University of Tromsø

What you'll study

The programme is research‑centred and culminates in a doctoral dissertation that makes an original scholarly contribution to the humanities or social sciences. Candidates normally undertake independent, supervised research combined with organised research training. Typical study components include:

• Development and execution of an original doctoral research project under a supervisory team.
• Research training courses and seminars covering methodology, research ethics, academic publishing, project management and teaching skills (course workload is typically limited and tailored to individual needs).
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and participation in academic networks, workshops and conferences both within UiT and with external partners.
• Fieldwork or archival research where relevant—many projects engage with Arctic, Sámi and northern contexts, requiring travel, community collaboration or long‑term ethnographic work.
• Preparation of articles for peer‑reviewed journals and contribution to research dissemination activities, including the public defence (viva) of the doctoral dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a recognised relevant Master's degree (or equivalent) demonstrating strong academic performance and the ability to undertake independent research. Admission typically requires:

• A well‑developed research proposal outlining research questions, methodology and relevance to the field.
• Evidence of academic qualifications (transcripts) and a curriculum vitae.
• Letters of recommendation and, where possible, examples of previous academic work (such as a Master’s thesis).
• Identification of a prospective supervisor or a supervisory team within the relevant department is advantageous; some vacancies are advertised with funding and supervision already arranged.
• Proof of proficiency in English or Norwegian as required by the department; specific language requirements depend on the project and intended mode of dissemination.

Applicants who do not meet formal requirements may be considered on an individual basis if they can document equivalent academic/research experience.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD programme in Humanities and Social Sciences pursue careers across academia, the public and private sectors and civil society. Common career paths include:

• Postdoctoral research positions and academic posts in universities and colleges.
• Research roles in national and international research institutes and think tanks.
• Policy analysis and advisory positions within government agencies, regional authorities and intergovernmental organisations, particularly on Arctic and indigenous affairs.
• Roles in cultural institutions, museums, heritage management, publishing and media.
• Consultancy, NGO leadership and community engagement roles where advanced research skills, critical analysis and knowledge of social and cultural contexts are valued.

Why study at University of Tromsø

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is uniquely placed for humanities and social sciences research focused on northern, Arctic and indigenous issues. The university hosts specialised centres and research groups in areas such as Sámi studies, northern history, social anthropology and environment‑society relations, providing strong interdisciplinary support.

Students benefit from close collaboration with internationally active researchers, access to regional archives and field sites, and partnerships with local communities and public institutions. The university fosters an international and multilingual research environment and offers structured research training and career development support tailored to doctoral candidates.

Note: Research funding and employment conditions for PhD candidates in Norway often include paid positions or scholarship arrangements; prospective applicants should consult UiT's official PhD admissions pages or contact the relevant department for up‑to‑date information on vacancies, funding and language requirements.