PhD Programme
The LUCSUS PhD programme educates PhD students from different disciplinary backgrounds within the field of sustainability. Our goal is to train rigorous, creative, and empowered future researchers. We have been educating PhD students since 2008, and our programme in Sustainability Science was the first in Europe.
A PhD in Sustainability Science at LUCSUS means developing expertise in critical thinking and real-world problem-solving in a creative, interdisciplinary, and collegial international atmosphere.
LUCSUS PhD programme educates PhD students for successful careers in academia and society. We provide students with relevant skills to conduct transdisciplinary research in collaboration with partners outside academia, e.g. social movements, civil society, and policy makers. We train our PhD students in research methods, paper writing, ethics, project management, teaching, communication and career development.
A strong international and collaborative research environment
LUCSUS has a well-established, diverse and international research environment to support our PhD students through solid science and proven experience. As a PhD student you gain excellent capacities for collaboration and networking, and ample opportunity to hone your scientific methods and skills.
LUCSUS protects and supports diversity, pluralism, transparency and collegiality to create an organisational environment that is supportive, participatory, open, collaborative, and fun. We lead by example and we strive to embody the sustainable change we want to see in the world in our work and practices.
LUCSUS staff has varied cultural and geographical backgrounds with over 15 countries currently represented. English is the natural working language at LUCSUS, creating an inclusive work culture for both students and staff.
Supportive PhD community
As a PhD student at LUCSUS you are also welcomed into a close-knit supportive community of students. Each year the students organise different activities to support the PhD thesis work and to build networks and a collegial atmosphere. One such activity are writing retreats to provide uninterrupted time for focused writing in a relaxed environment, allowing students to step away from daily distractions and engage deeply with their writing projects .
LUCSUS PhD students are also represented in the LUCSUS board, to ensure that the needs and voices of students are included in LUCSUS work and operations.
Being surrounded by a supportive, caring, and kind PhD community is what gets you through the tough times, and what doubles the joy of the happy moments of your PhD journey.
Carmen Margiotta, PhD student at LUCSUS
Admission and Funding
PhD positions at LUCSUS are announced in connection with specific programmes, such as the Agenda 2030 Research School at Lund University, or research projects funded through grants led by senior researchers at LUCSUS, who supervise PhD students.
All vacant positions are publicly announced.
Read more about how to apply for PhD studies at LUCSUS
About doctoral studies
Doctoral studies involves a total of four years of full-time study, forming a total of 240 ECTS credits. A programme consists of both courses and thesis, of which the doctoral thesis is to account for at least 120 credits.
Admitted doctoral students normally get a salaried position. This means that they will be employed as staff members and will get a salary whilst undertaking the doctoral studies. In return, the doctoral student often provides some departmental or teaching duties
Facts and figures
- LUCSUS established the first PhD programme in Sustainability Science in Europe in 2008.
- 28 PhD students have graduated from LUCSUS programme in Sustainability Science.
- Today, the PhD programme has 14 registered doctoral candidates.
- All positions are fully funded for the required four years of study.
- LUCSUS has a full completion rate. All students admitted to our PhD programmes have completed and defended their thesis within the given time frame.
Director of PhD Studies
Bregje van Veelen, Director of PhD Studies
bregje [dot] van_veelen [at] LUCSUS [dot] lu [dot] se (bregje[dot]van_veelen[at]LUCSUS[dot]lu[dot]se)
