PhD degree

Norway

Key features

  • Qualification: Ph.d-grad
  • Qualification in English: PhD degree
  • EQF level: 8
  • Cycle: Third cycle
  • Thesis required: Regulated by the institutions
  • Nominal length: 3 years
  • Access requirement: Master’s degree
  • Access to further study: n/a

Programmes

The PhD degree is based on a master’s degree or equivalent qualification and is the highest academic degree in Norway. The study programme must be based on independent research conducted in cooperation with academic supervisors and other researchers, and it can be carried out within the framework of a researcher training programme.

Philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) is awarded after three years of study, following the completion of a master’s degree or a five to six-year professionally oriented degree/qualification.

Doctor philosophiae (dr. philos.) is conferred on graduates who have qualified for a doctoral degree on their own, without formal research training.

Diploma, artistic research fellowships programme (kunstnerisk utviklingsprogram) is a three-year programme in the field of creative and performing arts. Replaced on 1 February 2018 by the new doctoral degree ph.d. i kunstnerisk utviklingsarbeid.

Degree titles

  • Norwegian: ph.d.-grad
  • English: PhD degree

Learning outcomes

As defined in the Norwegian qualifications framework for lifelong learning (NQF).

Knowledge and understanding

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • are in the forefront of knowledge within their academic field and master the field´s philosophy of science and/or artistic issues and methods
  • can evaluate the expediency and application of different methods and processes in research and scholarly and/or artistic development projects
  • can contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation in the field

Skills

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • can formulate problems, plan and carry out research and scholarly and/or artistic development work
  • can carry out research and scholarly and/or artistic research work of a high international standard
  • can handle complex academic issues and challenge established knowledge and practice in the field

General competence

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • can identify new relevant ethical issues and carry out research with scholarly integrity
  • can manage complex interdisciplinary assignments and projects
  • can communicate research and development work through recognized Norwegian and international channels
  • can participate in debates in the field in international forums
  • can assess the need for, initiate and practice innovation