Overview

The discipline of Social Work studies the conditions and experiences of socially vulnerable people. We look at causes and effects of social problems at individual, group and societal level. Studies also include how different efforts can be organised to prevent or remedy social problems.

Features

Through graduate education, doctoral students have access to a multidisciplinary research environment and social and collegial networking with other doctoral students across disciplinary boundaries.

In addition, doctoral students at Karlstad University are part of the National Graduate School in Social Work, which is a network of eleven Swedish universities and colleges with the aim of strengthening research education in social work by coordinating courses and also having an international exchange.

Programme Structure

What you will learn:

In the main field of social work you will acquire the knowledge and skills you need to be able to support people in socially vulnerable situations.
You will help them develop, change, maintain and apply life strategies to manage their everyday life.
The main field of study also includes knowledge and skills to critically examine, re-examine and develop social work in various forms.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Credits

240 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Karlstad, Sweden

Disciplines

Social Work View 4 other PhDs in Social Work 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®

Other requirements

General requirements

To meet the general entry requirements for doctoral studies, students must have completed a degree at Master’s level or at least four years of full-time studies, of which at least one year at Master’s level.

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.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Karlstad 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

PhD programmes are not affected by tuition fees.

Living costs

Karlstad

Sweden

4000 - 8500 SEK / month

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