Ph.D. in
Critical Theory and Contemporary Society

The specific objectives of the Program are:

• Establish a space for critical reflection and academically rigorous dialogue among theoretical and methodological perspectives from different disciplines on issues of substantive importance to contemporary societies.
• Institutionalize practices that encourage and support students as they formulate an original research question, objectives, and methodology from a critical perspective on the practices and institutions of contemporary societies.
• Provide opportunities for collective reflection so that students can develop and apply a creative perspective to the most advanced theoretical and methodological debates in the humanities and social sciences, with a view to producing their own synthesis of the disciplines, theories, methods, Research Lines, and thematic areas addressed in the TECSA Ph.D.
• Provide opportunities to develop the skills and tools needed to communicate cutting-edge knowledge clearly, objectively, and precisely, both orally and in writing, using registers appropriate to different audiences and respecting the ethical standards recognized in the field—particularly through articles suitable for national and international publication that enrich understanding of contemporary societies.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Critical Theory and Contemporary Society at Universidad Andrés Bello are researchers who draw on established and cutting-edge theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge in the humanities and social sciences to problematize and critically analyze key phenomena in contemporary society from relevant disciplinary perspectives. In doing so, they advance the generation of original knowledge within the Research Lines of Politics of the Body; Social and Political Processes; and Culture, Image, and Representation. They also possess the skills to conduct independent, ethical, and responsible research to a high standard of academic excellence and to communicate their findings to both specialized and general audiences.

Upon completing the Program, graduates of the Ph.D. in Critical Theory and Contemporary Society will be able to:

• Integrate theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge from disciplines in the humanities and social sciences to address key issues in contemporary society through problematization and critical analysis.
• Generate original knowledge in the humanities and social sciences through independently conducted research that complies with the scientific community’s ethical standards and is grounded in rigorous and appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches within the Research Lines of Politics of the Body; Social and Political Processes; and Culture, Image, and Representation.
• Communicate research findings orally and in writing to specialized and general audiences using academic registers appropriate to the humanities and social sciences.

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Critical Theory and Contemporary Society must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a humanities or social sciences discipline, or a professional degree whose level, content, and duration are equivalent to those of a bachelor’s degree awarded by the University.

A. Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Application Form (see template). Download and complete it with the requested information.

• Notarized copy of the academic degree certificate*

• Undergraduate transcript

• Undergraduate class-ranking certificate

• If the applicant has completed graduate studies, a copy of the degree certificate and transcript

• Copy of both sides of the Chilean national identity card or a digital birth certificate; international applicants without a Chilean national identity card may submit a copy of their passport.

• Curriculum Vitae

• Statement of Purpose describing the applicant’s interests and reasons for applying to this Program and the University

• Preliminary dissertation proposal (maximum 6,000 characters).

• Two recommendation letters sent by the recommenders from their email accounts to phd.tecsa@unab.cl 

• Written work: accepted or published (preferred)

• English proficiency (reading comprehension). Certificate of English proficiency (preferred)

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a personal interview with the Selection Committee. They must submit a notarized copy of their professional degree certificate and/or academic degree certificate* and a digital photograph that includes their Chilean national identification number (RUT).

The application evaluation criteria are set forth in Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Current Internal Regulations, available on the Program website.

* Academic degrees earned abroad must be equivalent to those specified in the Program Decree. If selected, the applicant must submit all documentation required by the University to the Ph.D. Program Office in order to proceed with enrollment.