SGO9001 – Dissertation seminar: Introduction
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
SGO9001 is the introductory dissertation seminar in the PhD programme and is normally completed in the first semester of doctoral study, (the autumn semester). The seminar introduces candidates to the the process of pursuing a PhD at ISS and to the overall structure of the PhD programme. This include programme components, milestones, relevant roles and responsibilities, key sources of information, academic resources at UiO, and practical issues related to planning the PhD period, including teaching duties where relevant. The seminar also provides an arena for presenting and discussing the candidate’s doctoral project at an early stage.
Learning outcome
After completing the seminar, the doctoral candidate should:
- Have gained an overview of the PhD programme structure, progression milestones, and key expectations at ISS.
- Understand central choices related to dissertation format, including monograph and article-based dissertations.
- Be familiar with important sources of information, relevant academic resources at UiO, and the broader support structure for doctoral candidates.
- Have presented the doctoral project and received initial feedback from PhD leaders and peers.
- Be better prepared to plan the first stage of the PhD project and identify relevant research groups, academic networks, and course opportunities.
Admission to the course
PhD candidates at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography must register via StudentWeb. The registration deadline is four weeks before the beginning of the course.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Participants must be enrolled on the PhD program in Human Geography.
Overlapping courses
- 1 credits overlap with SOS9001 – Dissertation seminar: Introduction (discontinued).
Teaching
Teaching takes place during the autumn semester and combines an introductory orientation component with project presentation and discussion. The seminar includes:
- An introduction to the PhD programme, its structure, milestones, and expectations.
- Information about relevant roles, responsibilities, and sources of support.
- An orientation into the academic resources, courses, and relevant online platforms at UiO.
- Discussion of dissertation formats (monograph vs article-based) and practical issues related to planning the PhD period, including teaching duties where relevant.
- Presentation and discussion of candidates’ project outlines.
Examination
To pass the seminar, doctoral candidates must submit a project outline no later than two weeks before the seminar and present the project to the other participants. Attendance, combined with the written project outline and oral presentation, forms the basis for determining whether the doctoral candidate has passed the seminar. The submitted project outline is intended to support structured early feedback on the project’s scope, direction, format, and progression.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 15, 2026 5:38:27 AM