PhD Programme Social Psychology
PhD Programme: Social Psychology
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
Educational and Scientific Degree: Doctor
Scientific Major: 3.2. Psychology
Mode of Study: full-time; part-time; individual
Programme Profile:
The PhD Programme in Social Psychology (Scientific Major: 3.2. Psychology) is aimed at responding to the needs of the constantly changing social environment and policy, as well as making the available sociopsychological services across the regions and the country compatible with the European practice.
The mastering and application of the best practices in the field of social psychology at the beginning of the 21st century confirmed the need for an in-depth scientific study of its problems (general and particular). A scientific approach to the current organisational relationships and organisational development of institutions, organisations, groups and communities is required, as well as innovative models for social planning and management of the sociopsychological processes have to be developed.
The significance of the programme is also determined by its main focus - a study of the sociopsychological processes which occur in the comtemporary Bulgarian society and are caused by the dynamics of the development of the social environment - ethnic, religious, professional, cultural, group and personal. All current issues, facing society and civilisation in general, have their sociopsychological projections - globalisation, multiculturalism and cultural pluralism with their positives and negatives, the problems of the acculturation of immigrant communities, radicalisation, ethnocentrism and social inequality, the integration of minority social groups, developing positive attitudes towards a socially responsible behaviour in different areas - ecology, law, health, education, the political sphere. All these aspects require in-depth studies of the processes and mechanisms that determine the individual and group behaviour of modern man.
PhD Graduates Competences:
The process of training and research aims at preparing the PhD students to prove both their personal and professional competence with regard to:
Self-research studies in the theory and practice of social psychology;
Research and implementation of activities in institutions and organisations through introducing the results of their own research in the organisation and management of the sociopsychological relationships;
Research and teaching at universities in subjects from professional field 3.2 Psychology (social psychology, organisational psychology, labour psychology , etc.);
Management in the social sphere for positions that require the appropriate qualifications;
Expert activities for positions that require the appropriate qualifications and the need of solving research and practical tasks in the field of national security.
Graduation
PhD students need to acquire the number of credits required and defend a PhD thesis.
Professional Qualification and Career Opportunities:
A PhD graduate in Social Psychology can find a job as an expert in various areas where specific expertise in management and organisation is necessary, such as:
University lecturer (e.g Assist.Prof. in Social Psychology) at universities, colleges, etc.; Manager of state and municipal social institutions and organisations;
Expert in research institutes and centres (research institutes, media, NGOs, etc.).
Project consultant in the development and implementation of projects related to various significant sociopsychological issues (e.g, acculturation of immigrant communities, integration of minority groups, etc.);
Expert in human rights organisations and law enforcement governmental institutions, including structures of the system of national security.