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HOW TO APPLY FOR THE PHD PROGRAM IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SALZBURG

The PhD program in Political Science at the University of Salzburg is highly selective and offers a challenging but rewarding experience that seeks to meet the highest international standards in the profession.

Prospective students are expected to have a Master’s degree or equivalent diploma in Political Science or a related subject. Applicants whose previous degree is not in Political Science are still encouraged to apply but may be asked to undertake additional coursework in Political Science the extent of which will be determined upon an evaluation of a candidate’s full academic record and in consultation with the student’s supervisor.

While there is no predetermined list of research topics that is endorsed by the department as suitable for a dissertation, prospective students should closely familiarize themselves with the work and ongoing research of the full professors in the department one of whom is likely to serve as the principal supervisor. Applicants matching the research program, interests, and methodological approaches of faculty members will generally have a better chance of finding a supervisor. Prospective students are welcome to contact faculty members if they have questions or hope to work with individual professors.

• A CV that is comprehensive with respect to information allowing us to assess an applicant’s academic potential (e.g., current degree(s), relevant employment, past coursework along with grades, academic distinctions, information on research experiences and possible publications, method and language skills, etc.).
• A brief statement of purpose of 1-2 pages that indicates the intended topic of research, formulates a clear research question, and sketches a way in which the planned research is to be approached theoretically and methodologically.
• A description of no more than one page of an earlier research project such as the MA thesis, which should include the research question and describe some of the key theoretical assumptions, methodology, and principal findings.

Please note that the above guidelines pertain only to the Department of Political Science and that all applicants must also meet the admissions criteria for doctoral students by the University of Salzburg , specifically those set forth by the Faculty of Cultural and Social Sciences. For details please see here.

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Studying at the University of Innsbruck

Doctoral programme political science, * information on the curriculum (2009w).

The  complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins. In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,    available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt   Section: Current Curriculum version. University of Innsbruck Bulletins »  (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)

• English version of the Curriculum (from October 1 st 2019)
• University of Inssbruck Bulletin April 5 th 2019 (modification of the curriculum)
• English version of the Curriculum (from October 1 st 2017)
• University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 3 rd 2017, Issue 30, No. 400 (modification of the curriculum)
• English version of the Curriculum (from October 1 st 2014)
• Curriculum/Consolidated version (from October 1 st 2014)
• University of Innsbruck Bulletin September 10 th 2014, Issue 46, No. 661 (Equivalence list)
• University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 17 th 2014, Issue 30, No. 504 (modification of the curriculum)
• English version of the Curriculum
• University of Innsbruck Bulletin February 24 th 2009, Issue 29, No. 151

Requirements

Relevant master's or diploma degrees at the University of Innsbruck:

• Diploma Programme Political Science
• Master's Programme European Politics and Society
• Master's Programme Political Science: European and International Studies

Proof of general university entrance qualification :

With the exception of § 64 par. 5 UG 2002, the general university entrance qualification for admission to a doctoral programme shall be demonstrated by the completion of a relevant diploma programme or master's programme or another relevant programme of at least the same level of higher education at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution. To compensate for substantial subject-related differences, supplementary examinations may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the doctoral degree programme.

The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the doctoral degree programme.

Modules and Dissertation

Qualification profile and skills.

The core of the Doctor of Philosophy Programme Political Science is the ability to conduct theoretical and empirical political science research and to contribute this work to the national and international research process through publication. Graduates are capable of teaching political science and further developing theoretical and empirical research methods.

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy Programme Political Science possess competences and knowledge to make scientific contributions that meet international research standards and to add these to the international research process, in particular through the dissertation as an independent research project. They are capable of developing research projects independently and creatively and of realizing these projects successfully with the support of national and international research promotion organizations. They are able to communicate with the scientific community about their area of expertise and can present their results to the community as well as work and engage in discussion in interdisciplinary contexts. 

