The PhD programme at the Faculty of Medicine

With around 500 PhD candidates, the Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest research training environments in Norway. Here, you will work in strong research groups with access to advanced infrastructure, eight research schools, and an international network—and you are paid while you conduct your research.

Information for PhD candidates at the Faculty of Medicine

Why pursue a PhD at the Faculty of Medicine?

Funded education with a salary

The PhD programme is always fully funded. This means you receive a salary as a doctoral research fellow or through another form of employment for the entire contract period—either via one of the University of Bergen’s own PhD positions or through external funding.

Research schools and international networks

The Faculty of Medicine is a member of ORPHEUS—the Organisation for PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in the European System. The faculty is also part of the NorDoc network for Nordic doctoral education in health sciences. NorDoc offers joint courses, summer schools, and provides a platform for academic and social networking for PhD candidates and supervisors.

The faculty has eight local research schools that offer specialized courses, professional networks, and a sense of community across departments and disciplines. In addition, there are national research schools within specific subject areas.

Career support through UiB Ferd

UiB Ferd is the university’s career centre for PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows. Here, you will find career guidance, courses, and activities that prepare you for working life—both within and outside academia.

→ [Read more about UiB Ferd]

Are you eligible to apply?

To apply for admission, you need:

A master’s degree or equivalent education
Documented funding for the entire contract period
A supervisor employed at the faculty

Find your research environment

The Faculty of Medicine has research environments in medicine, dentistry, and health sciences. PhD candidates are affiliated with a department and a research group. Explore the environments to find out whether MED has a place for you:

How to apply for admission

Two pathways into the PhD programme

University of Bergen PhD positions:
PhD positions are advertised on Jobbnorge (external link) and on the University of Bergen’s websites. These include a salary and funding for research expenses.

External funding:
You may also have funding from a private or public organization, or be seconded from your current employer. Regardless of the type of funding, you must document sufficient funds to cover both living expenses and research costs.

You normally apply for admission within two months of starting your research project.

Admission requirements Application form and agreements

The structure of the PhD programme

The PhD programme is normally three years of full-time study and consists of a research component and a training component.

Research component

The main component is an independent research project that results in a scientific thesis—typically article-based. You will work in a research group at one of the faculty’s departments, usually with two supervisors.

→ [Requirements for the thesis] (internal link – verify URL)

Training component

In addition to the research work, you will complete coursework equivalent to 30 ECTS credits in methodology, theory, and academic context—through the faculty’s research schools and national research schools. The training component provides in-depth expertise in your field and places your research within a broader framework.

Academic and social community

Taking a PhD is not just a research project—it is also about becoming part of an academic community.

The academic and social environment surrounding the PhD programme is largely connected to your department, research group, and local research schools, which are important arenas for both professional development and networking throughout the PhD journey. In addition, mandatory courses are included as part of the training component.

PhD candidates also have access to the University of Bergen’s central services, including UiB Ferd, which organizes joint career days and offers career support across faculties.

The faculty does not have its own local PhD candidate association, but PhD candidates may choose to get involved in UiB Doc, the University of Bergen’s interest organization for doctoral candidates.

After the PhD

A PhD from the Faculty of Medicine (MED) is a strong foundation for a career both within and outside academia. Former candidates go on to work as postdoctoral researchers, clinical specialists, in industry, public administration, and in international organizations.