PhD Scholarship at the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen

📝 About the Opportunity

The University of Copenhagen invites applications for a PhD scholarship at the Department of Political Science. The successful candidate will work on the project “Citizens’ Agenda-Setting in Democratic Systems,” funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. The candidate will collaborate with Assistant Professor Alice el-Wakil (PI) and Professor Christian F. Rostbøll (co-investigator) and will be enrolled in the Copenhagen Graduate School of Social Sciences at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Project Overview

The project addresses the puzzle of how ordinary citizens can be involved in agenda-setting, a crucial step in policy-making. It aims to develop conceptual and normative resources to understand citizens' roles as “input-providers” in democratic systems. The selected candidate will contribute to analyzing traditional and innovative political practices and institutions central to citizens’ agenda-setting processes.

📅 Key Details

• Date Published: July 31, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 03, 2025
• Category: PhD, Postgraduate
• Location: Denmark
• Starting Date: November 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter

🎯 Duties

The chosen candidate will be responsible for:

• Writing a PhD dissertation.
• Developing a systematic overview of practices and institutions of citizens’ agenda-setting with the PI.
• Co-authoring one publication with the PI.
• Participating in workshops, conferences, and other scholarly activities.
• Teaching.

💼 Benefits

Scholarship in the 5+3 PhD Study Program

To be eligible for this program, applicants must have completed a two-year MSc or MA degree program or earned 120 ECTS credits at an equivalent academic level before starting employment.

• Salary: PhD students are paid according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).
• Work Obligation: Up to 840 hours over the 3-year period, which may include teaching.
• Funding is available for conference and summer school attendance, as well as research visits, enabling candidates to develop their international network and research expertise.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The ideal candidate should have:

• Required:

  • A background in political theory (e.g., a master’s degree in political science or practical/political philosophy).
  • A demonstrated aptitude for and strong interest in conducting research in normative political theory.
  • Proven skills in academic writing.
  • A willingness to take on independent responsibilities and work collaboratively as part of a team.
  • A commitment to contribute to the academic community at the Political Theory Working Group and at the Department of Political Science.

• Desired:

  • An interest in democratic practice and in connecting political theory and political science.

📚 PhD Program

The PhD program provides strong research training, creating opportunities for careers in both private and public sectors. It includes:

• Support and feedback in developing the PhD thesis.
• Active participation in research networks.
• PhD courses, teaching, and other forms of knowledge dissemination.

The program is a three-year full-time study within the framework of the 5+3 study program.

📄 Application Process

Submit a complete application via the online portal. Documents must be in Adobe PDF or Word format.

Required Documents:

1. Cover Letter (including a brief description of the PhD project proposal).
2. CV.
3. Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc/BA and MSc/MA).
4. A writing sample (e.g., a seminar paper).
5. Additional information (e.g., list of publications, documentation of English language qualifications).

For detailed information about the application process, visit the PhD at the Faculty of Social Sciences – University of Copenhagen.

📧 Contact Information

For inquiries about the position, contact:
Assistant Professor Alice el-Wakil
Email: alice.el-wakil@ifs.ku.dk

📅 Application Deadline

August 03, 2025

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the scholarship: PhD Scholarship at the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen
• Apply here: PhD Scholarship Application

This opportunity is open to all qualified applicants, regardless of personal background.

• Scholarship in the 5+3 PhD study program
• PhD students are paid a salary in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC)
• Funding is available for conference and summer school attendance, as well as research visits