The aim and contents of the doctoral programme
The graduate school lasts for five years (autumn 2021 to spring 2026). Karlstad University (KAU), Mälardalen University (MDH) and Stockholm University (SU) will admit, supervise and educate nine doctoral students who will receive subject specialisation through three doctoral courses.

- theories on gifted students and learning
- inclusive teaching and differentiation for gifted preschool and school students
- mental health in gifted students.
The doctoral students will also be spending 20% of their time teaching at the teacher education programmes at their respective universities. Otherwise, the doctoral students will follow the programme syllabus for the doctoral programmes at their respective universities and write doctoral theses in the following subjects: two in Didactics (MDH), two in Special Needs Education (SU, Department of Special Education) and five in Pedagogical Work (KAU), including two focusing on mental health in students.
The graduate school serves as a shared platform for the doctoral students and gives them access to a new collaborational environment - a prerequisite in the development of high-quality research with relevance to teacher education and schools. The affiliation with and participation in international and national research conferences and networks will also provide an opportunity to develop a field that needs more in-depth studies in Sweden.
The doctoral studentships will be advertised at the respective universities during autumn 2021. Potential subjects for a doctoral thesis related to educating gifted students may include: identification, documentation, differentiation, mental health and life circumstances of children and youth, impact evaluation of measures taken by schools. The research projects must be related to pre-school, primary school, secondary school or extended school.
Nordic gifted education researchers, including doctoral students, are welcomed to join the doctoral programme as research affiliates. A range of Nordic gifted education networking events and seminars will be an important part of the doctoral programme.
