Overview

This Social Sciences programme offered by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam supports early-stage researchers in conducting independent investigations into contemporary issues affecting communities, institutions, and public life. Research topics may address resilience, diversity, migration, governance, conflict, technological change, or the societal implications of emerging developments. Candidates become part of an active scholarly environment that promotes intellectual exchange, collaboration, and methodological excellence across multiple disciplinary traditions.

Key facts

The programme combines individualized supervision with a structured development framework designed to strengthen theoretical foundations, methodological competence, and professional capabilities. Participants follow a tailored training pathway, engage with specialist workshops, seminars, tutorials, and scholarly gatherings, and receive support throughout key project milestones, including admission, registration, annual evaluations, and thesis completion. Emphasis is placed on ethical conduct, data stewardship, dissemination of findings, international engagement, and preparation for careers within universities, public organisations, research institutes, and related professional sectors.

Programme Structure

Research areas include:

Societal Resilience
Integration and Diversity
Security and Conflict
Artificial Intelligence and Society
Public Policy
Social Change
Governance
Migration Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

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92

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Disciplines

Sociology View 3 other PhDs in Sociology in Netherlands

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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

OR

92

Schedule TOEFL®

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

Admission as an employed or external doctoral candidate.
Approved supervisor and supervision arrangement.
Registration through Hora Finita.
Work plan, training plan, and supervision plan.
Minimum 30 EC of doctoral training.
10 EC normally completed during the first year.
Annual progress reporting.
Participation in mandatory induction activities.
Attendance or presentation at an academic conference.
Completion of doctoral research and thesis requirements.

Tuition Fees

Additional Details

External PhD candidates pay tuition fees on a yearly basis. However, faculties offer exemptions and tuition fee waivers under certain conditions.

Living costs

Amsterdam

Netherlands

1000 - 1500 EUR / month

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