PROPOSAL FOR STRUCTURING DOCTORAL APPLICATION
The application should contain the following:
The applicant’s name, Curriculum Vitae, Project Title, possible list of Publications, Thesis Statement and a copy of the Diploma. The application must be signed by the applicant.
1. Introduction
What is the aim of the project? – Which problem is the applicant concerned with? An overall description – 5-15 lines.
2. Background and motivation
What is the background for – and the relevance of – looking at this subject, from a social and research perspective? It will be looked upon as a strength if it can be justified within the frames of the research field’s problem areas and/or the research carried out within the Department or environment.
Optionally the personal motivation can be mentioned – and personal prerequisites. This part should be kept short.
3. Research Question
What is the overall aim of the project? Which problems will be central to the project? These can be expressed as questions, supplemented by further elaborations. The more precise the better.
4. Theory
Within which different theoretic traditions or specific theories will the project be based? Give a short presentation on central concepts and understandings in relation to the problem area. Possibly elaborate on the involvement and development of the theory during the project.
5. Method and Empirical background.
If the project is intended to be empirical it must be shown clearly which empirical fields will be included, what the overall project-design will be, which sources and which methods for inquiries and analysis will be used. Will new methods for instance be developed? Even if the project is not empirical the methods used still have to be presented. It will be considered a strength if the description of the project as specifically as possible communicate what your thoughts are and what the project will look like, including descriptions of the contained activities.
6. Provisional timetable for implementation of the project
7. Expected results
Which audiences will the project have? Which results can be expected – and what is ’new’? Which new knowledge, understandings and perspectives are expected to be the outcome the project – for example in relation to theoretical, methodological or societal problems?
8. Association to the Department and possible other environments.
Groups and invironments in academia that the project can be related to – locally, nationally and internationally.
9. Going abroad and courses
Finally, it can be a (slight) advantage if you can specify plans for studying abroad and graduate courses you want to participate in. But it's not a requirement.