The University of Akureyri offers specific and carefully tailored, 3- to 4-year (180–240 ECTS) PhD programmes in selected areas.

The aim of the studies

The aim of the studies is that the PhD students obtain knowledge and skills to be able to pursue independent and systematic scientific work in an international academic community.

Structure of the program

The program is overseen and managed by the Centre for Doctoral Studies at UNAK in close collaboration with the relevant school. There is a strong emphasis on international collaboration, both in terms of the research project itself and the doctoral student’s training in methodology and project execution.

The core of the program is the doctoral research project (180 ECTS). Prospective doctoral students are therefore required to identify a suitable research topic before submitting their application. In addition, doctoral students may be required to take courses, up to 60 ECTS credits.

It is expected that doctoral students complete 60 ECTS credits per year in full-time studies.

The program concludes with a public defense of the thesis

Learning outcomes

A doctoral degree (PhD) is typically a prerequisite for pursuing a career in academia, such as serving as a university professor.

In practical terms, a PhD confers the qualifications and professional credibility necessary to conduct independent research within one’s area of expertise.

Moreover, the degree proves advantageous in numerous administrative roles and positions that require overseeing complex projects and processing multifaceted information, irrespective of the field of study.

Application requirements

PhD studies at UNAK are often connected to specific research projects. Applicants are required to submit a well-developed research proposal, prepared in close collaboration with a proposed supervisor, who must be a leading academic at UNAK.

A solid funding base is also a prerequisite for admission, which is typically tied to the supervisor's ongoing research projects

The doctoral candidate must have completed a master's degree with good results (first class) and must submit a well-developed research and study plan with the application.

Fields of Study

The University of Akureyri is authorized to offer doctoral studies in the fields of health sciences, social sciences, and natural resource sciences. This includes sociology, nursing, biotechnology, law, fisheries and aquaculture, and business administration.

Doctoral projects are generally expected to be interdisciplinary in nature and execution, even though they are formally located within a specific field of study.

Preparing the Application

The applicant must prepare the application in collaboration with the proposed primary supervisor and thoroughly review the regulations for doctoral studies and doctoral degrees at the University of Akureyri.

It is also strongly recommended that the applicant contact the Centre for Doctoral Studies for guidance during the application process before submitting the application through the Ugla portal.

Application process

There are no fixed deadlines for applications to the PhD programme. Those who are interested in PhD studies at UNAK should start by contacting a leading academic at UNAK in their field and open a dialogue about future projects and funding opportunities.

Further information about the formal procedures around PhD studies at UNAK is provided by the Centre for Doctoral Studies at doktorsnam@unak.is.

Comment/Review

I can wholeheartedly recommend the doctoral program at the University of Akureyri. The program enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of my field of interest and increase my research skills. What stood out about my experience was being part of the university’s ambitious, challenging, and supportive academic community that emphasizes international collaboration. The doctoral program opened doors to new opportunities and prepared me very well for continuing research and academic work.

Dr. Karen Birna Þorvaldsdóttir
postdoctoral scholar at Reykjavik University