About Södertörn University
Södertörn University, located in Stockholm, Sweden, is a forward-thinking institution committed to sustainable societal development. With a vibrant community of 14,000 students, the university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and research across humanities, social sciences, technology, and natural sciences. It offers a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters global perspectives, innovation, and critical inquiry.
About the Doctoral Studentship
Södertörn University invites applications for a fully funded doctoral studentship in Media and Communication Studies, focused on AI and Welfare, within the Critical and Cultural Theory research area. This PhD position is part of the prestigious Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society (WASP-HS) graduate school.
The position is based within the AI Welfare State cluster, a collaborative initiative with Lund University and Karlstad University, aimed at analyzing and theorizing AI’s role in welfare systems.
Focus Area: AI and Welfare in a Digital Society
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into public services, new risks and vulnerabilities are emerging. The AI Welfare State cluster investigates how AI affects:
- Information integrity
- Tech dependency
- Data privacy
- Algorithmic bias
- Public trust and governance
Through critical cultural theory, the project examines citizens’ perceptions, ethical implications, and policy frameworks surrounding AI in welfare contexts. The overarching goal is to develop a theoretical model for a just and transparent AI Welfare State.
About WASP-HS Graduate School
WASP-HS is Sweden’s national research program focused on AI’s impact on humanity and society. The graduate school equips young researchers with advanced interdisciplinary training, including:
- Specialized doctoral courses
- International study visits
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Summer and winter schools
- Semester abroad opportunities
Academic Environment
Södertörn University boasts one of Sweden’s top academic environments in Media and Communication Studies, with over 30 scholars and an English-medium doctoral program. Doctoral education is grounded in Critical Cultural Theory, examining cultural artifacts and practices from a critical interdisciplinary lens.
Entry Requirements
General Requirements:
- Master’s degree (second-cycle qualification)
- At least 240 ECTS credits, with 60 at the second-cycle level
Specific Requirements:
- Minimum of 90 ECTS in Media and Communication Studies
- Strong proficiency in English
- Independent work of at least 15 ECTS
🗓️ Key Details
- Start Date: 19 January 2026
- Duration: 4 years full-time (possible extension for departmental duties)
- Credits: 240 ECTS
- Application Deadline: 18 August 2025, 23:59
📄 Application Checklist
Your application (in English) must include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Degree certificates and translations (if needed)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis with 2500-word English summaries (if not in Nordic languages or English)
- Research proposal (1000–1500 words) aligned with Media and Communication Studies and Critical Cultural Theory
- Contact details of two referees
- (Optional) Up to three publications
📧 Contact for Queries
- Prof. Anne Kaun, Cluster Leader – anne.kaun@sh.se
- Prof. Göran Bolin, Director of Studies – goran.bolin@sh.se
- Martina Sundström, HR Officer – martina.sundstrom@sh.se
(The information shared here is sourced from official websites and has been reviewed by Media Research for relevance and authenticity. However, we advise caution, as there may still be potential risks. Please avoid sharing any sensitive personal information when applying. The Image is AI generated)
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