Expected Learning Outcomes for the Doctorate

Graduates are qualified junior academics. They have mastered the methods applied in research in their area and are capable of critically discussing, analyzing, and further developing theories. Junior academics possess the competence to develop and conduct substantial research projects with scientific integrity, and they are qualified to reflect on these processes scientifically and theoretically. They are also aware of issues and questions in gender research.

Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy Programme Political Science may be found in universities, research institutions and other post-secondary educational facilities. They are able to fill leadership positions in research facilities of national, transnational and international institutions, in governmental and non-governmental interest groups, in political institutions and in the media. Have a look at some of our former students and their careers .

Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading

Examination regulations

The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.

Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »

The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.

December 2021

Overall classification of the qualification

Not applicable Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).  

Information about the Programme (in German only)

• Information on the PhD- and Doctoral Programmes
• Submission of the Dissertation
• Recommendation for cumulative dissertations
• Guidelines about the Exposè and the Doctoral Thesis
• Equivalence List
• Guidelines for electronic submission and publication of academic theses and Instruction

Forms (in German only)

• Dissertation Project
• Examination Records
• Application of the Dissertation
• Cover Sheet of the dissertation
• Declaration of Academic Honesty  
• To block the dissertation
• Application of the Dissertation's Defense

Recognitions (in German only)

• Recognition of exams AND Supplementary Sheet

Contact and Information

Associate Dean of Studies Assoz. Prof. Mag. Dr. Franz Eder

Dean of Studies Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wilhelmus Johannes Gerardus Uunk

Information for students with disabilities  

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PhD Law and Politics

University degree.

Doctor of Philosophy „PhD“

Start of studies

Winter term 2024/25

Duration of study

6 semesters

Teaching language

Type of study programme, about the study programme.

The PhD programme in Law and Politics brings together research and teaching of law and political science, combining subjects and disciplines from both areas, at the doctoral level. A problem-oriented understanding of the interactions and interdependencies between law and politics is essential for the scholarly development of theory and method in these disciplines, and thus also for the further development of basic research in universities. This approach is also important from a practical perspective for academically informed legal and political advisory purposes.

• Qualifications profile

The aim of the PhD in Law and Politics is to provide junior researchers with an outstanding education of an internationally recognised standard. Active participation in the compulsory and elective courses will ensure doctoral students gain an insight into the forefront of current national and international research, and make their own material contribution. This gives early-career researchers an interdisciplinary and comparative academic education at the interface between questions which can be better researched from a legal perspective or a political one. By developing their critical and reflective thinking skills, young researchers are also appropriately prepared to formulate recommendations for improvements in public policy.

Over the course of the doctoral programme, young researchers learn to examine current issues in these disciplines independently, and to develop these into specific research projects, thus making an effective contribution to scholarly discourse through their own autonomous research work. To facilitate this, the programme includes comprehensive teaching of the theory and methodological skills needed for academic research between and into several different disciplines.

• Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Law and Politics are ideally qualified to work as junior researchers in national and international projects at universities and in non-university institutions, and for research roles or to provide academically informed legal and political advice in public administration, international organisations and the private sector. Their extensive knowledge and skills in the crossover area between law and political science, and ability to take perspectives from the humanities, social and economic sciences into account, mean they are well prepared to help find solutions for current complex interdisciplinary problems in the academic world, politics, the economy and society. Consequently they are highly qualified not only for academic work, but also for expert legal and political roles in national and European administrative bodies, international organisations and business functions concerned with strategic management.

• Note on registration

Admission to the PhD programme in Law and Politics is subject to an admissions process. This consists of a written application, which will be evaluated and ranked by the selection committee. Admission therefore requires the applicant to be awarded a study place by virtue of the ranking process for the relevant year of study, and to meet the academic requirements.

Programme coordination

Current admission period

Full details of admissions procedures and current deadlines are available on our main page.

Overview of admissions and deadlines

Questions about PhD Law and Politics?

The academic coordinator is happy to help you, send us a message.

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