Caring Science

‪The Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare has, for more than ten years, had collaborative agreements with other universities that have doctoral education rights.  This means that doctoral students have long been employed at the University of Borås and had their main supervisors at the Faculty. In June 2016, the Faculty received the right to offer its own doctoral education programme within the area of the Human Perspective in Care.  The first doctoral students are to be accepted to the programme during the spring term of 2017. Initially, education will be conducted within the research subject Caring Science, but the goal is to expand the programme to other disciplines within the area.

‪The Caring Science scientific research conducted at the University of Borås has resulted in a sound knowledge base, notably regarding the human experiences of ill health, disease, exercise of a health profession, and the contacts that take place with various care settings. Research within existential care issues and with learning in focus has, over the years, been conducted in many different care settings. Research in high-tech health care has developed into a strong field of knowledge nationally. One particular area of ​​strength is prehospital research; the university is the leading national research setting in the area. There is a high degree of collaboration with the region of Västra Götaland (VGR), as well as with several other universities both nationally and internationally.

‪To lead the research and the doctoral education programme, there are around ten professors both full and part-time, 14 associate professors/docents, and a number of senior researchers. Initially, 15-20 doctoral students will attend the programme. The doctoral programme is headed by a senior scientific leader and a Research Education Committee with participation from the university's Research and Education Board. A Director of Studies is also associated with the doctoral education programme.

‪Doctoral education takes four years full-time, yet it is usually the case that doctoral students are involved in teaching or administrative work for 20% of their employment, bringing the total to five years to receive a doctorate.

‪The final work can take the form of a monograph thesis (dissertation) or a so-called compilation thesis in which articles are combined with an introductory and summarising chapter, a "kappa." The thesis is defended at a public defence. A principal supervisor and at least one assistant supervisor lead, support, and challenge the doctoral student during the study period.

‪In order to be admitted to the doctoral education programme within the Human Perspective in Care, you must have an advanced degree within health sciences or a related discipline judged relevant for the educational programme. The admissions process means an examination in which candidates are assessed based on ability and conditions required to complete the programme.

‪Doctoral education in Sweden is free of charge for the student. However, doctoral students' living costs must be guaranteed either by a doctoral studentship (employment as a doctoral student) at the University of Borås or employment at another institution, organisation, authority, or company.

‪Scientific leader:
Annelie Sundler, Professor

‪Director of Studies
Laura Darcy, docent
Lina Palmér, docent