Graduate School for Social Research (GSSR)

degree

PhD

language

English

ECTS points

Compulsory courses for philosophy: Major Philosophical Problems in Historical Context; Main Ideas and Schools of Contemporary Philosophy; Reading and Writing Philosophical Texts Compulsory courses for sociology: Sociological Theories: Yesterday and Today;

description

The PhD programme lasts four years – the maximum period for such a programme normally allowed by Polish law (limited additional time is permitted for students interrupting their studies for the various reasons). Students are required to follow a small number of compulsory courses in essential topics in their first two years, devoting the remaining two years entirely to research. Which compulsory courses are required depends on the discipline in which the PhD thesis will be defended. The GSSR offers four disciplines: philosophy, political studies, psychology and sociology

In addition to the compulsory courses a range of optional courses is available to students who wish to ‘broaden their horizons’. These are open to all doctoral students regardless of their chosen discipline.
Details of the courses are available on the School web site.

In addition to the Individual Research Plan, each PhD student will work together with their supervisor each academic year to agree a programme of individual study for the next twelve months. In addition to compulsory courses taught in GSSR students will be expected to join wherever possible a research project underway within one of the three participating Institutes (or, exceptionally, in an equivalent research centre). Building your individual programme Your individual study programme should be designed to ensure you have the methodological skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for successful completion of your doctoral research and, for those who choose, for your further academic career. These skills and knowledge will be gained by participation in taught courses and in the research work of the Institute. On completion of the four years of the programme in addition to completion of your doctoral research you will have gained insight also into aspects of a research group’s work, such as elaboration of a concept and its realisation by the different stages of proposal writing, grant administration, preparation of work for publication, as well as the important ‘soft skills’ gained from working in a team.

tuition

Students commencing full-time doctoral studies in at GSSR will NOT be required to pay fees.
Stipends will be paid to all new students regardless of the applicant’s country/region;

deadline

September 3, 2018

contact

tel. (48 22) 6572 878;
gssr@gssr.edu.pl

www

www.gssr.edu.pl

institution

Graduate School for Social Research (GSSR)

education requirements

Any graduate of a Polish or foreign higher education institution with the degree of magisterium or its equivalent may apply to doctoral studies at the Graduate School for Social Research (GSSR). Students who have not yet been awarded the magisterium degree or equivalent may be conditionally accepted to the programme. The Director of the School will specify the maximum period for which a student may enjoy conditional status before presenting proof of award of the necessary degree.
Admission to the GSSR depends only on the applicants’ academic qualifications, research skills, and their command of English. Admission is not determined by the subject background of the candidate.
Applications from candidates with research interest in the following areas are however particularly welcome:
• Social structure
• Methodology
• Social institutions
• Culture
• Comparative analysis in social sciences
• Public policy
Good candidates with interest in other areas of sociology and philosophers are also encouraged to apply.
Knowledge of the English language is one of the basic conditions for admission to the doctoral studies at GSSR. During the individual interviews each candidate has to display a level of knowledge of the English language allowing them to conduct research and take part in classes held in that language.

other requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
• Completed application form
• Master’s Degree diploma or an equivalent certificate of graduation or an official document from the applicant’s university stating when the defense is due
• Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s masters’ thesis supervisor or from a person who is familiar with academic or professional abilities of the applicant
• Curriculum Vitae
• A concise description of your planned research stating your research question, how you plan to conduct your research, and the theoretical relevance of your expected findings (NB it is not a requirement at GSSR , as it is in some countries that your research generate practical policy recommendations)
• Official transcript or record of the applicant’s university work (the transcript is defined as an official document issued by your university, which lists all courses completed and grades received during your studies)
• Photocopy of passport (in the case of Polish applicants: photocopy of ID card)
• Confirmation of payment of the application fee (200 PLN or equivalent in USD or EUR). The fee is waived for candidates from non-EU countries
• 2 photographs
• Certificates other than required (summer schools, conferences, workshops)