Since autumn 2002, the Culture and Society research environment has offered research education either for four years (240 credits) leading to a doctoral degree, or two years (120 credits) leading to a licentiate degree. The programme normally involves full-time study (the minimum permitted is half-time) and requires regular presence at the Department for Culture and Society (IKOS).

Photo credit Anna Nilsen

Doctoral studies at the Department of Culture and Society (IKOS) require considerable intellectual mobility and curiosity. The programme offers the opportunity to deepen one’s knowledge, and gain expertise in a compelling socially relevant topic and field of research, targeted towards a future in which culture will take on an increasing importance.
 
The student will be employed as a doctoral student during the period of study, or possess corresponding alternative financial support for the complete period.

Programme design

The programme consists of two parts: courses and independent research that results in the submission of a scholarly licentiate or doctoral thesis. 

The course component of a doctoral degree consists of 75 credits (37.5 credits for a licentiate degree), and independent research resulting in a thesis of 165 credits (82.5 credits for a licentiate degree). Compulsory courses make up 37.5 credits for a doctoral degree and 22.5 credits for a licentiate degree. These are:

  • current and principal topics in cultural research
  • influential theoretical traditions and concepts
  • methods and methodologies in cultural research
  • in-depth insights into the fields studied at the Culture and Society research environment at IKOS.

In collaboration with other departments, divisions and units at Linköping University, cross-subject courses and courses in teaching methods in higher education and scientific communication, are offered.
 
Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars, independent project work and excursions. In parallel with taking courses and writing their theses, doctoral students participate in undergraduate education in related programmes at Campus Norrköping and Campus Valla, and participate in various external and internal projects.

Contact

Culture and Society (Tema Q)

Organisation

Doctoral studies at Linköping University