Overview

About the programme

PhD studies in Design, leading to an academic research degree at Linköping University, aim to develop design knowledge, i.e., working with concepts, theories and methods for shaping artifacts and forming products, services and systems in relation to human contexts.

Contextual understanding is foundational and also represents a stance that the PhD students develop through their studies. In this interdisciplinary research field scientific methods and approaches from engineering and natural sciences, humanities and social sciences, as well as the fine arts are employed.

Programme Structure

Some examples of current research topics in design include:

visual information environments for human-automation collaboration
physical form in product development
design for migrating and modality-shifting interaction
the relations between prototypical service representations and service situations
theories and approaches for stakeholder participation and collaborative design
strategical design decisions in integrated product development
structures and principles for dynamic design capability
models and principles for situated value creation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

More details

Prospective doctoral students apply for vacancies.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

240 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Linköping, Sweden

Disciplines

Design View 5 other PhDs in Design in Sweden

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The general entry requirements are satisfied by applicants who have at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 must be at advanced level, and by those who have equivalent knowledge in the principal topic of the research education acquired in Sweden or abroad.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Linköping University and/or in Sweden, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

No tuition fees for PhD students.

Living costs

Linköping

Sweden

7140 - 11270 SEK / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.