Call for Applications to the Doctorate in Public Administration | Spring 2025 

The University of Nicosia announces the opening of three positions for admission to the Doctorate (PhD) in Public Administration, for the Spring Semester 2025.  

How to Apply

For academic information related to the doctorate, contact the President of the Department of Politics and Governance, Professor Andreas Theophanous via email at: [email protected]

The application must be submitted only via the online procedure available at: https://www.unic.ac.cy/apply

About the programme: 

The program aims to offer the highest level of scientific knowledge and prepare students for a career in higher education and scientific research in the field of public administration and the broader horizon of political science. Students are expected to conduct a modern form of research, theoretically innovative and methodologically sound that contributes to the knowledge and advancement of public administration as a discipline, as well as to suggest practical and applicable solutions to practical problems or questions.

The specific aims of the programme are to:

• Develop students’ in-depth understanding and critical analysis of the existing theoretical literature and research methodology in the field of public administration.
• Develop students’ understanding and ability to apply appropriate research and scientific methods that will enable them to complete their doctoral thesis.
• Enhance students’ research skills and facilitate the development of expertise relevant to their area of research specialization.
• Train students on how to disseminate research findings, conclusions and suggestions, for example, through publications in academic journals and/or presenting their work in academic conferences and seminars.

The languages of the programme are English and Greek.

Faculty members and research areas:

Professor Andreas Theophanous, Head of the Department of Politics and Governance

• Political Economy
• European Integration
• Federal Studies and Governance in Biethnic and Multiethnic States
• Public Policy

Professor Achilles C. Emilianides, Dean of the School of Law

• Organisation of the State
• Public Services
• Administrative Law
• Independent Authorities

Professor Hubert Faustmann

• Clientelism
• Patronage
• State-Society Relations

Associate Professor Christina Ioannou, Associate Dean of the School of Law

• European Integration
• EU Institutions and Governance
• Europeanisation
• Social Policy
• Welfare States
• Labour Law, EU

Associate Professor Giorgos Kentas

• Strategic Management
• Total Quality Management
• Public Administration

Associate Professor Christos Papastylianos, Associated Faculty Member, Chair of Department of Law

• Organisation of the State
• Public Services
• Administrative Law
• Independent Authorities

Associate Professor Giorgos Charalambous

• Political Sociology
• State-Society Relations
• Institutional Theories
• Political Ideologies and Political Parties

Assistant Professor Odysseas Christou, Associated Faculty Member

• Social Rights and Welfare
• Energy and Environmental Law and Policy
• Assistant Professor Michalis Kontos
• European Institutions
• European Governance

Associate Professor Yiannos Katsourides

• Europeanization
• Political Parties

Admission requirements and procedures:

• Academic Qualifications: An accredited Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) or in social, political and administrative studies or a relevant field in addition to an accredited Master’s degree in Law (LLM or equivalent) or a relevant field. Copies of degrees awarded must be submitted as part of a complete application package.
• Application Form: Applicants must submit an application form for admission and enrolment to the programme. The application form requests general information about the applicant, their qualifications, relevant experience.
• Curriculum Vitae: a complete CV specifying all academic and professional activities.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain two recommendation letters from individuals who have known the applicant in an educational and/or professional environment. At least one of the recommendation letters must be from an academic institution where the applicant has studied previously.
• English Language Proficiency: TOEFL (paper-based test 600, computer-based test 250, internet-based test 100) or IELTS 6,5. For students who graduated from an English- speaking University, English language Proficiency certificate is not a requirement. Proficiency in English Language is an essential requirement even in cases where the thesis is to be submitted in Greek as research undertaken towards completing the thesis is expected to include English-languages sources.
• Publications: Previous theses/dissertations and any published work of academic relevance (if any).
• Initial Research Proposal: An initial proposal (1.000–2.000 words) outlining the research topic, aims and objectives, research questions and proposed research methodology as follows:
  • Title 
  • Literature review (brief) 
  • Identifications of gaps in existing literature and rationale for proposed research 
  • Aims and objectives 
  • Research hypotheses 
  • Research methodology 
  • Ethical Considerations (if applicable) 
  • Expected output 
  • Time plan for completion 
  • References 
• Statement of Purpose: Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive outline highlighting their academic and individual competencies and state why they believe they are suitable for admission to the Programme, as well as their reflections regarding the expectations and value of the Programme for their personal advancement and career development.
• Personal Interviews: The Department Doctoral Programme Committee may decide whether to hold an individual interview of the applicant prior to deciding. The Department Doctoral Programme Committee, having examined the applicant’s suitability against the entry criteria, having reviewed the application and interviewed the applicant, will determine his or her suitability and the appropriateness of their initial proposal.
• Final Evaluation: In view of the limited number of applicants to be admitted to the programme, the Department Doctoral Programme Committee will decide on the basis of merit and by evaluating specific criteria as per the most suitable candidates to be admitted to the programme. The Committee will exercise its judgment, taking into account the overall quality, merit and feasibility of the research proposal, the quality of the prior research work of the candidate and the candidate’s academic and other relevant qualifications as included in the curriculum vitae and the applicant’s performance during the individual interview.