Studying at the University of Innsbruck

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Doctoral Programme Sociology

Faculty	Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
Duration / ECTS-Credits	6 semesters / 180 ECTS-Credits
Academic Degree	Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Qualification Level	Doctorate (Third Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 8, EQF/NQF: Level 8
ISCED-F	0314 Sociology and Cultural Studies
Mode of Study	Full-Time
Study Code	UC 094 xxx | UC 794 365 xxx
Curriculum	Information on the Curriculum (2009W)*
Language of Instruction	German/English
Admission Requirements	Relevant diploma or master's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates
Application	Apply ONLINE

* Information on the Curriculum (2009W)

The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.

In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
  available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
  Section: Current Curriculum version.

University of Innsbruck Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)

Requirements

Relevant master's or diploma degrees at the University of Innsbruck:

• Master's Programme Sociology: Social and Political Theory
• Master's Programme Political Science: European and International Studies
  

Proof of general university entrance qualification:

With the exception of § 64 par. 5 UG 2002, the general university entrance qualification for admission to a doctoral programme shall be demonstrated by the completion of a relevant diploma programme or master's programme or another relevant programme of at least the same level of higher education at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution. To compensate for substantial subject-related differences, supplementary examinations may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the doctoral degree programme.

The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the doctoral degree programme.

Modules and Dissertation

Compulsory Modules 15 ECTS-Credits	Dissertation 145 ECTS-Credits
Dissertation Project 10 ECTS-Credits Doctoral Thesis Defence 5 ECTS-Credits	The dissertation is a piece of scientific work which – in contrast to a diploma or master‘s thesis – serves to prove the student's ability to cope with scientific questions in an independent way. The dissertation topic has to be chosen from the field of sociology. The student has to propose a team of supervisors, consisting of at least two people (dissertation committee), and to nominate one of them as the supervisor mainly responsible. It is permissible to propose supervisors (with the exception of the main supervisor) from subject-related fields. In justifiable exceptional cases it is possible for students to propose only one supervisor. Prior to beginning the work, the student has to communicate the dissertation topic and the names of the supervisors in writing to the Director of Studies. Topic and supervisors are considered as accepted, if the Director of Studies does not veto them by means of a decree within one month after the receipt of the proposal.
Elective Modules 20 ECTS-Credits
At least one module out of "Going Public": Journal Articles 10 ECTS-Credits Contributions to edited volumes 10 ECTS-Credits Conference Presentation 5 ECTS-Credits At least one module out of "Disciplinary Competence": Theoretical and Meta-Theoretical Reflexivity 5 ECTS-Credits Methods and Techniques of Social Research 5 ECTS-Credits More possible modules: Generic Skills max. 10 ECTS-Credits

Qualification Profile and Skills

The Doctor of Philosophy Programme Sociology is grouped among the social and economic science study programmes.

As a reflexive discipline, sociology continually validates its issues and approaches in the light of the present day. As an empirical discipline, it constantly subjects its results to the test of experienced reality. Both aspects are reflected in the curriculum.

In accordance with the structure of the study programme, the central work on the dissertation will be accompanied by intensive mentoring by the faculty’s instructors as well as by corresponding courses (for example on questions of theoretical and methodological reflection of one’s own research). In addition, modules are offered that offer a preview of future occupational activities and that go beyond subject-specific aspects toward the development of generic competences and toward participation in the scientific community.

The Doctor of Philosophy Programme Sociology is the highest level of the scientific education and enables its graduates to theoretically structure sociological questions at the current level of the discipline, to methodically process them adequately, to present their own research results and to enter into interdisciplinary dialogue. In the modern knowledge society, graduates of the doctoral programme are equally equipped for academic careers as they are for planning and decision-making tasks at the intersections of science and practice.

Expected Learning Outcomes for the Doctorate

Graduates are qualified junior academics. They have mastered the theories and methods applied in sociological research and are capable of critically discussing, analysing, and further developing them. As they have contributed to the knowledge in the field, they possess the competence to develop and conduct substantial research projects with scientific integrity, and they are qualified to reflect on these processes scientifically and theoretically. Their acquired key competences include the ability to work independently and to communicate about their area of expertise within the scientific community and in society. They are therefore capable of making innovative contributions in scientific and professional contexts.

Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities

In the society of the 21^st century that is increasingly characterised by conflicting patterns of interpretation, there is a growing need for sociological explanations. In key positions of the knowledge society (research institutes, education, public administration, economy, associations, media), but also in the political public, the consideration of sociological knowledge is important for the further development of the society. Moreover, the graduates are provided with the opportunity to participate first-hand in professional changes by acquiring social science core competences with regard to the performance demands of the rapidly changing professional world.

Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading

Examination regulations

The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.

Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »

Information about the Programme (in German only)

• Information on the PhD- and Doctoral Programmes
• Submission of the Dissertation
• Deadlines
• Guidelines for electronic submission and publication of academic theses and Instruction

Forms (in German only)

• Examination Records
• Application of the Dissertation
• Cover Sheet of the dissertation
  
• Declaration of Academic Honesty
• Submission of the Dissertation
• To block the Dissertation
• Application of the Dissertation's Defense

Recognition (in German only)

Recognition of exams AND Supplementary Sheet

Contact and Information

Examination Office
Standort Universitätsstraße 15

Associate Dean of Studies
Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Bernhard Weicht

Dean of Studies
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Dr. Petra Missomelius, MA

Information for students with disabilities