Call for Applications to the Doctorate in Public Administration | Fall 2026

For the Fall 2026 semester, the University of Nicosia announces the opening of five (5) positions for admission to the Doctorate (PhD) in Public Administration.

How to Apply 

For academic information related to the doctorate contact the Programme Coordinator Dr Christina Ioannou: [email protected]

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

About the Programme:

The Programme 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 Programme 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.

Faculty Members And Research Areas

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

• Public, Private and Commercial Law
• Private International Law
• European and Comparative Law

Professor Hubert Faustmann

• Clientelism
• Patronage
• State-Society Relations

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

• EU Institutions and Governance
• Social Rights and Welfare
• Gender Studies

Associate Professor Giorgos Kentas

• Strategic Management
• Total Quality Management
• Public Policy 

Associate Professor Michalis Kontos, Associate Head of the Department of Politics and Governance

• European Institutions
• European Governance 

Associate Professor Giorgos Charalambous

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

Associate Professor Yiannos Katsourides

• Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure

Associate Professor Christos Papastylianos, Head of Department of Law

• Constitutional Law and Theory
• Immigration Law
• Human Rights Law

Associate Professor Odysseas Christou, Associate Head of Department of Law

• Sustainability Law and Governance
• Energy and Environmental Law
• Climate Law and Policy

Assistant Professor Georgios Tsaousis

• Administrative law
• Data Protection
• Immigration law

Note: The above list is indicative of faculty members’ research interests. Supervision is subject to faculty capacity and the compatibility of research areas and objectives. 

 

Admission Requirements and Procedures  

1. 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. Applicants who do not fulfil this requirement may still apply to the programme subject to the evaluation of their academic qualifications by the Department Doctoral Programme Committee. Copies of degrees awarded must be submitted as part of a complete application package.

2. 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.

3. Curriculum Vitae: a complete CV specifying all academic and professional activities

4. 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.

5. 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 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-language sources.

6. Publications: Submit previous theses or dissertations and any publications relevant to any research area of Law, if available. A single‑authored academic writing sample is recommended.

7. Initial Research Proposal: A proposal of 1,000 to 2,000 words that clearly states the topic and research questions, explains the proposed methodology, and indicates the anticipated contribution to knowledge. Include a concise literature review that engages with relevant primary and secondary sources, including comparative and international perspectives where appropriate. Proposals must be specific and analytically focused.

The proposal must include the following:

• • Title
  • Brief literature review, including comparative and international sources
  • Identification of gaps in existing literature and the rationale for the study
  • Aims and objectives
  • Central research claims or working hypotheses, as appropriate to the method
  • Research methodology
  • Ethical considerations
  • Expected outputs
  • Timeline for completion, preferably in a Gantt chart format
  • Bibliographic References

8. Statement of Purpose: statement that highlights academic preparation, relevant experience, and fit with the programme and faculty expertise. Include reflections on how the programme supports your goals.

9. Individual Interviews: Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview. The Committee will assess the applicant’s suitability and the appropriateness and feasibility of the initial proposal.

10. Final Evaluation: Given the limited number of places, the Committee will select candidates based on merit, considering the overall quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the quality of prior research work, academic and relevant professional qualifications, and interview performance.