PhD degree

Iceland

Key features

  • Qualification: Doktorspróf
  • Qualification in English: PhD degree
  • EQF level: 8
  • Cycle: Third cycle
  • Thesis required: Yes
  • Nominal length: 3 – 4 years / 180 – 240 ECTS
  • Access requirement: Master’s Degree, Kandidat degree (EQF 7, ISQF-HE 2.2
  • Access to further study: N.a.

Programmes

The PhD degree is a recearsh degree awarded after 3 -4 years (180 – 240 ECTS credits) studies after completion of a Master’s or a Kandidat degree of ISQF-HE level 2.2.

The programme is completed with public defence of a PhD thesis.

Degree titles

  • Icelandic: Doktorspróf
  • English: PhD

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • Possess extensive and comprehensive understanding of main theories, principles, concepts and the latest findings available
  • Have initiated the generation of new knowledge and its interpretation with research or other acknowledged scholarly activities that measure up to peer reviews and critique
  • Have contributed important innovation in the form of new knowledge, innovative utilisa-tion or interpretation of existing knowledge
  • Demonstrate their awareness of science ethics and that they have formed a considered opinion regarding their own research and that of others, based on their own ethical consciousness

Skills

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • Can conceptualise and implement extensive research that expand and/or redefine the existing methodology of the scientific field
  • can explore or develop projects that tackle new challenges and subjects within the scientific field
  • Have full command over basic skills, technology, methods, material and sources connected to the relevant scientific field
  • Can apply critical analysis, evaluation and integration to new and complex projects
  • Can apply general and specialised research tools and research technology in a practical manner
  • Can use software to support and enhance work in the relevant scientific field
  • Can specify specialised software to improve methods and procedures
  • Can evaluate statistical and graphical information in a critical manner
  • Have carried out innovative research or developed methods that add to or widen the existing scope of knowledge in the relevant scientific field
  • Demonstrate creativity in developing and applying new knowledge, understanding and methods
  • Have adopted a critical stand towards knowledge
  • Have presented a scientific dissertation that is suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed publication at a national or international level.

Competences

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • Can assume full responsibility for their own projects and for the work of others
  • Can demonstrate independence and initiative in their professional and scientific work
  • Can effectively communicate to their peers, other scholars and the general public about their field of expertise
  • Can participate in critical debate, initiate and lead theoretical discourse