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Sociology

Joint doctoral studies with Vytautas Magnus University (the coordinating institution) and the Lithuanian Social Research Centre. The Sociology PhD programme involves in-depth study of social structures, relationships and cultural processes. The programme fosters critical thinking and advanced analytical and methodological skills, equipping students with the ability to conduct independent research and generate new insights in the field of sociology. Students will also develop the ability to analyse complex social phenomena and understand the dynamics of contemporary society.

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Values of the Science Field

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Relevance

These studies offer the valuable opportunity to systematically examine social processes, grasp the interactions between various societal groups and analyse the dynamics of contemporary social phenomena. They develop advanced theoretical and methodological skills, equipping doctoral students with the ability to generate new sociological insights.

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Opportunities

Graduates can pursue a variety of career paths in academia, research institutions, government agencies and non-profit organisations. They may work as lecturers, researchers, policy analysts or sociologists, applying their expertise to analyse social phenomena, inform policy and contribute to societal and community development.

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Benefits

Doctoral students have the opportunity to pursue a double degree programme with the University of Bologna and receive the Doctor Europaeus Certificate. The Sociology PhD study programme fosters critical thinking, creativity and sociological insight, while encouraging engagement with the academic community through conferences, publications and outreach activities.

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Funding

Ongoing support for doctoral students ensures the smooth conduct of research and development of academic skills. The university provides funding for studies and research projects, as well as opportunities to conduct research at foreign institutions and additional scholarships for academic achievement and scientific activity.

Admission Requirements and Study Modules in the Field of Science

Cycle – third cycle

Form, duration – full-time studies (4 yr.)

Language – Lithuanian, English

Degree awarded – Doctor of Science

Study Modules

Main modules

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theories	6
Methodology of Sociological Research and Contemporary Methods II	3	Blended learning
Sociological Research Methodology and Modern Methods I	3

Elective modules

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Age and Aging in Contemporary Sociological Discourse	6
Anthropology of Post-Socialism	6
Demography	6
Environmental Sociology	6	Blended learning
Ethnic Policy and Identity Construction in the Soviet Union	6
Ethnicity and Nationalism	6
Family Sociology and Fertility Studies	6
Methodology of Sociocultural Anthropology Research	6
Migration and Politics of Identity	6
Migration and Social Change	6
Public Opinion Surveys	6
Science, Technology and Social Change	6	On-campus learning
Social and Cultural Identity	6
Social Movements and Protest	6
Social Policy	6
Social Stratification and Mobility	6
Sociology and Anthropology of Religion	6
Sociology of Culture	6
Sociology of Education and Socialization	6
Sociology of Health and Mortality Studies	6
Sociology of Mediated Communications	6
Sociology of Work and Organisations	6
Statistical Methods in Social Sciences	6	Blended learning
The Information Society	6	Blended learning
Theories of Gender Studies	6
Theories of Regional Development	6
Welfare State Beyond Europe	6

Core skills modules

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Academic and Technical Research Writing	1	Blended learning
Design Thinking in Research	2	On-campus learning
Digital Support and Tools for Research Writing and Publication	2	Blended learning
Research Data Management	1	On-campus learning
Research Ethics	1	On-campus learning
Research Project Grant Management	2	Blended learning
Science Communication for the Public	1	Distance learning
Systematic Literature Review	1	Blended learning

Good to know

Main modules – provide essential knowledge in the field.
Elective modules – help to individualize studies according to personal needs.
Core skills modules – develop general competences.

Main modules – provide essential knowledge in the field.
Elective modules – help to individualize studies according to personal needs.
Core skills modules – develop general competences.

Main modules – provide essential knowledge in the field.
Elective modules – help to individualize studies according to personal needs.
Core skills modules – develop general competences.

admission requirements dates and deadlines for admission all science (art) fields

Testimonials

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KTU has become a place where I can contribute to real projects. Taking part in projects, international internships, and conferences, and collaborating with experienced researchers has helped me find my place in science and get involved in meaningful initiatives. The inspiring community and strong support from my research group encourage me to seek opportunities, drive change, and grow consistently as a young scientist.

Ineta Simonaitė

PhD student

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Studying KTU’s doctoral programme in sociology provided me with a solid foundation for independent research and international cooperation. Taking part in scientific projects and academic exchanges broadened my perspective on the interaction between society and the environment, and improved my ability to use scientific methods to solve urgent social problems.

Vidas Vilčinskas

Researcher