Four people are standing by a railing on a wooden veranda, looking out over an ocean or a large lake. The sun is setting or rising, creating a golden light on the water and sky. A crooked tree branch is visible on the left side of the picture, and two simple benches are on the porch. It is a chilly day, as the people are wearing warm jackets and backpacks.
As a PhD student at SLU Aqua, you will work in a creative, multinational and inspiring research environment. Photo: Johanna Kozák

Doctoral education

Page reviewed:  19/03/2025

The Department of Aquatic Resources educates PhD candidates (doctoral/postgraduate students) in the subjects of biology with a focus on ecology and environmental analysis. The education is four years long and most of it consists of own research and thesis work.

Your development in focus - supported by our leading experts

The education is adapted to each individual and to each project in question and your supervisors are among Sweden’s leading experts in their research fields. They support you during the course of the work together with the Director of Studies for Doctoral Education of our department.

Our doctoral students (PhD candidates) work with issues such as how changes in climate and environment affect fish and fisheries, sea birds and marina mammals, population and ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity in marine, lake and river ecosystems. Many of them contribute with knowledge to international projects and advice.

Participate in fieldwork and data collection

The research of the department is both of fundamental and of an applied character, and the knowledge produced is thus often directly applicable in the management of our seas, lakes and watercourses. Thanks to our extensive environmental monitoring and assessment, we have access to large amounts of unique data and as our doctoral student you also have great opportunities to participate in data collection yourself as well as pursuing fieldwork and laboratory work.

Do you want to become a PhD student with us?

Our PhD positions are advertised on SLU's Jobs and vacancies page.

If you have any questions, you are warmly welcome to contact our senior lecturer, Magnus Huss (contact details can be found at the bottom of the page).

Research schools

To enhance the quality of doctoral education, the department participates in the research schools Focus on Soils and Water and Ecology – Basics and Applications, which are run in collaboration with other departments at SLU. These graduate schools offer courses, workshops, and seminars for PhD students.

Our own researchers contribute to several doctoral courses, and we are responsible for the course Fish and Fisheries Ecology, which is offered every other year. The next course will be held in 2025.

Here you can find general information about doctoral studies at SLU.

Contact