PHDDS95023 PhD Thesis in Digitalisation and Society (Autumn 2025–Spring 2028)

Facts about the course

ECTS Credits:
150
Responsible faculty:
Faculty of Computer Sciences, Engineering and Economics
Campus:
Halden and/or Fredrikstad
Course Leaders:
  • Geir Sigmund Afdal
  • Ingeborg Hognestad Krange
Teaching language:
English
Duration:
3 years

Table of contents

The course is affiliated to the following study programme

Compulsory course in the PhD programme Digitalisation and Society.

Required prerequisite knowledge

The coursework component of the PhD programme must be approved before the candidate can apply for assessment of the thesis.

Teaching semester

During the whole PhD period.

Content

The thesis is the sentral part of the PhD study, and is based on the candidate’s research project. The presented work should contribute with new knowledge within the scope of the programme Digitalisation and Society, and constitute an independent scientific work that meets international standards in terms of ethical requirements, academic level, and methodology. The thesis may be submitted either as a compilation of several papers (paper-based thesis) or as a monograph, with the requirements as regulated by § 12-1 in the regulations for PhD programmes at Østfold University College.

In a paper-based thesis, the candidate should normally be the main contributor in at least 50% of the papers (§12-3 (3)). When papers are produced in cooperation with other authors, the norms for coauthorship generally accepted within the academic community and in accordance with international standards must be followed, and signed declarations from all authors that describe the candidate’s contribution to each must be included when submitting the thesis.

Both types of theses must include an introduction to the research field, state-of-the art, theoretical framework, and identify knowledge gaps. Furthermore, the thesis must clearly state the research questions and goals, provide an overview of the methods applied and research results obtained, discuss the methodology, results, contributions, and implications for theory, practice and policy (if any), and position the scientific results within the state-of-the-art of the research field. If the thesis is paper-based, this is done in the superstructure (kappa) authored by the candidate. The superstructure must documenting the coherence of the thesis.

The required level of quality of a thesis is the same, regardless of whether it is a monograph or paper-based.
The format of the thesis is normally article based. When academically required or natural, the monograph format can be chosen.The thesis language is English. Norwegian language can be used in cases when academically required or natural.

The student's learning outcomes on passing the course

Knowledge

The candidate

  • is in the forefront of knowledge within his/her field of study in research on digitalisation and society, and related scientific theories and methods
  • can assess the appropriateness and utilisation of different methods and processes in research and innovation within digitalisation and society
  • can contribute to the development of new knowledge, theories and methods in research on digitalisation and society

Skills

The candidate

  • can develop and formulate research questions and is able to design and conduct research for exploring critical issues relevant to digital technology and society
  • can conduct research following ethical norms and methodological approaches at an internationally high level, such that knowledge about digitalisation and society is extended and redefined
  • can handle complex academic issues and identify knowledge gaps within the topic of specialisation, and challenge the established theories in a complex interdisciplinary environment

General competence

The candidate

  • can identify and discuss relevant ethical issues and conduct research with high academic professional integrity
  • can convey and disseminate results of research and innovation activities through national and international fora
  • can participate in national and international academic and public discussions and debates within the topic of specialization
  • can identify, initiate and pursue development processes related to research on digitalisation and society

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is provided in the form of academic supervision. The main supervisor should normally be from ØUC and there will always be at least one co-supervisor. Candidates are entitled to 210 hours of supervision in relation to their research projects. Other learning methods consist of self-study, research activities, and participation in research groups and communities. The candidates are expected to give presentations of their research in internal and external fora such as international scientific conferences.

Workload

N/A

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

  • A mid-term evaluation of the progress of the candidate shall be conducted during the third or fourth semester. The candidate should present the work and progress at that point, to a group of at least two persons appointed by the programme committee.
  • The requirements of 30 ECTS course work must be completed and approved before the thesis can be submitted.

Exam

Thesis, trial lecture, and public defence.

Assessment

Minor revision: revised thesis within 3 months

Major revision: revised thesis within 6 months

Fail

Conditions for resit/rescheduled exams

For candidates who fail the thesis or the defence, there is no re-sit examination.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 4:20:42 AM