The doctoral programme in Cultural Studies is divided into a general part (60 ECTS) and thesis part (180 ECTS). The general part consists of coursework, teaching and scholarly work such as confererence participation and publishing of original work.

Once a candidate has been admitted to the programme, the doctoral committee is appointed. Three to four people form the committee: The thesis supervisor and two or three permanent faculty members and/or other experts in the relevant field. All committee members must themselves have doctoral degrees or equivalent qualifications. The thesis supervisor leads the committee and conducts its meetings. The thesis supervisor works with the student within a time frame determined by the faculty.

The Ph.D. student decides in consultation with the doctoral committee how the general part is to be completed. The committee advises the student on coursework relevant to his/her work to strengthen theoretical skills. It is recommended that students build up research contacts in universities outside of Iceland or use cooperation agreements with partner universities for study and research visits. They should also seek to attend courses, research workshops and conferences abroad.

The student is expected to submit a research proposal (prospectus) to the committee before the end of the second semester and present it in a committee meeting. The proposal contains a short description of the topic, an analytic overview of the main research questions of the thesis and a bibliographical essay.

The thesis supervisor works with the student on finding appropriate teaching during the programme. The university provides facilities for research and for active participation in scholarly work. The department organizes workshops and seminars for doctoral students in which all students are expected to take part. By the end of the programme the student submits his/her thesis for defense. Once the doctoral committee has accepted the thesis a doctoral defense (open to the public) is scheduled. The length of the thesis should as a rule not exceed 100.000 words.

See “Regulation on doctoral study and doctoral degrees at the University of Iceland School of Humanities” for more detailed information on the doctoral programme and the thesis: (https://english.hi.is/node/66197)

• CV
• Statement of purpose
• Research proposal
• Reference 1, Name and email
• Reference 2, Name and email
• Supervisor/supervising teacher at the University of Iceland
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts

• Proof of English proficiency 

Further information on supporting documents can be found here.

Follow this form for the study and research plan.