Doctoral studies

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Each applicant must submit a financing plan.

A Government decision stipulates that departments may only admit eligible applicants if their financing is deemed to be secured for the entire period of their studies, and who can devote the majority of their time to their studies so they can be completed within a maximum of eight years.

Hence, each applicant must submit a financing plan. It must include information about when the doctoral studies must be completed and how they will be financed each year leading up to their degree.

The Faculty of Social Sciences guidelines accept the following financing forms for doctoral studies:

Student finance, i.e. employment as a doctoral student, or other form of student financing that amounts to the same as what would be paid out for a doctoral studentship, after tax. There is a limited amount of student finance. The Faculty Board determine how many doctoral students can be admitted with guaranteed student finance throughout their studies before each doctoral position is advertised. This financing is under the condition that the students follow the rate of study as outlined in each individual study plan.

Employment at Stockholm University or with an external employer. In both cases, a written confirmation from the employer must be provided. It must state the duration and scope of the studies that can be pursued during the student’s working hours. As stated above, the doctoral degree must be completed within a maximum of eight years – thus requiring a minimum rate of study of 50 per cent.

New doctoral students at the Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, are awarded SEK 30,000 to cover thesis-related expenses that may arise during their studies. This grant is separate to the resources available to cover costs relating to the thesis defence. The following rules apply:

1. The grant must be used to cover thesis-related activities that are essential for the doctoral student's progression and thesis work.
2. As part of the work with their individual study plan, the doctoral student and their supervisor must plan how the grant will be used.
3. The director of studies will approve how the doctoral student intends to use the grant, however its use is to be in consultation with the student’s supervisor.
4. The grant cannot be used to cover costs relating to the thesis defence. There are separate resources allocated to this. However, it may be used for a language revision of the thesis.
5. Any unused grant will be returned to the University once the thesis is defended.

Internationalisation

As part of its work with internationalisation, the Department of Psychology wishes to see an increase in the number of doctoral students spending part of their studies abroad in international research environments. Therefore, this grant should (but this is not essential, see point 1 above) be used for this purpose – ideally together with other stipends and/or research grants.

Transitional rules from previous OGRAD application systems

The total amount of funding each active doctoral student has received from previous OGRAD applications will be deducted from the new fixed amount allocated to each doctoral student. Any surplus amount will be the amount that remains for the doctoral student to use up until the day of their thesis defence.

Administrative procedure

When the doctoral student wishes to use their funding, they need to send an email to the director of studies for approval, and cc: their supervisor and finance administrator. Briefly describe how the funding will be used and state the amount.

The finance administrator can provide information about the remaining amount available to the doctoral student.

For invoices and expenses:

• The doctoral student registers their expenses in Primula (cost centre 30312; reference: 308002).
• Invoice address Stockholms universitet, Box: 50741, 20270 Malmö, ref: 308 (+ doctoral student’s name). Book travel through Egencia. The department will be invoiced automatically.
• Any other questions about expenses and finance can be discussed with the finance administrator at the department: hr@psychology.su.se

The general syllabus contains the overall regulations applicable to both the degree of doctor and the degree of licentiate in psychology, including a brief subject description, the intended learning outcomes, and content.

General Syllabus for Doctoral Studies in Psychology, 240 credits (2025)

General Syllabus for Doctoral Studies in Psychology, 240 credits (2024)

General Syllabus for Doctoral Studies in Psychology, 240 credits (2015)