Culture and Religion Studies

1. Top specialists

   Our doctoral students have an opportunity to work with renowned specialists, including: Professor Dorota Ilczuk – an acclaimed economist and theorist specializing in culture management and creative industries, or Professor Mirosław Filiciak – media researcher whose research interests include the impact of new media on cultural participation, the Internet, computer games, transformation of television, contemporary culture, and informal distribution of information. Our academic team includes lecturers from the Faculty of Humanities in Warsaw and SWPS University’s Institute of Humanities.

2. Interdisciplinary approach

   Doctoral programs offered by SWPS University’s Doctoral School are addressed to individuals who see a doctorate as an important step in the development of their research careers. Due to the inter- and transdisciplinary character of research in the discipline of culture and religion studies we accept graduates of various sub-disciplines of humanities and social sciences.

3. Flexible Teaching Program

   Our teaching program includes lectures, seminars, workshops and individual meetings with thesis advisors. This enables you to gain theoretical knowledge and methodological and practical skills indispensable to carry out advanced research in the area of culture and religion studies. At the same time, flexibility of our program allows you to change and complete courses from other disciplines than your main discipline. Topics discussed during our seminars and workshops are presented from diverse perspectives and offer various scientific approaches.

4. Working in research teams

   From the very beginning, our doctoral students work with researcher teams whose research interests are aligned with those of the student. Doctoral candidates participate in various initiatives and projects, observe other researchers, become familiar with the academic environment, and take part in conferences and debates. Working with expert researchers helps students to acquire theoretical knowledge and methodological and practical research skills indispensable for carrying out advanced research.

5. Mentoring program

   As a student of the Doctoral School you can take advantage of our innovative mentoring program, which provides you with additional guidance on your way to a doctoral degree. The program offers group workshops, peer-mentoring meetings conducive to integration of doctoral students, exchange of knowledge and best practices among doctoral candidates, and individual consultation with mentors, who advise you on the development of your research career.

6. Funding for research-related activities

   Doctoral students are eligible to receive funding for participation in conferences and other research-related activities deemed crucial for their doctoral research. You can also take advantage of various opportunities concerning collaboration with research centers abroad, which organize international conferences and symposia, and offer fellowships.

7. Partnering with the European University Association (EUA)

   We are a member of the European University Association (EUA), which represents more than 850 universities and national conferences of rectors in 49 European countries. EUA plays a key role in the Bologna process and influences EU policy on higher education, research and innovation. Through constant interaction with a range of other European and international organizations, EUA ensures that the independent voice of European universities is heard.

   

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1. Review our research centers

   Before you apply to our Doctoral School, review our Research Centers and choose a center or team, whose area of expertise is aligned with the topic of your doctoral thesis. Review the biographies of thesis advisors, in particular their research interests and requirements concerning doctoral candidates. Choose an expert with whom you would like to collaborate.

2. Contact your chosen research center

   E-mail the head of the center/research team, where your thesis advisor works. Present the scope of your proposed research project, and indicate the researcher whom you have chosen as your thesis advisor. You may also contact the selected thesis advisor directly.

3. Obtain recommendation of the Head of the Center

   Once you receive initial approval of your potential thesis advisor, submit a request for a formal recommendation to the Head of the Research Center. You will need this document while registering in our Application Portal.