SZE’s Doctoral Programmes in Four Academic Fields Await Aspiring Researchers

Created: 2025.05.12. 13:11

Széchenyi István University offers high-quality PhD programmes and outstanding research opportunities through its four doctoral schools. The institution invites applications from prospective doctoral candidates between 15 May and 15 June for its four-year programmes starting in September, in the fields of engineering, law, economics and agriculture.

In addition to its popular undergraduate, master’s, and undivided programmes nationwide, the University also offers higher education vocational training and specialized postgraduate courses. The foundation of the University’s research and development activity is built on its doctoral schools, which provide opportunities to earn a PhD in four scientific areas. These are: Wittmann Antal Multidisciplinary Doctoral School of Plant, Animal and Food Sciences; Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Engineering Sciences; the Doctoral School of Law and Political Sciences; and the Doctoral School of Business Administration Sciences. These schools place great emphasis on supporting research that benefits industry and society, as well as fostering high-level work in international research communities. Applications for the September-start PhD programmes are open from 15 May.

Dr Babett Greff completed both her undergraduate and master’s studies at the University’s Albert Kázmér Faculty in Mosonmagyaróvár. Encouraged by the high quality of teaching and the support of her professors, she applied to the Wittmann Antal Multidisciplinary Doctoral School in Plant, Animal and Food Sciences, where she focused on food safety and microbiology. “Of course, the four years as a doctoral student were full of challenges, but the outcome made it all worthwhile. I had the opportunity to participate in the teaching and research activities of the faculty, through which I learned a great deal from outstanding professionals. I gained knowledge and experience that I still rely on every day,” she said. She highlighted the many development opportunities the University offered, including language learning, conference participation, study trips, and support for publishing. As a young researcher, she is continuing her research at the faculty’s Department of Food Science and is also involved in teaching. Dr Greff emphasized that the faculty is constantly evolving—not only the buildings are being renewed, but also the laboratory infrastructure and research equipment are expanding.

Dr Babett Greff graduated from the Wittmann Antal Multidisciplinary Doctoral School in Plant, Animal and Food Sciences and is now a staff member at the Albert Kázmér Faculty in Mosonmagyaróvár. (Photo: András Adorján)

Ágoston Pál Sándor is currently a student at the Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Engineering Sciences. He began his PhD studies during the final year of his master’s programme, allowing him to earn his doctorate a year earlier than usual. “I’m currently in the last semester of the English-taught master’s programme in engineering informatics, and my PhD research focuses on traffic simulations examining human factors. Essentially, I create simulations of traffic scenarios using IT methods, focusing on details like what distracts people while driving,” he explained. The doctoral student added that although the Hungarian-taught PhD programme requires a significant energy investment, the instructors provide great support, helping students succeed in publishing and gain recognition in the international scientific community. “I’ve always been interested in traffic safety, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to dive deeper into this topic, teach, and conduct research in collaboration with key companies in the sector. The goal of the doctoral school is for our developments to have scientific value and industrial and social utility,” he summarized.

Ágoston Pál Sándor, PhD student at Széchenyi University, researches human behaviour in traffic situations through simulations. (Photo: András Adorján)

The Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is led by Dean Prof. Dr Péter Smuk. He explained that one of the main advantages of the Doctoral School of Law and Political Sciences is its personalized approach, offering development opportunities tailored to each research topic. “Applicants gain the ability to understand, analyze, and solve problems in law and political science through a training programme that develops research competencies. This results in highly competitive knowledge applicable across all fields of the legal profession,” he said. He added that both the faculty and the doctoral school are committed to openness and interdisciplinary approaches, supporting students from other fields as well, provided their research touches on legal topics. According to the dean, the primary goal of the doctoral training is not only to develop future academics but also to meet the practical needs arising in legal practice. “Through the highest level of training, knowledge is concentrated in Győr that holds great value for the region. The acquired scientific skills benefit judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and notaries, and are especially important for high-level public administration leaders, managers, and policy-makers,” he stated. The dean also noted that in line with the school’s goals, students can utilize their knowledge internationally through conferences and publications in foreign languages.

Prof. Dr Péter Smuk, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Sciencesin Győr, believes that the PhD programme benefits both Győr and the region. (Photo: András Adorján)

According to Dr László Vasa, head of the University’s Doctoral School of Regional- and Economic Sciences, doctoral students represent a significant resource, as young talents conduct important research in a supportive and inspiring environment, strengthening the university’s publication activity. “The Pannonia Scholarship Programme is a tremendous help in this, enabling our PhD students to gain international experience at partner institutions abroad, build academic and corporate connections, and develop their professional research networks,” he said. He added that this network extends not only throughout Central Europe but also from China to the United States. Professor Vasa emphasized that the PhD programmes offered by the school provide responses to the rapidly changing demands of society and the national economy. Consultation-based teaching, the integration of modern methodologies, interactive mentor-student relationships, and strong internationalization all contribute to ensuring that not only students, but the University and the region also benefit from doctoral education.

Applications for PhD programmes at Széchenyi István University are open between May 15 and June 15. Admission information is available on the website of the University’s Doctoral and Habilitation Centre.

Prof. Dr László Vasa sees vast opportunities for national and international academic development in doctoral students.