PhD Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Humanities and Social Sciences – University of Ljubljana

The PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Ljubljana (UL) is a four-year interdisciplinary doctoral programme offered in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The programme consists of eight semesters and carries 240 ECTS credits. It is delivered through collaboration between seven university faculties and academies, bringing together expertise from humanities, social sciences, arts, social work and theology.

The programme focuses on developing advanced academic knowledge, independent scientific research competencies and interdisciplinary research skills. Its primary objective is to prepare doctoral candidates to investigate complex social and cultural questions, conduct research at an internationally comparable level and apply their knowledge across different humanities and social science disciplines.

Programme Overview and Research Objectives

The doctoral programme provides a foundation for advanced scientific research in the humanities and social sciences.

Students develop the ability to investigate complex research questions, integrate perspectives from different academic disciplines and conduct independent scholarly research.

Particular emphasis is placed on interdisciplinarity, international academic mobility and the development of research competencies relevant to demanding scientific investigations.

Interdisciplinary Research and Academic Collaboration

The programme involves seven University of Ljubljana faculties and academies, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary academic work.

The participating institutions contribute knowledge from humanities, social sciences, performing arts, visual arts, music, social work and theology.

This collaborative structure supports research exploring different aspects of society, culture and human experience.

International Mobility and Research Development

International mobility is one of the programme’s principal objectives.

The programme aims to develop researchers capable of carrying out independent and interdisciplinary scientific work at an internationally comparable level.

Students acquire academic knowledge and research competencies intended to support the investigation of demanding questions within humanities and social science disciplines.

Admission Requirements

Admission is open to applicants who have completed an eligible second-cycle Master’s degree or another recognised higher education qualification.

Graduates of certain integrated Master’s programmes carrying 300 ECTS credits and specified older academic qualifications may also qualify.

Applicants holding certain professional specialisations may be required to complete additional academic obligations ranging from 30 to 60 ECTS credits.

International applicants are subject to the University of Ljubljana’s recognition procedures for foreign qualifications.

Research Supervision and Application Process

Applicants must obtain the consent of an academic mentor before enrolment.

A written agreement confirming supervision or co-supervision must be submitted no later than enrolment, together with a brief conceptual outline of the proposed doctoral research.

Candidates apply through the official Slovenian eVŠ application portal.

Selection Criteria

When the number of applicants exceeds available places, admission decisions are based on previous academic performance and an oral selection examination.

Academic performance accounts for 50% of the selection assessment, while the oral examination before an expert committee accounts for the remaining 50%.

The relevant faculty committee determines an applicant’s suitability based on the recommendation of the appropriate field coordinator or administrator.