About the programme

PhD in Design

About the programme

The PhD program is standardized at 180 credits, 3 years of full-time study.

It is academically linked to the Department of Design, where the main areas are product design, interaction design, graphic and information design, sustainable design, design theory and health-related design.

The doctoral program consists of a coursework part and a thesis part which together must

  • provide training in and experience from scientific work and methodology
  • be internationally oriented
  • be an integral part of the overall research activity at each academic environment
  • provide a basis for leading work in business, administration, education and research

A candidate who has completed the program is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

 

Learning outcomes:

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Learning outcome

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

  • is at the forefront of knowledge within their subject area and able to assess the limitations of current knowledge within the field of research
  • has knowledge within their subject area's latest theories, methods, issues and academic debate
  • has knowledge of basic theories of ethics and sustainability that are relevant to the field of research
  • is able to understand the subject area's relevance in an industrial and social context
  • is able to understand how design and design research can contribute to value creation

Skills

The candidate

  • can identify needs for, and motivate for further professional development by formulating new, relevant issues, and to plan research work to answer these
  • is able to play an important role in the further development of the scientific field of design
  • can handle complex professional issues and challenge established knowledge and practice in the subject area
  • can interpret and handle ethical challenges within their field

General competencies

The candidate

  • can identify new relevant ethical issues and conduct their research with professional integrity
  • can disseminate research and development work through recognized national and international channels
  • can participate in debates within the subject area in international forums
  • can assess the need for, take the initiative and drive innovation
  • can carry out research work at a high international scientific level, and to a large degree of independence, with a focus on collaboration with relevant network partners