The Department of Economic History and International Relations is a dynamic and strong education and research department at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Stockholm University. Its International Relations (IR) section aims to be nationally leading and internationally prominent within its field of research and education, focusing especially on the three IR sub-fields of International Security, International Institutions, and Global Political Economy. For more information, see www.su.se/english/divisions/department-of-economic-history-and-international-relations.
Project description
The PhD position is fully funded for 4 years by the project “Understanding Public Support for EU Enlargement.” The project aims to advance knowledge of the security, economic, and societal drivers shaping public opinion on EU enlargement. At its core is an analytical framework that examines how citizens perceive enlargement by systematically incorporating their attitudes and concerns. Using survey data, the project captures what citizens think of future enlargement and why. These insights will directly inform the development of policy recommendations to enhance credibility, legitimacy and engagement of citizens in EU enlargement across different national contexts.
Qualification requirements
In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.
You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.
Specific entry requirements
Admission to doctoral studies in international relations requires the following:
- a completed first-cycle programme in international relations or an equivalent programme of at least 90 higher education credits, as well as a completed second-cycle programme in international relations or an equivalent programme of at least 30 credits, of which at least 15 credits (or equivalent) shall consist of independent thesis work at a second-cycle level (either 60 credit or 120 credit Master’s thesis)
- an additional 60 credits from completed higher education with a theoretical specialisation in subjects relevant to the doctoral studies, or equivalent studies
- sufficient knowledge of English to be able to benefit from the third-cycle education.
Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:
- independence in the analysis and planning of previous degree projects
- demonstrated ability to work and communicate in larger teams
- previously demonstrated ability to complete tasks within specified time limits
- ability to formulate areas of investigation and problems, both in previous projects and in the motivation letter
- degree of methodological and scientific maturity in previously performed work, and in the motivation letter
- demonstrated experience with the application of quantitative social science research methods
- ability to communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing.
Experience in international collaborative project work, experience in conducting research related to EU enlargement, large-scale novel quantitative data collection and analysis, scholarly publications, and scientific outreach will be considered meritorious.
Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.
About the employment
We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).
A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.
Planned entry date is August 31, 2026.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Contact
For more information, please contact Karina Shyrokykh, Associate Professor in International Relations and project lead, email: karina.shyrokykh@su.se, or Lisa Dellmuth, Professor of International Relations and Director of Doctoral Studies in International Relations, phone: +46 8 16 10 76, lisa.dellmuth@su.se, or Johan Svanberg, Chair of the Department of Economic History and International Relations, johan.svanberg@su.se.
Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.
The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.
Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.
| Type of employment | Temporary position |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| Salary | Fixed salary |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Full-time equivalent | 100 % |
| City | Stockholm |
| County | Stockholms län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | SU FV-1701-26 |
| Union representative | ST/OFR ST/OFR, 08162000, st@st.su.seSaco-S Saco-S, 08162000, saco@saco.su.seSeko Seko, 0770457900, sekodirekt@seko.se |
| Published | 11.May.2026 |
| Last application date | 10.Jun.2026 |