PhD Scholarship in Political Science at the University of Copenhagen: Researching Cancel Culture and Moral Judgement in Democratic Politics

The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is inviting applications for a prestigious PhD scholarship at the Department of Political Science focusing on the research project “Moralizing Politics: The Practice of Judging Others (MoPo)”. This unique doctoral opportunity allows researchers to explore one of the most debated phenomena in modern politics—cancel culture and the ethics of judging others in democratic societies.

The selected candidate will enroll in the Faculty of Social Sciences under the Copenhagen Graduate School of Social Sciences, one of Europe’s leading academic environments for political science research. The position is expected to begin 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, offering a fully funded doctoral pathway for scholars interested in normative political theory and democratic practice.

Application Deadline: April 13, 2026

About the MoPo Research Project

The PhD scholarship is part of the European Research Council–funded project “Moralizing Politics: The Practice of Judging Others (MoPo)”, led by Professor Christian Rostbøll at the University of Copenhagen.

The project examines a growing phenomenon in contemporary politics: the increasing tendency of citizens to judge others morally by labeling them as good or bad individuals based on political beliefs, behaviors, or social conduct. This process—often referred to as moralization in politics—can serve both constructive and destructive roles within democratic systems.

On one hand, moral judgment can strengthen democratic accountability by encouraging citizens to uphold ethical standards in political life. On the other hand, excessive moralization can fuel polarization, hostility, and social fragmentation, potentially undermining democratic dialogue.

To investigate this complex issue, the MoPo project combines philosophical analysis with empirical case studies across four domains:

• Cancel culture

• The dignity of work

• Fake news

• Climate shaming

Each case explores how moral judgments function within political practices and whether they ultimately benefit or harm democratic governance.

Focus of the PhD Project: Cancel Culture and Democratic Legitimacy

The PhD candidate selected for this scholarship will conduct research on the case study titled “Cancel Culture: Human Equality and Respect.”

Cancel culture has become a prominent political and social phenomenon, particularly in digital spaces and public discourse. It refers to the practice of calling out, blaming, shaming, or socially sanctioning individuals who are perceived to have violated fundamental moral principles about respect and equality.

Within the framework of the MoPo project, the doctoral researcher will examine the philosophical and political dimensions of cancel culture, including:

• The reactive attitudes involved in moral condemnation, inspired by philosopher P.F. Strawson

• The moral principles invoked when individuals or groups are “cancelled”

• The relationship between cancel culture and deliberative democracy

• Whether cancel culture can be considered a legitimate form of democratic political practice

The project will employ the method of practice-sensitive reflective equilibrium, integrating qualitative case studies of cancelling practices with moral philosophy and democratic theory. The doctoral candidate will also have the freedom to develop their own research design within this broader theoretical and methodological framework.

PhD Training and Academic Environment

The PhD program at the Faculty of Social Sciences provides rigorous research training and offers opportunities for students to develop strong academic and professional skills.

During the program, the doctoral researcher will:

• Write a PhD dissertation on cancel culture and moral judgment in politics

• Collaborate with other team members within the MoPo project

• Contribute to joint academic publications

• Participate in international workshops, conferences, and seminars

• Take part in teaching activities and academic dissemination

The program can be pursued through two study structures:

5+3 PhD Program (Three Years)
Designed for candidates who already hold a relevant master’s degree. PhD students receive a salary based on agreements between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

4+4 PhD Program (Four Years)
Designed for candidates with a bachelor’s degree who continue directly into an integrated MSc and PhD program. Students receive state educational grants until the master’s degree is completed before transitioning into the salaried PhD phase.

Both tracks involve academic responsibilities such as teaching or research-related tasks.

Research Support and International Opportunities

The University of Copenhagen provides extensive support to doctoral researchers participating in the MoPo project. Funding is available for:

• Conference participation

• Summer school attendance

• Field research

• International research visits

These opportunities allow PhD students to build a strong international academic network and develop expertise in political theory and democratic studies.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation and research potential in political theory. Key qualifications include:

• A master’s degree in political science, political theory, or practical/political philosophy

• Demonstrated research ability in normative political theory

• Strong academic writing skills

• Interest in democratic practices and the intersection between political theory and political science

Additional desirable qualifications include:

• Knowledge of qualitative research methods such as text analysis, interviews, or ethnographic research

• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a research team

Applicants educated outside Denmark must hold qualifications equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s or master’s degree, which will be assessed by the Danish Research Agency if necessary.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit their application online and include the following documents:

• Cover letter explaining motivation and indicating whether applying for the 5+3 or 4+4 PhD program

• Curriculum Vitae

• Research project description (maximum 1,500 words)

• Academic diplomas and transcripts (BA/BSc and MA/MSc)

• Writing sample of article length

• Optional documentation such as publications or English language qualifications

Applicants from universities where the teaching language is not English or a Scandinavian language must submit official translations of their academic documents.

Academic Environment at the Department of Political Science

The Department of Political Science at the University of Copenhagen is one of Europe’s top-ranked political science departments. It provides a dynamic and collaborative environment for ambitious researchers.

The department includes:

• Around 75 faculty members

• More than 10 tenure-track assistant professors

• Approximately 25 PhD students

Research activities are organized into several research groups and centers, creating a rich intellectual community that embraces diverse theoretical and methodological approaches.

Inclusive and International Research Community

The University of Copenhagen is committed to creating an inclusive and equal opportunity working environment. The institution encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

International researchers also receive support services related to relocation, integration, and career counseling for accompanying partners, helping them transition smoothly into academic life in Denmark.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the University of Copenhagen recruitment portal.

Applications must be submitted before April 13, 2026, and late submissions will not be considered.

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