PhD Position in Criminology - Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen
Job Description
PhD Scholarship in Criminology
Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen
The Department of Sociology invites applications for a three-year full-time PhD scholarship in Criminology within the 5+3 framework. This prestigious position offers enrollment at the Faculty of Social Sciences under Copenhagen Graduate School of Social Sciences, with a starting date of September 1, 2026.
About the Programme
Our PhD programme provides comprehensive research training that opens diverse career opportunities across private and public sectors. The programme encompasses thesis development, active participation in research networks, PhD coursework, teaching responsibilities, and knowledge dissemination activities.
The Department
As one of Europe's premier sociology departments, we cover an extensive range of sociological topics, theories, and methodologies through cutting-edge research and teaching. Our department emphasizes research excellence with approximately 30 faculty members, 6 postdoctoral researchers, and 14 PhD students, supported by a dedicated administrative team.
Located in Copenhagen's historic city center, we share a collaborative campus with other Faculty of Social Sciences departments—Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and the Center for Social Data Science (SODAS). Our international faculty creates an ambitious, collaborative, and friendly English-speaking environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct original research culminating in a PhD thesis
- Participate actively in departmental research networks
- Complete required PhD coursework
- Contribute to teaching and knowledge dissemination (up to 840 hours over 3 years)
- Engage with the broader academic community
Qualification Requirements
Candidates must possess qualifications equivalent to master's level in a relevant subject area. Danish graduates require a master's degree covered by the collective agreement for academics in the state sector. International candidates need either:
- A master's degree equivalent to a Danish master's degree (two years), or
- A bachelor's degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor's degree (three years) with assessed professional qualifications at master's level
International qualifications will be assessed by the Danish Research Agency.
Compensation and Benefits
PhD students receive competitive salary compensation according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The University of Copenhagen is committed to equality of opportunity and maintaining an inclusive working environment, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
Application Requirements
Submit applications online including:
- Cover letter (max. 1 page) detailing motivation and background
- Comprehensive CV
- Project description (max. 12,000 characters including spaces, excluding bibliography)
- Project abstract (max. 1,200 characters including spaces)
- Academic transcripts and diplomas (BSc and MSc)
- Supporting documentation (publications, English proficiency, etc.)
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Research qualifications reflected in the project proposal
- Project quality and feasibility
- Knowledge and qualifications in Criminology and sociology of deviance
- Academic performance in graduate and post-graduate studies
- Departmental capacity to provide adequate supervision
Important Information
Competition for these scholarships is typically intense, with only one award available per term. Successful candidates must enroll at the PhD School of the Faculty of Social Sciences. International applicants may undergo security screening for international research collaboration as part of the recruitment process.
The University of Copenhagen offers comprehensive support services for international researchers and their families, including relocation assistance and career counseling for partners.
Application Deadline: March 8, 2026 at 23:59 CET
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. All correspondence should reference ID number 211-2357/26-2H #2.
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About Københavns Universitet
Since 1479, the University of Copenhagen has been at the forefront of intellectual discovery, where groundbreaking research and critical thinking drive innovation that shapes our world. As one of Europe's leading research universities, we foster a dynamic international community of 5,000 researchers and 39,000 students, consistently ranking among the world's top institutions. Our university empowers both researchers and students to reach their full potential through ambitious interdisciplinary initiatives that strengthen our vibrant academic communities. We believe in research-based education, actively engaging students in cutting-edge research projects that prepare them to tackle society's most pressing challenges. Committed to environmental leadership, we are transforming our campus into one of the world's most sustainable university environments, minimizing our ecological footprint while maximizing our positive impact. Through strategic partnerships with industry and comprehensive sustainability programs, we connect students with meaningful opportunities to drive environmental innovation. At the University of Copenhagen, we champion gender equality and celebrate diversity as fundamental strengths that enrich our academic excellence and research breakthroughs.