doktorsgráðu

Doktorsgráðu (doktorsgráða) is the highest academic qualification awarded by universities in Iceland and many other countries. It signifies that a candidate has carried out original research that contributes new knowledge to a field and has demonstrated the ability to conduct independent scholarly work. Admission typically requires completed higher education, usually a master’s degree or equivalent, and a research proposal aligned with the university’s priorities.

Programs are centered on an extended research project conducted under the supervision of one or more faculty advisors. Most programs also include some form of formal training, such as methodological or disciplinary courses, but the primary requirement is a substantial written thesis or dissertation describing original findings.

The degree is awarded after successful examination of the work, generally through a written thesis followed by an oral defense or viva voce before a committee. The exam assesses quality, originality, and significance of the research, as well as the candidate’s ability to defend methods and conclusions.

Time to completion varies by field and country but is typically about three to five years of full-time study, with longer durations for part-time arrangements. Funding and stipends are common but differ by institution and program; applicants often rely on scholarships, research grants, or employer support.

Internationally, the doktorsgráða is widely regarded as equivalent to a PhD in most academic and professional contexts, and it enables eligibility for postdoctoral research, professorial appointments, and senior research roles. Variations exist by field, country, and institution, but the core requirement is a demonstrated capacity to contribute original scholarly work.