Introduction to doctoral studies

Your department is responsible for introducing you as a newly admitted doctoral student to what you need to know. As part of the introduction provided within your own research area, you will find out which special rules and routines apply to your particular educational programme and get a chance to be introduced to other colleagues within your department.

Each semester, a joint introduction is organized for newly admitted doctoral students. As a new doctoral student, you will receive a separate invitation to this event. Typically, this introduction day is held in October/November and April/May.

There is also a university-wide introduction day for all newly employed staff at the University of Borås.

What is it like to be a doctoral student?

Being a doctoral student is a unique and personal experience. Doctoral education is highly individual and can vary depending on your subject area, the collaboration with your supervisor, and the work environment at your department. Many doctoral students highlight benefits such as:

• the opportunity to deeply explore a subject you’re passionate about
• becoming an expert in your field and learning advanced research methods
• joining the research community and building networks with like-minded peers

At the same time, doctoral studies come with challenges. Research projects are often unpredictable and rarely go exactly as planned. Workload can be intense at times, and performance expectations are high.

As a doctoral student, you are admitted to a specific research subject. Alongside your thesis work, you take subject-specific courses to deepen your knowledge and methodological skills. You also need to develop general academic competencies such as ethics, philosophy of science, pedagogy, and academic writing. Many choose to strengthen these skills through the university’s annual core courses offered to all doctoral students.

What can I do after completing a doctoral degree?

There are many career paths available after earning a doctoral or licentiate degree. You might continue your research within academia, for example through a postdoctoral position at a university abroad.

You can also work as a researcher at a research institute, or as an analyst or consultant within government agencies or private companies.

Doctoral education is not only about becoming an expert in a specific subject—it also helps you develop broad skills such as analytical thinking, project management, and communication. These competencies are highly valued in both academia and industry.