Profile & activities

Want to know what we're all about? On this page, we've gathered information on our research profile and the disciplines involved in the programme. Here, you will also find information on the studies and the type of activities and networks that await if you join the doctoral programme.
Key research areas

The goal of the Doctoral Programme in School, Education, Society and Culture (SEDUCE) is to enable its doctoral researchers to have the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research in the programme areas. The programme is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, and focuses on topics related to educational sciences. Among others, the programme welcomes doctoral researchers in the fields of early childhood education, didaktik, special needs education, craft science, home economics, adult education, teacher education, and general education.



SEDUCE doctoral researchers study topics including political, philosophical, historical and social formation of educational systems, policy-making, sustainability, social justice, and equality, as well as (inter-)cultural perspectives in teacher education, and in educational and work settings. Doctoral studies also contextualize and focus on curriculum, learning, subject didaktik, inclusive pedagogy, and the activities of schools and teachers. Studies may cover topics of collaboration and interaction in learning, as well as educational and work practices in a wide variety of formal and non-formal contexts throughout the life span.

Research communities

The Doctoral Programme in School, Education, Society and Culture is based at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, which houses many types of research organisations, including research units, centres, projects and groups. The faculty's umbrella organisation for all other groupings are eight research communities.

Courses & studying

A doctoral degree in the programme comprises of a doctoral thesis and 40 credits of additional studies. The studies are divided into discipline-specific studies, aimed to support your research project, and transferable skills training.

Most of the studies are completed flexibly through means other than traditional coursework: conference presentations, essays, scientific and popular articles, editing work etc. Want to know more? Visit our study planning instructions for current doctoral students at the university's Instructions for Students.

Regular courses at the programme include discipline-specific research seminars, where you get to present your own work, receive feedback and spur on your fellow doctoral researchers.

Courses in research ethics and transferable skills are offered throughout the academic year by the Doctoral School in Humanities and Social Sciences.