Description

Doctoral School of the School of Humanities is an umbrella-institution that coordinates doctoral education in the Humanities at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, a comprehensive Polish research university. Covering a wide set of disciplines, from archaeology, cultural and religious studies, philosophy, history, history of art to philosophy and theology, the Doctoral School prepares its candidates to conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. Our doctoral students are offered a comprehensive training in all the practical aspects of academic work from teaching competences, academic writing and presentation skills to academic career management expertise.

Cultural and religious sciences is a discipline conducting research in the field of cultural studies, socio-cultural anthropology, theatre and new media studies.

In the field of cultural studies, basic research includes: theories and methodologies of cultural sciences, including artistic and media practices; philosophy of culture, semiotics, the city as a cultural space; cultural policies; the performative dimension of culture; methods based on art in animation of the cultural environment and diagnosis of cultural institutions.

In the field of anthropology, cultural phenomena are studied in connection with social relations in the following fields: theory of anthropology and hierarchy of knowledge, mobility and migration, social power and hierarchy, ethnicity and nationalism, society in relation to science and technology (STS) and climate crisis, regionalism and cultural heritage, socio-cultural processes in post-colonial countries, medical and visual anthropology.

Theatre studies include research on the history of theatre and drama, theatre criticism, performances and participatory practices. New media studies include research into media art and digital culture; and inter- and transdisciplinary research projects in environmental studies, post-humanism and transhumanism.

Recruitment

Selection Committee

Schedule of  the Doctoral  School enrolment procedure:  

·         acceptance of documents: from 11 to 14 August, 2026

 ·        admission process: from 31 August, 2026 to 8 September, 2026

 ·        announcement of the list of candidates qualified for admission: 15 September,  2026 

      Recruitment fee

The recruitment fee is 75 EUR.

Language of the selection procedure, including interviews:

Polish or English language. 

Required documents:

Candidates applying based on exceptional academic achievements must include a scan of the following:  

1) For first-cycle graduates: the diploma and supplement. 

2) For students completing the third year of a unified master’s programme: a certificate indicating their academic average from years 1 to 3, along with a transcript. 

Candidates educated outside Poland must additionally submit: 

1)    A scan of a document certifying education – a diploma with a diploma supplement for first- and second-cycle studies (Bachelor’s, MSc, or MA degrees) in the original language; if the document is not in English, a copy of the diploma in English or Polish, or a certified translation of the diploma into English or Polish, shall also be provided;

2)    A scan of a diploma or certificate confirming knowledge of a modern foreign language at a level of at least B2;  

3)    A scan of a passport, in the case of foreign nationals.

 Evaluation criteria

1)   The grade obtained in second-cycle studies or a uniform master’s degree programme (no more than 3 points); the candidate shall receive:

a)      3 points for a grade of at least very good or equivalent;

b)      2 points for a grade of good plus or equivalent;

c)       1 point for a grade of good or equivalent;

d)      3 points in the case of candidates applying for admission on the basis of the highest quality of scientific achievements (e.g. leadership of a project under the “Pearls of Science” programme).

In the absence of a diploma grade, the average grade from the course of studies shall be taken into account.

2)   Points for maximum three documented scientific achievements, in accordance with the detailed criteria for the candidate’s achievements, attached during electronic registration in the IRK system; no more than 22 points may be awarded.

3)   Points for other documented activities, based on a maximum of three achievements, in accordance with the detailed criteria for the candidate’s achievements in a given discipline; no more than 5 points may be awarded.

4)    Points for a research project prepared for the purposes of admission, and in the case of admission conducted in connection with the implementation of a research project – an original concept for the implementation of a grant project (no more than 20 points), with particular emphasis on:

a)     the ability to formulate the research objective and present the research problem;

b)     the originality of the research idea and the ability to select an appropriate method for solving the research problem;

c)      methodology appropriate to the chosen discipline;

d)     knowledge of existing research, supported by a basic bibliography;

e)     the significance of the project for the development of the chosen discipline;

f)       risk analysis of research tasks.

5)    The result of the interview, the scope of which shall include:

a)    knowledge and competences appropriate to the chosen discipline;

b)    elements of research methodology appropriate to the chosen discipline.

No more than 50 points may be awarded for the interview, and the maximum duration of the interview shall be 30 minutes.

Detailed admission criteria 2026/2027

Condition of admission to the Doctoral School 

Education Program

Education at the doctoral school lasts 8 semesters. Education is conducted on the basis of a curriculum and an individual research plan, and concludes with the submission of a doctoral thesis. The doctoral school curriculum comprises a catalogue of compulsory, compulsory elective, and optional modules.    

Start of studies: 1 October 2026. 

Supervisors

A doctoral student works under the supervision of a supervisor or supervisors, or a supervisor and auxiliary supervisor, who will be appointed by the Deputy Rector at the request of a doctoral student (within 3 months of the start of his or her studies at the Doctoral School).

Scholarships

Each doctoral student receives a scholarship in the amount of PLN 3570,50  gross for the first two years of studies (before the mid-term evaluation) and PLN 5500,50 gross  for two years following mid-term evaluation (maximum 4 years). Disability allowance: PLN 1071,15 gross.

The amount should be reduced by 11,26% due to ZUS (social insurance) contributions.

Rules of admission to doctoral schools of Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań in the academic year 2025/2026, Appendix to Resolution No. 46/2024/2025 of UAM Senate of 27 January, 2025.