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PhD programmes at SDU

Become a PhD student

Do you want a research education at the highest international level? As a PhD student, you contribute new knowledge to your field of research and open the doors to a research career.

See available PhD positions

What is a PhD programme?

A PhD is a three-year academic research programme in which you independently carry out a scientific project and conclude with a PhD dissertation and an oral defence. You must have a master’s degree or equivalent to be approved for a PhD programme.

In some cases, you can define the topic of your PhD yourself. In other cases, you apply for a vacant PhD position.

The PhD programmes are managed by the PhD School at each faculty. Select a faculty on this page to read about specific admission requirements, supervision, courses and other practical details.

Go to the PhD School

Faculty of Humanities

Faculty of Science

Faculty of Business and Social Sciences

Faculty of Health Sciences

Faculty of Engineering

Benefits of a PhD at SDU


1. Robust research environment

You will be part of an internationally recognised research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and leading researchers who support your academic development. As a PhD student, you are affiliated with several supervisors as well as a research group at the department where your principal supervisor is employed.

2. Interdisciplinary collaboration

SDU has a strong tradition of solid collaborations across faculties and research areas, which provides excellent opportunities to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines, allowing you to create research breakthroughs and innovative solutions in your field.

3. International network

SDU’s thriving international network gives you the opportunity to participate in international conferences, organise stays in research environments abroad, exchange knowledge and experiences, and create relationships that strengthen your research and future career.

4. Good career opportunities

With a PhD qualification on your CV, you are equipped to continue your research career in academia and for a career as a specialised expert in public organisations or private companies.

5. Inspiring development

A PhD programme is intense, challenging and rewarding, and you will experience tremendous development both academically and personally. At SDU, you are part of an inclusive and dynamic research environment, where you will experience academic immersion, new insights and a strong network.


Read more about the PhD programmes offered at SDU

  • A PhD programme is equivalent to three years of full-time employment. In order to be admitted to a PhD programme, you must have completed a master’s degree programme with convincing results. Within the three years, you must:

    • complete an independent research project under supervision
    • complete a course programme corresponding to six months of studying (30 ECTS credits)
    • establish affiliation with one or multiple other research environments (primarily abroad)
    • teach and communicate knowledge in other ways
    • prepare your PhD dissertation
    • defend your dissertation in public

    You will be enrolled as a PhD student at one of SDU’s five PhD Schools. All PhD Schools offer a three-year PhD programme (a completed master’s degree programme being a requirement), but some also offer a four-year PhD programme for students who have completed the first year of a master’s degree programme.

    The PhD programme is carried out in close dialogue with your supervisor, who is a leading researcher in the research area in question.

    During the programme you will gain:

    • good opportunities to influence your own PhD programme.
    • good opportunities for a study period abroad at recognised universities (a so-called change of environment).
    • contact with active research environments at and outside SDU.
    • the opportunity to participate in educational activities, courses and conferences at both international and Danish research institutions.
    • experience in teaching and in disseminating your research results.

  • An industrial PhD programme is a three-year business-oriented PhD position where you are enrolled as a PhD student while employed by a private company or a public organisation with which you collaborate on your PhD project.

    The industrial PhD scheme is administered by Innovation Fund Denmark, which approves the projects and awards grants.

    The PhD Schools may approach the application process in different ways, so please contact the relevant PhD School if you are considering an industrial PhD.

    Read about the Industrial Researcher Programme at Innovation Fund Denmark

  • You can find predefined PhD positions on SDU’s job page.

    In some cases, you can help define your PhD project yourself in collaboration with a supervisor and possibly a company or public organisation.

    Se vacant PhD positions

  • Please contact the PhD School at the relevant faculty to get answers to questions about admission requirements, guidance and other practical questions.

    Get contact information for each PhD school here:


Last Updated 07.02.2025