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Third-cycle (doctoral) programme in energy and environmental technology

Curious to do research in the subject of energy and environmental technology? We offer opportunities for research for both doctoral students and industrial doctoral students.

What is a third-cycle programme?

The word research usually means systematically studying something partially unknown, with accuracy and theoretical awareness. A third-cycle, or postgraduate, education programme aims at educating researchers, that is, it's mainly about learning methodology.

This is done by working in a research project with practical research and then writing a thesis on the project. The work is largely independent and you work at your own dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor. Part of the education period is devoted to courses, mostly within your own research domain but also general courses on research methodology and academic writing.

However, it is important to realize that being a scientist not only involves doing research in a particular domain. There are many other important skills as well, such as applying for research funding, project management and presentation techniques. A third-cycle programme in Sweden usually involves four years of full-time studies in order to obtain a doctoral degree, or two years of full-time studies to obtain a licentiate degree.

What are the prerequisites?

In order to become a doctoral student in the subject, you must have at least a Master Degree (a Swedish Magister Degree), i.e. four years of study (240 higher education credits) with at least one year (60 credits) at second-cycle, in a relevant domain.

A doctoral student is normally employed by the university in the form of a doctoral studentship. A doctoral studentship is an employment where 80–100 % of the working hours is devoted to own research studies. The remaining 0–20 per cent may be used for other assignments at the university, most often taking part in the first-cycle education.

There is also an opportunity to become a so-called industrial doctoral student. An industrial doctoral student is normally employed by a company that has decided to have a strong link to research and thus invests in educating an employee at the third-cycle level. The most common form of agreement for an industrial doctoral student implies that the student dedicates him- or herself to 80 % own research studies, usually at the university, while spending the remaining 20 per cent working at the company with some type of project.

What does the third-cycle subject area energy and environmental technology comprise?

The doctoral subject of Energy and Environmental Technology at Linnaeus University focuses on the study of processes, techniques, and policies that can reduce climate and environmental impacts. The focus is on the implementation of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures in the built environment, as well as on energy and material flow in the primary sector.

The subject includes bioenergy system analysis, construction technology, energy efficiency, and forestry – and the interaction between these areas – as well as the application of innovative solutions. It also covers processes in the field of bioenergy, including kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and mass and heat transfer.

How do I become a doctoral student in energy and environmental technology?

When the Department of Built Environment and Energy Technology has the possibility to admit a doctoral student, the post is announced at the web and in papers. Normally there is a specific project that the prospective doctoral student will work with, as well as appointed supervisors.

Courses at third-cycle level

Energy and environmental technology

Faculty level

Read more about the third-cycle courses at the Faculty of Technology.

More information

  • Read more about the content and objectives of the programme in the study plan below
  • General information about third-cycle studies at Linnaeus University
  • Read more about our research at the Bioresource Technology research group's web page
  • Vacancies at Linnaeus University