possible, to provide the knowledge and concepts that shape the future of their disciplines, which can include the development of new disciplines and merger of existing ones. PhD research within the Doctoral Program in the Social Sciences can range from being entirely qualitative or conceptual to being fully quantitative or descriptive.