PhD course: Person-centred perspectives in research

Ph.d.-studenter som studerer sammen.
Ph.d.-kurs ved USN

This course is a part of the doctoral programme in Person, Health and Society. External PhD candidates are welcome to apply.

How to apply

Application details will be provided fall 2026. 

The course will be held next time in spring semester, 2027. 

Note that the course will be cancelled if there are fewer than five applicants.  

Content

Perspectives on person-centredness is evolving. It is increasingly recognized that a person-centred philosophy is beneficial to create more sustainable and inclusive health and welfare systems. Further, broad person-centred perspectives and strategies are needed to guide development of policies and practices on national and international levels. This requires development of integrated person-centred learning cultures across research and practice, for all learners.  

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • has a broad overview of the field of the philosophy of science, insight into key philosophical, methodological and ethical issues in person-centred research.
  • can critically assess how theories of person-centeredness and undertaking person-centred research is related to the philosophy of science and contemporary research.
  • can identify and assess prevalent moral and ethical challenges arising when undertaking interdisciplinary person-centred research. 

Skills

  • has ability to situate the PhD project in theories of person-centeredness.
  • has ability to explore person-centred perspectives of research methods.  

General competences

  • can apply the principles of person- centeredness in the design of and participation in research projects.
  • can apply creative relations to contribute to developing person-centred research and cultures.  

Dates: Next course will be held spring, 2027. 

Number of participants: max 15 and minimum 5 

Credits: 5 ECTS

Level: PhD 

Campus: Drammen

Language: Norwegian/English

Admission requirements: Enrollement in PhD programme. Internal and external applicants are welcome. 

Work requirements:

In the first block, the candidate will present their PhD work and participate in small reflective groups receiving and providing peer feedback on the PhD work.

Before the second block, the candidate must prepare a poster for a poster presentation, with a chosen perspective of person-centred research. In the second block, the candidates will discuss their posters in a plenary open session. 

The group work and seminars are mandatory with 80 % attendance policy. The attendance must be completed and approved for the candidate to take the final exam in this subject. Attendance at the scheduled classes is expected.

Teachers: Vibeke Nyborg Narverud og Kristin Margrete Briseid