Training Programme for PhD Candidates

A PhD trajectory at UG has the goal to educate PhD candidates so that they develop into good, independent and reliable researchers, well prepared for a career inside and outside academia. To achieve this goal two types of training are provided: (1) the scientific training of the PhD candidate in carrying out an individual research project, resulting in a PhD thesis; and (2) the professional training of the PhD candidate in both transferable and field-specific academic skills by means of courses, scientific meetings, and networking activities that prepare you for your future careers.

For the second part, the PhD candidate earns credit points (1 ECTS credit point=28 hours) and receives a certificate. The number of credits required or recommended depends on the duration and type of the PhD trajectory.

PhD candidates enrolled in a four-year PhD programme are at most faculties expected to complete a training programme of 30 ECTS credits; for PhD candidates with a shorter PhD programme or candidates in a sandwich trajectory, the size of the training programme is reduced proportionally. Also, for external PhD candidates who spend little time at their faculty, different requirements regarding the training programme may exist. Please ask your faculty Graduate School for the specific details and requirements.

The Training Programme

The content of the PhD candidate’s training programme is mostly tailor-made by the you and your supervisory team. The training programme usually exists out of three categories, namely research activities, organizational activities, and course work.

Research activities

You are encouraged to present your work at national and international meetings and conferences. Depending on the specific conditions, ECTS credits are allocated for such activities.

Organizational activities

ECTS credits can be obtained for the organisation of several research related activities. Examples of organisational activities are the organisation of symposia, workshops or a scientific debate. Also representative functions such as the membership of the PhD council is considered as an organisational activity and rewarded with ECTS credits.

Course work

Though the programme is mostly tailor-made, most faculty Graduate Schools require some mandatory elements to be included. Most PhD candidates include courses on general research techniques and discipline-specific courses in their training programme. Also, often access is granted to courses in the many master’s degree programmes that UG offers. Furthermore, ECTS credits can be given for participation in e.g. a master class or international summer school.

For an overview of courses offered by the University of Groningen, visit our Corporate Academy.

Training Certificate

At the thesis defence, PhD candidates who completed the training programme receive a certificate that lists their training activities. While PhD candidates are expected to complete their training programme, the PhD regulations of the University currently do not require the completion of the training programme as a precondition for gaining access to the PhD defence. Note that PhD candidates who have been awarded a UG scholarship have to earn the number of credits specified in their contract as a condition for receiving the scholarship.