VID’s PhD programmes

VID’s PhD programmes

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1. PhD programme in Diaconia, Values and Professional Practice

The PhD programme in Diaconia, Values and Professional Practice (at the Centre for Diaconia and Professional Practice) focuses on studies of professional practice in health and social services in the public and private sectors as well as within the Church and non-profit organizations. The program has an interdisciplinary profile with a special focus on complex knowledge and value issues.

The program's three core concepts can be described as follows:

  • Diaconia is understood first of all as a term for diaconal organizations and churches, their role in the welfare state, and the professional practice that takes place there. Secondly, diakonia is understood as a Christian tradition which, together with other traditions, has contributed to and continues to contribute to basic values ​​and impulses in the welfare state and in welfare practice globally.
  • Values relate to norms and ideals linked to attitudes, concepts and conceptual understandings that influence the content and performance of health and welfare services.
  • Professional practice describes the performance of professional work in the health and welfare services at both the individual and organizational level.

The structure of the PhD programme is characterized by an empirical approach. The introductory course for the PhD programme (DVP 901) and the course in the philosophy of science and research ethics (DVP 902) are compulsory. The remaining 10 ECTS credits can be chosen among courses providing an introduction to methodology.

The training component for the study programme consists of the following:

Spring Term:

Autumn Term:

If you are admitted to one of the national or regional schools of which VID is a member, you will be able to choose other courses that can be recognized in the training component:

Here you will find the Programme Description for PhD of Diaconia, Values and Professional Practice.

2. PhD programme in Theology and Religion

The PhD programme in Theology and Religion (at the Centre of Mission and Global Studies) is for projects in theology and religion. These are two specific disciplines that historically have represented different research perspectives on religious belief and practice. The objective of the programme is to enable PhD students to develop new knowledge in these two research traditions and to reflect critically on the traditions and the methodological approach they represent.

Theology has traditionally consisted of studies of the Old Testament, the New Testament, church history and systematic theology. Other disciplines have been added later, and missiology and practical theology in particular are relevant to VID’s PhD programme. Research at VID is also characterized by the trend towards a more interdisciplinary and empirical approach to theological research. The study programme also has a special focus on global topics and research questions.

Studies in religion have traditionally been based on the scientific study of religion/religious history – an approach where hermeneutic studies of text and tradition are of prime importance. Over time, anthropology, sociology and various power critical perspectives (for example gender, class, race, sexuality) have contributed to a broader research focus. Increased attention has been paid to everyday religiosity and reasoning in the span from individual to institutional practices and roles. VID’s focus is primarily on empirical studies of relevant religious trends globally and locally.

The training component of the study programme consists of the following courses:

3. PhD programme in Health Sciences

The PhD programme in Health Sciences aims to contribute to generating new knowledge to better understand and identify challenges in health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, nursing, care and palliation.

The programme will contribute to the development of new knowledge and new solutions to meet the challenges of the future, both nationally and internationally. Different methodological and health science perspectives will be used to realise this.

Society and the healthcare system are constantly changing. Ethnic and cultural diversity, complex cohabitation and life situations and new and complex diagnoses require nuanced and dedicated approaches where patients and service users are understood and treated as unique individuals in relation to their needs and abilities.

The healthcare research in the PhD program will emphasize a clinical foundation. This means that PhD projects can be developed and carried out in collaboration with the clinical field and the voluntary sector.

The PhD programme is based on a holistic view of humanity and a solidarity commitment to individuals in vulnerable life situations. The vulnerability can be linked to physical, mental, cognitive, existential, and sensory conditions, as well as chronic medical conditions. Such an emphasis is in line with VID's strategic profile and motto, which emphasizes the importance of being Committed to humanity– locally and globally.

This is a new PhD programme. The planned modules are as follows:

  • Course 1: Health Sciences
  • Course 2: Philosophy of science and methodology in health research
  • Course 3: Research ethics and legislation in health research
  • Course 4: Qualitative methods in health research
  • Course 5: Quantitative methods in health research
  • Course 6: Mixed methods in health research
  • Course 7: Health promotion and preventive measures in a lifecourse perspective
  • Course 8: Innovative health services and collaboration
  • Course 9: Collaboration in vulnerable life situations
  • Course 10: Gender and health