Study at the PhD programme
The doctoral program in psychology at Lund University provides in-depth knowledge in psychology and you as a doctoral student are trained to become an independent, critical researcher with a broad theoretical social science knowledge base. The aim of the program is that you as a PhD student will be able to develop the knowledge and skills needed to independently conduct research in psychology and contribute to the development of knowledge in the field. Through courses and the completion of a scientific thesis, the doctoral program prepares you well for research work and a professional career.
Facts about the PhD programme:
The PhD programme leads to a doctoral degree corresponding to 240 credits. The program includes a course component and research work leading to a doctoral thesis.
Eligibility criteria are stated in the instruction document below. Postgraduate positions are financed by the department, research projects or by external authorities and organisations.
Completion of the PhD programme usually takes four years of full-time studies.
The Department of Psychology has approximately 20 active PhD students.
The Swedish university credits are based on the new system ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). For more information about the system see: The European Commission website
General Syllabus för doctoral studies
Application to the PhD programme
All applications are assessed and ranked in an equal manner. Please carefully read and follow the instructions.
Application instructions:
Instructions for applying to the doctoral program in psychology (PDF, new tab)
In the document you will also find information about assessment criteria for doctoral students.
The Doctoral student handbook
The handbook provides an overview of the doctoral program at the Department of Psychology and can be used to get guidance on various issues during your PhD Studies
Doctoral Student Handbook (Pdf, new tab)
Apply for a doctoral position with a focus on total defence
If you are interested in doctoral positions with a specialisation in total defence – from a psychology view, contact Magnus Lindén, Mats Dahl, or Sean Perrin for further knowledge on fitting your application to psychology.
Magnus Lindén, Docent
Research areas: civilian resilience and risk, general total defense subjects, coping, stress, and leadership
Phone: +46 46 22 21 723
E-mail: magnus [dot] linden [at] psy [dot] lu [dot] se
Mats Dahl, Senior Lecturer
Research areas: judgment and decision-making in applied settings, intelligence analysis (military and civil authorities), biases and noise, interview and interrogation techniques
Phone: +46 46 22 28 761
E-mail: mats [dot] dahl [at] psy [dot] lu [dot] se (mats[dot]dahl[at]psy[dot]lu[dot]se)
Sean Perrin, Professor of Clinical Psychology
Research areas: building psychological resilience and crisis preparedness
E-mail: sean [dot] perrin [at] psy [dot] lu [dot] se (sean[dot]perrin[at]psy[dot]lu[dot]se)
Read about the PhD position and apply here (Link to Lunduniversity.se)
Last application date: 14 April 2025
Current PhD positions at Lund University
Find and apply for current Phd positions at Lund University
Contact
Eva Hoff
Director of Doctoral Studies
eva [dot] hoff [at] psy [dot] lu [dot] se (eva[dot]hoff[at]psy[dot]lu[dot]se)
Anita Lennerstedt
Administrator
+46 46 222 91 21
anita [dot] lennerstedt [at] psy [dot] lu [dot] se (anita[dot]lennerstedt[at]psy[dot]lu[dot]se)
Doctoral studies at Lund university
On Lund University's website you will find general information about our doctoral programs.
Already admitted to the PhD programme?
Here you will find all the information you need during your time as a doctoral student with us.