Apply for a PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University, Sweden. Learn about the 2027 programme, eligibility, salary, documents and 28 September 2026 deadline.
PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University, Sweden 2027
Örebro University is offering a fully funded doctoral studentship in Gender Studies for applicants interested in social-science-oriented research on gender and related questions. The doctoral programme is scheduled to start in spring 2027 and combines doctoral-level coursework with an independent research project leading to a doctoral thesis.
The position is a full-time doctoral studentship for four years, corresponding to 240 higher-education credits. The initial doctoral salary stated in the recruitment announcement is SEK 32,300 per month.
The application deadline is 28 September 2026.
PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University: Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Örebro University |
| Country | Sweden |
| Field | Gender Studies |
| Academic orientation | Social sciences |
| Programme start | Spring 2027 |
| Study duration | 4 years full time |
| Degree | Doctoral degree |
| Programme credits | 240 credits |
| Studentship | Full-time doctoral studentship |
| Initial salary | SEK 32,300/month |
| Application deadline | 28 September 2026 |
| Application language | Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, or English |
| Preliminary research proposal | Maximum 3 pages |
The doctoral programme is located within the School of Social Sciences and Media Studies and is associated with a multidisciplinary research environment through the Centre for Feminist Social Studies.
What is the Gender Studies PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University?
The Gender Studies doctoral programme is a social-science-oriented PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University programme. Research in the department covers a broad range of topics connected to gender, feminist theory, politics, society and organizations.
The research environment includes areas such as:
- Feminist theory and knowledge production
- Love and sexuality
- Feminist violence studies
- Sustainability
- Masculinities
- Politics and collective organizing
- Work and organization
- Feminist and political theory
This multidisciplinary environment can provide a suitable setting for doctoral research that examines gender-related questions from social-scientific and feminist perspectives.
How long is the PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University programme?
The doctoral programme comprises 240 credits, equivalent to four years of full-time doctoral study.
The programme consists of two main components:
- Doctoral-level courses
- An independent research project
The research project forms the basis of the doctoral thesis. The programme is designed to lead to a doctoral degree, although the university also refers to the possibility of obtaining a licentiate degree within the doctoral-study framework.
What funding is provided for the doctoral student?
The advertised PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University place is connected to a full-time doctoral studentship for the duration of the programme.
The announcement states that the initial salary is SEK 32,300 per month.
This is important for international applicants because the position is not described simply as an unfunded doctoral admission. The programme place is linked directly to the doctoral studentship.
Applicants should nevertheless check the current official employment and doctoral-student regulations for the exact terms applying to the appointment.
PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University: Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy both the general entry requirements and the specific entry requirements for doctoral studies.
In addition to meeting these formal requirements, applicants must demonstrate that they have the academic ability necessary to benefit from doctoral education.
General entry requirements
According to the announcement, an applicant can satisfy the general entry requirements through one of the following routes:
- A qualification at the master’s level; or
- At least 240 higher-education credits, including at least 60 credits at master’s level; or
- Substantially equivalent knowledge acquired through another route in Sweden or abroad.
Applicants should consult Örebro University’s doctoral admissions regulations and the relevant annex to the general syllabus for the complete requirements.
Specific entry requirements in Gender Studies
The specific requirement is more important for applicants assessing their eligibility.
Applicants must have passed courses corresponding to at least 90 credits, including an independent bachelor’s-level project, in:
- Gender Studies; or
- A closely related subject.
Applicants who have obtained substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or another country may also satisfy this requirement.
Does a master’s degree alone guarantee eligibility?
No.
Having a master’s degree may satisfy the general entry requirement, but applicants must also satisfy the programme’s specific entry requirements in Gender Studies or demonstrate substantially equivalent knowledge.
Therefore, prospective applicants should compare their previous coursework and independent research projects with the requirements before applying.
How are applicants selected?
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically result in admission.
Örebro University states that selection among qualified applicants is based on the applicant’s ability to benefit from doctoral education. The assessment considers both formal qualifications and demonstrated academic ability.
The selection assessment includes:
- Previous education and other relevant activities
- Theses and other academic work
- The applicant’s preliminary PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University project outline
- The applicant’s demonstrated ability to apply a gender perspective in previous academic work
The gender perspective in previous academic work is specifically identified as a requirement for an applicant to be considered to have the ability to benefit from the programme.
What does this mean for applicants?
A strong application should therefore do more than demonstrate academic qualifications.
Your application should make it easy for the selection committee to understand:
- Your academic background.
- Your previous research experience.
- Your experience with gender-related research or perspectives.
- The quality and relevance of your previous academic work.
- Your proposed doctoral research.
- Why the proposed project fits the Gender Studies research field.
The university specifically evaluates the preliminary PhD project outline as part of the selection process.
What should the PhD research proposal contain?
Applicants must submit an outline of their preliminary PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University project, with a maximum length of three pages.
The outline should include information about:
- Research topic/research field
- Aim
- Theory
- Methods and material
- Relevance to the Gender Studies research field
How to make the preliminary PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University project outline stronger
Although the recruitment announcement specifies the required components rather than prescribing a particular writing strategy, applicants should ensure that the proposal is:
- Clearly focused
- Researchable within a four-year doctoral programme
- Connected to Gender Studies
- Explicit about its theoretical foundation
- Clear about the proposed methodology and research material
- Able to explain why the research matters to the field
Avoid trying to cover an excessively broad social problem within a three-page proposal. A focused research question is generally easier for a selection committee to evaluate than a very broad topic.
