Course content

The candidate may choose an individual syllabus as part of the PhD programme, in dialog with the department and the supervisor. Under supervision, the candidate writes an essay on 4500-5000 words on a certain topic based on the chosen syllabus. The department appoints the supervisor, and both the topic and the syllabus must be approved by the department based on the supervisor's recommendation.

The essay may not be used as part of the doctoral thesis, and may not overlap with other subjects the candidate takes as part of the PhD's training program.

Learning outcome

The main objective is to provide necessary insight when working with the thesis, but also to contribute to the general academic training.

Learning methods and activities

Supervision, up to eight hours (all work of the supervisor included). The course may be supported by participation in courses, seminars or conferences that are not in themselves part of a PhD program, and the essay can be presented as a paper at a conference.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is reserved for candidates enrolled in the PhD programme in Social Science, field of study: social work.

Required previous knowledge

Master's degree or equivalent in relevant subject, must be admitted to the PhD programme in Social Science, NTNU.

Course materials

The candidate chooses a topic and proposes a syllabus of approximately 400 pages, or equivalent approx. 20 scientific articles. The syllabus must explore the chosen topic in both wide and narrow scope. Individually chosen syllabus must be approved by the superviser before the essay is handed in.