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Doctoral studies
If you would like to continue your studies beyond your master’s degree, it is possible to progress to doctoral studies. A doctoral programme corresponds to four years of full-time study (240 HE credits) and ends with a doctoral degree. After two years of study (120 HE credits), a licentiate degree can be awarded.
How to become a doctoral student
To be admitted to doctoral studies, you must first apply for and be granted, a vacant employed doctoral position at the university. All international doctoral positions will be posted in English.
A majority of doctoral students in Sweden are employed by their universities. This means that you get a salary as well as paid vacation leave and the right to paid parental leave when you become a doctoral student.
There are no admission- or tuition fees if you are admitted as a doctoral student through Malmö University. Alternative financing (if you are not employed) for doctoral studies will only be accepted in special circumstances.
More information on admission to doctoral studies in Sweden can be found in the PhD Handbook.
Admission regulations
Information about entry requirements and how to write your application is provided in the advertisement for the vacant position.
The admission regulations are detailed in the document below.
General entry requirements for all doctoral education
Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39
A potential candidate meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if they:
- have been awarded a second-cycle qualification
- have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or:
- have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or elsewhere.
The higher education institution may permit an exemption from the general entry requirements for an individual applicant, if there are special grounds.
Doctoral subjects
Malmö University offers doctoral studies in following subjects.
Applied Physics
Applied Physics refers to the parts of physics that are relevant to technical applications and natural phenomena. For the education in Malmö, this includes materials science, atomic- and astrophysics and synchrotron light physics with applications.
General study plan for Applied Physics
Biomedical Science
Biomedical Science is a multidisciplinary subject, drawing on chemistry, physics, human biology and medicine. Within biomedical science, theoretical and applied science is combined to provide applications in areas such as medical diagnosis and treatment.
The subject also involves taking into account relevant academic, societal and ethical deliberations based on a holistic view of the human being.
Care Science
The subject field of caring science is multi-disciplinary and multi-professional. It encompasses theories and methods for studying problems, processes, factors, and interventions related to physical and mental ill-health.
One area of caring science is nursing, which encompasses the prevention, support, caring, and rehabilitation in health services and patient care in different environments and contexts.
Computer Science
Computer Science is the analysis and development of concepts, methods and tools aimed at making the development and use of digital systems easy, reliable and efficient.
Global Politics
The study of Global Politics is multidisciplinary and incorporates approaches both from the social sciences and the humanities. Transnational and international forms of politics, both in terms of continuity and change, cooperation and conflict, power and contestation, constitute the core of the subject.
Health and Society
Health and Society is a multidisciplinary research discipline focussing on human health and well-being by applying a medical and social science perspective to analyses of the interplay between individuals and social processes.
History and History Didactics
Interaction Design
Interaction Design is a subject within the design sciences that explores how designed systems, processes, artefacts can shape our world. This programme cultivates both practical and theoretical expertise, with an emphasis on integrating design practices with critical reflection.
International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER)
The subject IMER is a broad research topic with a multi and interdisciplinary basis. It's about the consequences of migration for both the society of origin and destination at different levels, on the structural, institutional, group and individual level, and how ethnic relations and ethnic diversity become important characteristics for society due to, or as a result of, migration.
Central adjoining areas of research relate to citizenship, belonging, diaspora and identity, as well as unwanted processes such as marginalisation, exclusion and alienation.
Language and Literature Didactics
Media and Communication Studies
Media and Communication Studies focusses on the significance of media for culture and society, and for human thinking and everyday life. This is achieved from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The subject includes traditional mass media as well as digital media.
Odontology
The doctoral education is intended to advance knowledge and skills within the field of oral health in the following subjects:
- cariology
- endodontics
- oral and maxillofacial radiology
- odontological technology
- oral biology
- oral diagnostics
- oral surgery and oral medicine
- oral pathology
- oral prosthetics
- orofacial pain and jaw function
- orthodontics
- periodontology with oral public health or pedodontics
Social Work
Social Work is a study of individuals and groups in vulnerable life situations and of social conditions which affect people’s living conditions.
The studies take their point of departure in social problems, but also include factors and strategies that prevent and counteract social marginalisation and exclusion. Social work also comprises studies of the social interventions and of the human service organisations which provide such interventions.
Urban Studies
Urban Studies is the scientific study of the content, form, planning and transformation of urban areas. The subject is positioned in a field of tension between social and cultural practices and the material world of manufactured landscapes, buildings, infrastructure and everyday objects.
Doctoral courses

In addition to the actual doctoral thesis, the doctoral study programme also includes one component course. The content of this course is governed by the general syllabus for the doctoral subject area. The specific courses that should be included in the study programme will be decided upon in consultation with the supervisors.
Doctoral Schools

Doctoral schools bring together doctoral students with a common focus. That focus might be a postgraduate education subject or theme. The students conduct joint activities in the form of courses, workshops, and seminars. It is often the case that such schools are run in collaboration with other universities and financed with the help of external funding.
Visiting and exchange doctoral students
Malmö University welcomes exchange doctoral students who come to us in order to conduct part of their research in the framework of their doctoral education.
Different doctoral courses may have different application procedures. Read what applies to the course you are applying for.
Contact for visiting doctoral students
Information for doctoral students admitted at Malmö University
You can find more information in your Faculty's study handbook, information about your individual study plan ISP, dissertations, doctoral support and upcoming workshops – on our Staff website.