Sociology PhD Programme (in English)

Please tell us about your background, why did you choose to study at ELTE?

My academic background is multidisciplinary—I studied my bachelor's degree in nursing, followed by MA in clinical psychology in Iran and my second MA in Social Integration at ELTE University. Over time, my interest shifted toward broader social issues, particularly migration studies, which led me to pursue a PhD in sociology at ELTE University. I chose ELTE because of its strong reputation in the social sciences, its internationally diverse academic environment, and the opportunity to work with experts in my field.

Please explain briefly what your doctoral research was about?

My research focused on irregular migration, specifically Iranian refugees and asylum seekers in Europe, mainly exploring their motivations behind leaving their country of origin and seeking asylum in the destination countries. I travelled to several refugee camps in transit countries (including Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina) and interviewed them. I used sociological theories to better understand the lived experiences of refugees and the structural challenges they face in their new home.

What were your impressions of the faculty and the doctoral program?

The faculty was one of the program’s greatest strengths—knowledgeable professors, supportive, and genuinely invested in students' academic growth. I also appreciated the diversity of the PhD cohort, which made for enriching discussions and new perspectives. The program provided flexibility in research direction and methodology, and I had the opportunity to participate in internal and external conferences, which greatly benefited my academic development and networking experience.

Where and what are you doing now?

I am currently living in the UK and working as an Associate Scientific Editor for several Social Sciences Journals at Elsevier. In this role, I handle academic manuscripts, work with authors and reviewers, and contribute to ensuring the quality of published research. This position allows me to stay connected with academia while engaging with the publishing industry in a dynamic environment.

How has your education at ELTE influenced your career?

My PhD at ELTE provided me with strong research and analytical skills, which have been important in my transition to academic publishing. The ability to critically evaluate research, engage in interdisciplinary discussions, and present ideas effectively has been directly applicable to my current role. Additionally, the experience of working in an international academic environment helped me develop the adaptability and communication skills necessary for a global workplace. Having a PhD in social sciences was a must for securing my current role. The research skills I developed at ELTE, along with the experience of engaging in scholarly discussions, made me well-suited for a job in academic publishing. Beyond the academic knowledge, my journey through the PhD program reinforced the importance of perseverance and having a solid support system. Whether it was encouragement from professors or insightful discussions with fellow researchers, these factors played an essential role in my success. Pursuing a PhD is not just an academic endeavor—it’s a long and challenging process that requires both intellectual and emotional resilience, and I am grateful to have had that support along the way.

Please tell us about your background, why did you choose to study at ELTE?

I was awarded a PhD scholarship in my country in 2015, Türkiye. The condition of the scholarship was to study a country from Eastern and Central Europe in my doctoral thesis and to complete a doctoral program in that country. When I started my research, I saw that ELTE was the most established and successful university in Hungary. Therefore, I made my choice in this direction.

Please explain briefly what your doctoral research was about?

My doctoral research examined the nationalist discourses of Fidesz in Hungary and the AK Party in Turkey from a comparative perspective. It analyzed how both parties constructed national identity and nationalism in their discourses during their processes of power, with what historical, religious and cultural references they legitimized these discourses and how they mobilized public support.

What were your impressions of the faculty and the doctoral program? 

I think the faculty and the program had a very good academic staff. They were also very successful in organizing activities that would contribute to the development of students.

Where and what are you doing now?

I have been working as a Lecturer Dr. at Istanbul University Faculty of Political Sciences for over 3 years.

How has your education at ELTE influenced your career?

First of all, Budapest is a city that contributes to students’ self-development and broadening of their horizons in many ways. ELTE also benefits from the opportunities of this city and offers the chance to engage with a cosmopolitan culture and experience an international university. I can say that the university was a very useful experience for me in these respects. In addition, I can also say that the years I spent at a successful university known in Europe and the world made a significant contribution in terms of familiarity with the academy and academic processes.

Please tell us about your background. Why did you choose to study at ELTE?

I completed my BA in Psychology and MA in Sociology in Turkey. I was looking for an opportunity to take the next step and pursue a PhD abroad. A friend of mine, who was studying in Hungary, informed me about the scholarship opportunities. Hungary wouldn’t have come to mind otherwise, but after completing my PhD at ELTE, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions of my life.

Please briefly explain what your doctoral research was about.

I focused on a relatively understudied sub-discipline: the sociology of philosophy. My research examined Sigmund Freud as a case study, applying an empirical approach to his theories and exploring his formation as both a scientist and an intellectual.

What were your impressions of the faculty and the doctoral program?