Documents Required for the Application
The application must contain the required electronic documents.
| Required document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| CV | Include relevant academic and professional background |
| Bachelor’s degree certificate | Copy of original certificate |
| Bachelor’s transcript | Official transcript of records |
| Master’s degree certificate | Copy of original certificate |
| Master’s transcript | Official transcript of records |
| Master’s independent project | Submit the relevant academic project |
| Preliminary PhD project outline | Maximum 3 pages |
| Other supporting documents | Relevant certificates, academic papers, publications, etc. |
The university specifically asks for copies of original degree certificates and official transcripts for both bachelor’s and master’s education, as well as the independent master’s project and the preliminary doctoral project outline.
What language should the application documents be in?
As a general rule, application documents and attachments should be written in:
- Swedish
- Danish
- Norwegian
- English
Documents verifying qualifications or experience that are written in another language must be translated into Swedish or English by an authorised translator.
The announcement directs applicants to the Kammarkollegiet, Sweden’s Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency, for information about authorised translators.
How to Apply for the PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University
The application is submitted through Örebro University’s website.
An important point is that applicants do not need to submit a separate application for the doctoral studentship: applying for admission to the doctoral programme automatically also constitutes an application for the doctoral studentship, according to the recruitment announcement.
Application steps
- Review the general and specific entry requirements.
- Assess whether your academic background is sufficiently related to Gender Studies.
- Prepare your CV and degree documentation.
- Prepare your academic transcripts.
- Prepare your master’s independent project.
- Develop the preliminary PhD project outline of no more than three pages.
- Add relevant academic papers, publications and supporting documents.
- Ensure documents in other languages have the required authorised translations.
- Submit the application through Örebro University’s application system.
- Submit the application before 28 September 2026.
Application Deadline
The stated application deadline is:
28 September 2026
The programme is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
Because doctoral recruitment deadlines are fixed, applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to prepare or upload documents.
Who is this PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University suitable for?
This opportunity may be particularly relevant to applicants with academic backgrounds in:
- Gender Studies
- Feminist Studies
- Sociology
- Political science
- Social sciences
- Other closely related disciplines
However, the specific eligibility rules should be checked carefully. The announcement allows applicants with substantially equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad to meet the relevant requirements, but selection also considers the demonstrated application of a gender perspective in previous academic work.
Why the Research Environment Matters
Örebro University’s Gender Studies environment is described as internationally connected and multidisciplinary. The subject is associated with the Centre for Feminist Social Studies, with research grounded in feminist and political theory.
The research areas listed in the announcement span questions involving sexuality, violence, sustainability, masculinity, politics, collective organizing, work and organizations, as well as feminist theory and knowledge production.
For prospective applicants, this means research fit should be considered carefully when developing the proposed PhD project.
Doctoral Student Support at Örebro University
The university describes several elements intended to support doctoral students during their studies.
These include:
- An introductory programme for new doctoral students
- A tailored seminar series
- Information about doctoral programme rules
- Career-related guidance
- Student welfare support
- Networking opportunities
The university states that its ambition is to make doctoral studies stimulating and purposeful throughout the programme.
Örebro University and Equal Opportunities
Örebro University states that it actively works with equal opportunities and gender equality and aims to maintain a working environment characterized by openness, trust and respect.
The university also states that it values the contribution of diversity to its operations.
Practical Checklist Before Applying
Before submitting your application, check the following:
- I meet the general doctoral entry requirements.
- I meet the specific Gender Studies entry requirements or have substantially equivalent knowledge.
- My previous academic work demonstrates a gender perspective.
- My CV is complete and relevant.
- I have included bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts.
- I have included master’s degree certificates and transcripts.
- I have included my master’s independent project.
- My preliminary PhD project outline is no longer than three pages.
- The proposal covers topic, aim, theory, methods/material and relevance.
- Relevant publications and academic papers are included.
- Documents in other languages have been appropriately translated.
- I have submitted the application before 28 September 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Örebro University is recruiting a doctoral student in Gender Studies for spring 2027.
- The PhD programme comprises 240 credits and four years of full-time study.
- The doctoral place is connected to a full-time doctoral studentship.
- The stated initial salary is SEK 32,300 per month.
- Applicants need both general and specific doctoral entry qualifications.
- The specific requirement includes at least 90 credits in Gender Studies or a closely related subject, including an independent bachelor’s-level project, or substantially equivalent knowledge.
- Selection considers previous academic work, qualifications and the proposed PhD project, including demonstrated use of a gender perspective.
- The preliminary PhD project outline must be maximum three pages.
- The application deadline is 28 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Örebro University offer a PhD in Gender Studies?
Yes. Örebro University is recruiting a doctoral student for its doctoral programme in Gender Studies, with the programme scheduled to start in spring 2027.
2. How long is the Gender Studies PhD at Örebro University?
The doctoral programme is four years of full-time study and comprises 240 credits.
3. What is the PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University salary?
The recruitment announcement states an initial doctoral studentship salary of SEK 32,300 per month.
4. What are the specific eligibility requirements for the Gender Studies PhD?
Applicants should have passed at least 90 credits, including an independent bachelor’s project, in Gender Studies or a closely related subject. Substantially equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad may also satisfy the requirement.
5. Is a master’s degree enough to apply?
Not necessarily. A master’s qualification can satisfy the general doctoral entry requirement, but applicants must also meet the specific requirements for Gender Studies or demonstrate substantially equivalent knowledge.
6. How long can the PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University research proposal be?
The preliminary PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University project outline must be no more than three pages and should cover the topic/research field, aim, theory, methods/material and relevance to Gender Studies.
7. What documents are required?
The application requires a CV, bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and transcripts, the master’s independent project, a preliminary PhD in Gender Studies at Örebro University project outline, and other relevant supporting documents such as academic papers and publications.
8. What is the application deadline?
The stated deadline is 28 September 2026.