A PhD is the highest academic qualification awarded by Norwegian universities and university colleges. It prepares candidates for research at an international level, as well as roles in society that demand deep scientific expertise and analytical thinking.
Funding and duration
Before beginning a PhD, you must have secured funding to cover the period of study. A PhD fellow position at UiB is one common route. Once you have funding in place, you can apply for admission to one of UiB's seven PhD programmes.
The programme is normally three years. Many candidates receive an additional year to carry out teaching and administrative duties at their department.
Supervision
Your PhD research must be supervised by at least two supervisors, who may come from UiB or from other institutions. Your supervisors can be people you already know or they can be assigned by your department.
Research school
Many candidates are members of a PhD research school, in addition to their department and faculty. Research schools are designated units for PhD activity within a research discipline or thematic subject. At the research school you can take part in seminars, courses, lectures and social gatherings. MuMuch of the day-to-day academic life at UiB takes place within research groups and projects, where you will work alongside professors, associate professors, postdoctoral researchers and master's students.
See list of research schools at UiB
Thesis and artistic work
During your PhD, you will write a thesis. This can take the form of a monograph or a compilation thesis consisting of several articles. At the Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design, it is also possible to pursue a PhD in artistic research, where the project culminates in a concert, exhibition or other artistic presentation.
Coursework
Alongside your research, you must complete a training component equivalent to one semester of coursework. This includes courses in the philosophy of science and research ethics, as well as methodology and theory within your field. The faculties also offer courses in academic communication and other practical skills.
Towards the end
The final phase begins when you submit your thesis. If your thesis is approved, you will then give a trial lecture as part of the PhD examination before defending your thesis at a public defence ('disputation').
Please note that the rules and structure of the PhD programme vary between faculties.