The program was very well-structured to help students grow and excel in their chosen fields. It was dynamic, allowing students to shape their own academic paths rather than molding them into a predefined notion of a graduate. I greatly benefited from this approach, as well as from the academic staff's support at every step of the way.

Where and what are you doing now?

After completing my studies, I returned to my home country. I am currently working as a freelancer for a fact-checking organization.

How has your education at ELTE influenced your career?

My education at ELTE has significantly improved many of my professional skills. Not only did I develop a strong methodological approach to thinking, but I also learned how to communicate my expertise more effectively.

Please tell us about your background, why did you choose to study at ELTE?

Several different processes have shaped my journey to ELTE. I first arrived in Hungary through an EU volunteering program before my PhD at ELTE. The friendships I formed and the country's history of cooperatives, which was going to be my future doctoral research topic, inspired me to pursue my PhD in Hungary. Apart from this, I completed my bachelor's and master's degrees in economics and labour economics, viewing the field as deeply embedded in social relations (I would like to reference here the Hungarian thinker Karl Polanyi regarding the concept of embeddedness). Therefore, to enhance my understanding of economics, I sought to incorporate sociology into my studies, leading me to ELTE, one of Hungary's largest and most prestigious universities in social sciences.

Please explain briefly what your doctoral research was about?

My doctoral research focused on new types of cooperatives connected to the solidarity economy. I was particularly interested in these initiatives' alternative economic and governance practices. The study collected qualitative data from Hungary and Italy and used grounded theory as its methodology. This inductive research approach resulted in the concepts of solidarity, networking, and participatory governance, which helped to understand these cooperatives' economic and governance practices.

 What were your impressions of the faculty and the doctoral program?

To be honest, I felt both excited and stressed during my first few weeks at ELTE. Earning a PhD seemed like a vast, challenging, and even daunting goal. However, the positive feedback and support I received from my professors in the department quickly restored my self-confidence. Now, when I look back, I am proud to have graduated from ELTE despite all the difficulties of writing a doctoral thesis. 

Where and what are you doing now?

I am involved in a research project as a postdoc fellow at the Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences. This research project is a very transdisciplinary, intersectional, and action-oriented project that tries to influence decision-making on biodiversity positively. In other words, I oriented my research interest more on a combination of economic, social, and environmental fields.

How has your education at ELTE influenced your career?

I can name a few factors. First, the PhD courses I took at ELTE alongside other PhD students from various countries provided an environment where I could better understand different cultures and social relations. Additionally, the coursework that combined classical and contemporary sociological theories, along with central-eastern European perspectives, enabled me to develop a more comprehensive view of sociology. Also, during my studies at ELTE, I was given the valuable opportunity to participate in doctoral research conferences and engage in teaching activities at the university. The professors' support on these matters was crucial.

Please tell us about your background, why did you choose to study at ELTE?

In terms of my academic background, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in 2016, followed by a Master’s in Social Work in Healthcare from the University of Debrecen, Hungary, in 2019 under the Scholarship for Christian Young People (SCYP). That same year, I embarked on my PhD at the Doctoral School of Sociology at Eötvös Loránd University, also within the SCYP framework. I chose ELTE not only for its reputation as one of Hungary’s oldest and most prestigious institutions but also because it offered my desired programme in a way that aligned with my academic vision.

Please explain briefly what your doctoral research was about?

My doctoral research focuses on youth homelessness and the vulnerability of young people in Nigeria. Through the lens of conflict theory and critical realism, I examine the root causes of youth homelessness, exploring its linkages to social, economic, political, and religious-cultural factors. Using a mixed-methods approach, my study highlights the complexity of this issue and the need for multidimensional interventions.

What were your impressions of the faculty and the doctoral program?

Overall, my impression of the faculty and doctoral programme is one of professionalism, dedication, inclusivity, and academic rigor. The faculty fosters a conducive learning environment, and the lecturers maintain a fine balance between strict academic expectations and supportive mentorship.

Where and what are you doing now?

Currently, I work as a social worker at Capital Municipality in Budapest. While my doctoral studies do not directly align with my current role, the theoretical foundations and research skills I acquired continue to shape my approach to social work and academic inquiry.

How has your education at ELTE influenced your career?

I must begin by emphasizing that my experience in the Doctoral Programme in Sociology was both intellectually stimulating and demanding. The programme's depth, covering a vast range of theoretical frameworks, diverse methodological approaches, and its intersection with other disciplines, has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. From an academic standpoint, I found great satisfaction in several aspects. The interactive and conversational nature of lectures fostered critical engagement, and the professionalism demonstrated by the professors, lecturers, and staff contributed significantly to my learning experience. Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with fellow doctoral students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds added immense value to my journey.