PhD Studies at the AASS Research Centre

The details of a PhD study program may differ widely across different countries and universities. Here are the answers to the top 10 questions about PhD studies in Sweden, and at AASS in particular.

1. What does it mean to make a PhD?
   The goal of a PhD study program is to provide top-level scientific education through research. You will be doing four sorts of things during your PhD: work on your research project; take graduate courses; contribute to undergraduate education; and participate in the scientific life of AASS and of the international community.
2. What is the research project?
   This is the main part of a PhD study, and has the purpose of making an original contribution to scientific knowledge. You will have your own research project, and carry it out under the guidance of a supervisor. PhD projects at AASS are at the research frontier of the field of autonomous sensor systems. Because of this, a PhD project cannot be defined from the start in full detail. Instead, it is initially given as research subject, which takes a more and more precise shape during the study depending on the results obtained.
3. Will I be paid?
   Yes. PhD students in Sweden are University employees, and they have all the social and financial rights of other employees. Among these: a fixed monthly salary adequate to the cost of living in Sweden, inclusion in the Swedish social security system, and at least 28 days of paid vacation each year. These conditions are guaranteed for the duration of the PhD as long as you fulfill the requirements for PhD study.
4. Will I take courses?
   Yes. PhD students in Sweden have to take advanced courses during their study program. These are typically technical courses relevant to their research project, but may also be courses about other related disciplines, including scientific methodology and project management. Courses at AASS are meant to provide students with a unique educational background in autonomous sensor systems.
5. Will I have to teach?
   Yes, a little. PhD students in Sweden must devote up to 20% of their time to institutional work. This work typically consists in helping with the undergraduate education.
6. Will I work alone in my small hole?
   No. AASS is a interdisciplinary research center and we strongly encourage interaction between people working on different disciplines. The research and human environment at AASS is young and enthusiastic, and PhD students come from different countries and have different scientific and cultural backgrounds. AASS often hosts international researchers, and is involved in several international projects. This means that you will have many opportunities to travel and to cooperate with people in other countries.
7. How long will it take?
   A PhD study program usually takes three years. This is not an absolute bound, though, and in some cases a student may finish in less time.
8. Will a PhD degree help me to find a better job?
   Yes. A PhD degree will give you a wide and open view of your field, plus a top-level knowledge of your particular area of expertise. It will also improve your communication skills, and give you the ability to set up and manage advanced projects. These are highly appreciated qualities both in industry and academia, especially for managerial positions.
9. How can I become an AASS PhD student?
   We regularly announce open positions for new PhD students (see the current announcements). The requirements needed to apply and the person to contact are mentioned in the announcement. Requirements usually include a Master degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. You can apply for the open positions at any time of the year.
10. Where can I find more information?
    Additional information is available in the Örebro University web site for both international and Swedish students. If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact our PhD study program organizer Lars Karlsson. You can also contact the head of the AASS reseach lab in which you wish to make your study.

This text has been written by Alessandro Saffiotti and was copied (with minor modifications) from www.aass.oru.se/Positions/faq.html to avoid linking to our outdated previous Web site.