Linnaeus University invites applications for 5–6 fully funded PhD positions in Arts and Humanities for the 2027 intake in Sweden. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities is recruiting doctoral researchers across several disciplines, with appointments based at the university campuses in Kalmar or Växjö. These are full-time, fixed-term roles leading to a doctoral degree under the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance.
The programme covers a broad range of humanities disciplines, including archaeology, library and information science, English, film studies, history, art history and visual studies, comparative literature, musicology, religious studies, and Swedish (linguistics). Depending on the subject, candidates may also focus on areas such as subject didactics, multilingualism, linguistics, or comparative literature. Each applicant submits a research proposal aligned with the chosen subject and programme requirements.
Selected candidates undertake doctoral research for up to four years of full-time study. The work centres on independent research and the completion of a doctoral thesis. Alongside this, doctoral researchers may take part in teaching, research assistance, or administrative duties for up to 20% of their working time, in line with Swedish doctoral regulations. The university provides an interdisciplinary academic environment across multiple departments within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Most work takes place at the Växjö or Kalmar campus, except where fieldwork or travel is required.
Applicants hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification that meets the university’s doctoral entry requirements. They demonstrate academic potential through previous research experience and submit a complete application, including a research proposal, academic transcripts, a personal statement, and references. Applications must be submitted through the official Linnaeus University recruitment system before the closing date.
Key Details
- Position: Doctoral Students (PhD)
- Institution: Linnaeus University
- Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Country: Sweden
- Location: Kalmar or Växjö
- Number of Positions: 5–6
- Job Type: Full-time
- Contract Type: Fixed-term doctoral studentship
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Research Level: Doctoral (First Stage Researcher – R1)
- Application Deadline: 18 August 2026 (12:00 UTC)
- Expected Start Date: 1 February 2027
Research Areas
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities offers doctoral study opportunities across a wide range of humanities disciplines. Applicants must select one subject area for their PhD and develop a research proposal within that field.
Available subjects include:
- Archaeology
- Library and Information Science
- English
- Film Studies
- History
- Art History and Visual Studies
- Comparative Literature
- Musicology
- Religious Studies
- Swedish (Linguistics)
Specialisations available in selected subjects:
- Subject Didactics: English, History, Comparative Literature, Swedish
- Multilingualism: English and Swedish
- Linguistics: English and Swedish
- Comparative Literature: within English
Applicants should select the subject that best matches their academic background, as this determines the department responsible for their doctoral studies.
PhD Eligibility Criteria
To apply for these Doctoral Posts at Linnaeus University, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Hold a Master’s degree (second-cycle qualification) or an equivalent qualification.
- Have completed at least 240 ECTS credits, including 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge.
- Have 120 ECTS credits in the chosen subject or a closely related field.
- Include at least 30 ECTS credits at second-cycle level, with an independent research project worth a minimum of 15 ECTS credits.
- Demonstrate good proficiency in English and/or Swedish.
- Show the academic background and research potential required to complete doctoral studies successfully.
Funding and Employment
Successful candidates will be appointed as full-time salaried doctoral employees at Linnaeus University under the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance. The employment covers up to four years of full-time doctoral study, providing doctoral employment under the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance.
Position Benefits
The doctoral programme offers a structured academic environment that supports research development, including:
- Access to interdisciplinary research environments within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Participation in doctoral courses, seminars, and academic activities
- Opportunities for limited teaching, research, or administrative duties (up to 20%)
- Research base at either Kalmar or Växjö campus, depending on allocation
Apply before 18 August 2026 (12:00 UTC) — late applications will not be considered.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Fully Funded Academic Positions in Sweden
- International PhD Opportunities for Researchers
- Humanities Research Jobs in Global Academia
- Archaeology PhD Positions and Research Careers
- Cultural Studies Academic Opportunities Worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a funded PhD?
Yes. It is a salaried doctoral employment position.
How many positions are available?
5–6 doctoral studentships.
Where is the PhD located?
Kalmar or Växjö, Sweden.
When does it start?
1 February 2027.
What is the application deadline?
18 August 2026 (12:00 UTC).
Can I apply in English?
Yes, applications may be submitted in English or Swedish.
Institutional Overview
Linnaeus University is a public higher education institution in Sweden with campuses in Kalmar and Växjö. It brings together approximately 40,000 students and 2,200 staff members across diverse academic disciplines. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities supports research-driven education through interdisciplinary collaboration and doctoral training programmes. The university operates under the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance and promotes close integration between research, teaching, and societal engagement. Its doctoral environment is designed to support academic excellence, international cooperation, and long-term research development.
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