Doctoral 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.

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

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.

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.

• Regulations on doctoral studies and doctoral degrees at the University of Akureyri
• You can have a look at past research projects here

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.

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.

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.