The numbered sections refer to the corresponding sections in the Regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Agder.
To section 5 Admission
§ 5.1 Conditions for admission
Applicants for the PhD programme must hold a higher degree (Master’s degree or equivalent qualifications) in a relevant subject area from a Norwegian or foreign university or college. The degree must normally comprise a minimum of 90 ECTS credits in the relevant subject area the PhD candidate is admitted to. At least 30 of these ECTS credits should be from the 4th and 5th year of study. All applicants are required to document sufficient previous knowledge in social-scientific methodology and master English (written and oral) at an academic level.
Other educational background or prior learning and work experience considered by the faculty to be equal to the above requirements with respect to scope, level and content may also qualify for admission.
If the Faculty is of the opinion that the applicant lacks the required knowledge within the relevant subject area or within social-scientific methodology, applicants may be required to take additional exams at a lower level or will be given a reading list and be tested by writing a paper that must be approved, or by taking an oral exam. In the event of insufficient previous knowledge at the time of admission, the required previous knowledge shall normally be tested and approved in the course of the first six months after admission. Required additional exams, if any, do not involve any extension of the agreed time frame.
Criteria for admission is grade B or better on the master thesis and an average mark of B.
In individual cases, admission may still be considered if the PhD committee finds the documentation presented to indicate that the applicant will be able to successfully complete the PhD programme.
The project description should normally not exceed 10 pages.
The evaluation committee will interview the applicants.
The PhD candidate is expected to be present at the University of Agder during the course of the programme unless otherwise agreed. Details of the residency requirement shall be provided in the agreement, and it is the responsibility of the head of department to ensure compliance with this requirement.
§ 5.4 Agreement period
The PhD education must be planned with a progression that leads to completion within the agreed time, which should normally be three years. Statutory leaves of absence and compulsory duties are not included.
Extending the PhD agreement period:
Candidates may apply to the faculty for an extension of their period. The application must include milestones and a timeline and must demonstrate the feasibility of completing the project within the proposed timeframe. The main supervisor must support the application. The application must be accompanied by an overview of work that has been completed (including publications) and work that remains.
The faculty may approve an extension of up to one year. If the extension extends beyond one year after the original date for completion, the application must be approved by the PhD committee.
The study period can also be extended for PhD candidates who take on other academic assignments or duties from the faculty in addition to their research education. These extensions are not linked to the extensions presented above.
To section 8 Organised academic training
The training component is specific to the specialization the PhD candidate is admitted to or accepted at admission for those admitted outside a specialisation. Details on the training component are found in the curriculum and course descriptions.
The training component should normally include courses in qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods and philosophy of science, including ethics. In addition to courses offered at UiA, the candidate can, in consultation with the main supervisor and head of the PhD programme, take courses offered at other PhDs. programme/outside UiA.
For examination or assessment of the training component a pass or fail is awarded. A pass indicates a high academic level, equivalent to a grade B.
Each candidate’s individual training component is subject to approval by the PhD committee. On the basis of an application, the PhD committee may allow a candidate to replace single courses offered by the University of Agder by relevant courses from other institutions.
To section 10 PhD thesis
A thesis should be an independent academic work that meets international standards for a PhD. A thesis can be either a monograph or a collection of articles, cf. § 10.1 in the Regulations on Ph.D.
In general, all authors on papers included in a thesis need to declare their involvement, through a co-authorship declaration.
To section 13.1 Submission of the thesis
The PhD candidate must submit an application to the Faculty to have his/her thesis evaluated. The application should be accompanied by an electronic copy of the thesis (PDF). If the thesis is found to be worthy of defence, 40 copies of the thesis will be printed prior to the defence.
To section 14 Appointment of evaluation committee
The Faculty appoints an evaluation committee based on a proposals of members from the head of department or the main supervisor.
Adopted by the University Board at the University of Agder 11.06.2015 and revised 24.10.2022 under the Regulations relating to the Degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Agder.