Dr.philos. at the University of Stavanger

The dr. philos. degree is awarded on the basis of:

• a scientific thesis
• two trial lectures
• a public defence of the thesis (disputation)

The thesis must be an independent, scientific work that meets international standards with regard to ethical requirements, academic standards and methods. The thesis must be on the same scientific level, but more extensive than what is required for the ordinary PhD degree.

Requirements for the thesis

• The thesis must be an independent, scientific work that meets international standards with regard to ethical requirements, academic standards and methods.
• The thesis must be on the same scientific level, but more extensive than what is required for the ordinary PhD degree.
• It shall contribute to the development of new scientific knowledge and be of an academic standard appropriate for publication as part of the scientific literature in the field.
• The thesis can be a monography or consist of several smaller works (article-based). If the thesis consists of several smaller works, there must be a separate section of the thesis (“kappe”) that summarizes and compares the research questions and conclusions presented in the individual works, thereby placing these in a holistic perspective and documenting the coherence of the thesis. This part also must describe choices of theory and methods, and give an assessment of whether the results meet the international standards and scientific requirements within the area of research. The candidate must be the sole author of this section.
• The main component of the thesis can consist of a product or systematized collection of material, or be presented in a way (for example sound, photo, video and electronic presentations) where the theoretical and methodological basis does not appear from the product itself. In these cases the thesis, in addition to presenting the product, must also include a separate part ("kappe").
• If the thesis or parts of it has been made together with co-authors you must follow the norms for co-authorship that are generally accepted in the relevant academic community and in accordance with international standards.
• If the thesis includes parts that has been made together with co-authors or collaborative partners, the application for assessment of thesis must include a signed statement describing the candidate’s and co-authors contribution in each of the papers.
• The thesis must be written in either Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
• The thesis must be made publicly available.
• A thesis which is not approved for public defence at an earlier assessment may be assessed in a revised form no earlier than six months after the faculty made this decision. A new assessment can only be made once.

The applicant must be a Norwegian citizen or citizen of another Nordic country. Other applicants may, following a substantiated application, be granted admission to the dr. philos. examination if they have a residence permit in Norway, or if the thesis treats topics or makes use of material directly related to Norway, is closely related to Norwegian research within the discipline or has been carried out during stays at a Norwegian university or research institution, or in close contact with Norwegian researchers.

Note: it is not possible to submit an application for assessment of thesis in an area of research where the candidate already has a PhD from a Norwegian or Nordic country. You cannot leave an organized doctoral programme to present yourself for a dr. philos. degree.

See the Regulations for the degree of Doctor Philosophiae (dr.philos.) at the University of Stavanger (Norwegian).

Application

Application for assessment must be sent to the relevant faculty.
To submit a thesis for assessment, the following documentation is necessary:

• An electronic copy of the thesis (PDF format)
• A formal application to have the thesis assessed (pdf)
• A written declaration that the doctoral thesis, or parts of it, neither is or has been submitted for assessment at another Norwegian or foreign institution.
• Copy of master’s diploma
• CV, including publications
• Co-author statements for each article in the thesis

The faculty will decide whether the thesis can be assessed, based on the application and the documentation.

If the application is accepted, the faculty will appoint an assessment committee, and you will receive information about the following process.