The Doctoral School of Social Sciences (SDNS) educates doctoral PhD candidates in 10 disciplines:
According to the SDNS Regulations (Section III, §8, pt. 2), doctoral education is carried out based on a study program and an individual research plan, lasting from 6 to 8 semesters.
The curricula implemented at the Doctoral School of Social Sciences of UMCS have been developed in accordance with the Act of July 20, 2018 – Law on Higher Education and Science, and the internal guidelines in force at UMCS.
They are established for study cycles starting in the academic years:
Doctoral education is conducted in Polish for all disciplines. Additionally, for the following disciplines—Economics and Finance, Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Media and Communication Studies, Political Science and Public Administration, Management and Quality Studies, Sociology, and International Relations—an English-language program is also available. Furthermore, all doctoral students are required to take mandatory courses in English (e.g., academic writing) and may choose from a wide range of elective courses also offered in English.
Education at the Doctoral School of Social Sciences at UMCS enables doctoral students to obtain a doctoral degree and achieve learning outcomes corresponding to Level 8 of the Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF), as defined by the Regulation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of November 14, 2018, on the characteristics of the second level of learning outcomes for qualifications at Levels 6–8 of the PQF (Journal of Laws 2018, item 2218).
The detailed rules for achieving learning outcomes and the forms of their assessment are defined in the syllabi for each course.
The study program is defined in particular:
The currently applicable curriculum at SDNS UMCS includes three main components:
Doctoral students may also, with the Director's consent, take courses assigned to a different academic discipline as part of the curriculum of another doctoral school and discipline.
During their education, doctoral students may choose to complete internships. Additionally, they can participate in methodological workshops or summer schools.
Individual Research Plans (IRPs) are an integral part of the curriculum. They are prepared by doctoral students in accordance with guidelines developed and adopted by the Scientific Institute Councils at the beginning of the first year. These guidelines serve as the foundation for doctoral students—working with their supervisors (and auxiliary supervisors if applicable)—to prepare their IRPs. An IRP should include:
The IRP must be submitted within 12 months of the start of study for review by the Institute’s Scientific Council, and upon receiving a positive opinion, it is approved by the SDNS Director.
Courses at SDNS UMCS are taught by lecturers from UMCS and other academic centers in Poland and abroad.
The educational model at SDNS UMCS is based on an individual research path and close cooperation between the doctoral student and their supervisor, fostering the development of independent scientific work. A key component of the study process is its internationalization, expressed through:
These efforts align with the strategic goal of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University to strengthen its position among top universities in Poland and Europe, whose diploma is highly valued by employers.
