Doctoral student positions in humanities and social sciences education - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Teaching and Learning belongs to the Faculty of Humanities at Stockholm University. We conduct education and research in humanities and social sciences education, as well as in mathematics education, science education and language education. 

Within subject matter education (or “subject matter didaktik”), the content, conditions, processes and outcomes of teaching, learning and education are studied in relation to a specific field of knowledge. Humanities education (for example school subjects such as history, philosophy and religious education), as well as on the social sciences education (for example school subjects such as geography, social studies, psychology and business studies), includes research on how learning, teaching and knowledge formation take shape. This research is conducted both within school and higher education, as well as in other formal and informal contexts where learning and teaching take place. 

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Teching an Learning

Project description

Two doctoral student positions in subject matter education, specializing in humanities and social sciences education.

We welcome applications within the department’s research areas in subject matter education with a focus on the education of the humanities and social sciences as described above, and particularly welcome applications focusing on the early years of schooling (Years F–6). For further information, please contact the academic coordinator for humanities and social sciences education: Professor Jenny Berglund, jenny.berglund@su.se. 

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which 60 ECTS must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere

Specific entry requirements are set out in the general syllabus (Swe: allmänna studieplanen) for third-cycle studies in subject matter education specializing in humanities and social sciences education. Specific entry requirements for admission to doctoral studies in subject matter education with this specialization requires completion of at least 30 ECTS, credits at second-cycle level within the relevant subject area. In addition, at least 30 ECTS credits at second-cycle level in subject matter education or a similar relevant main field are required, of which at least 15 ECTS must consist of a degree project, or the applicant must hold a teaching qualification with a relevant specialization, including a second-cycle degree project. Furthermore, applicants must have proficiency in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English. 

Selection

Selection among applicants who meet the entry requirements for third-cycle education in subject matter education is based on the degree to which the applicant is deemed capable of benefiting from such education. The following faculty-wide assessment criteria are applied: 
Previous education in general, assessed in terms of both depth and breadth. 
Previous academic work. The applicant’s ability to benefit from the program is assessed on the basis of degree projects at first- and second-cycle level and, where applicable, other academic publications. The assessment also takes into account the time aspect, i.e., the applicant’s ability to complete the academic work within given time frames. In addition, the applicant’s academic development is assessed through a comparison of submitted work. Academic output is evaluated in terms of critical ability, analytical ability, independence and creativity. 
Submitted research proposal. As part of the application, applicants must submit a brief description of their intended research area in the form of a research proposal of no more than five (5) pages. The proposal should include one or more research questions and an outline of the planned research. See the relevant instructions for details of required content. The proposal is assessed in terms of relevance, originality and feasibility within the given timeframe (i.e., a period corresponding to four years of full-time study). If an interview is conducted, applicants are expected to be able to present and further develop their proposal. 
Availability of appropriate supervisory expertise. 
Ability to collaborate, assessed on the basis of references, certificates or interviews. 
Ability to benefit from doctoral education. Work samples may be required in connection with interviews to demonstrate skills relevant to doctoral studies.

The local admission regulations for third-cycle education at the Department of Teaching and Learning (in Swedish). 

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

The program starts on September 1, 2026.
We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). 2026. The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.  Please note that decisions regarding appointment as a doctoral student cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information may be obtained from the Head of Department, Anna Chryssafis, 
phone: +46 8 12 07 67 87, anna.chryssafis@su.se, or the Director of Research Studies,
Johan Sandahl, phone: +46 8 16 15 48, johan.sandahl@su.se. 

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.