PhD Programme at UiL OTS

The Utrecht Institute of Linguistics OTS is the home of about 40 PhD candidates in linguistics. They come from all over the world, so they constitute a highly international community. Some candidates come in through our Research Master’s programme in Linguistics, others obtained their MA elsewhere. Of all PhD candidates entering our programme, over 75% successfully defend their dissertations and acquire the title of PhD. We have maintained these standards at least since 1997.

As a PhD candidate at UiL OTS, you do research that prepares you for writing a dissertation, you may conduct experiments, you present your work at conferences, write articles on your results, develop your professional network and write your dissertation. In most cases, you also teach. Apart from that, you may be involved in organising seminars, workshops or a conference. At least once a year, PhD candidates present their research to each other and everyone interested at the 'Uiltjesdagen'.

PhD opportunities

Most PhD candidates are embedded in externally funded projects, so they work in closely knit research teams. Some international PhD candidates bring their own funding to obtain a PhD in Utrecht.
>> Read more about PhD opportunities at UiL OTS

Supervision and support

Progress of your PhD project is closely monitored by the PhD supervisor (a professor at the Faculty of Humanities), the daily supervisor and the PhD coordinator. UiL OTS’s PhD coordinator provides you with advice on (problems encountered during) the planning and progress of your research, your appointment and your performance in general.
>> Read more about supervision and support for PhD candidates at UiL OTS, including information on facilities and career opportunities

Courses

PhD candidates receive their curricular training in the context of LOT, the Netherlands Graduate School of Linguistics. The Graduate School of Humanities offers courses on general research skills, personal effectiveness and career perspectives. Furthermore, you may take courses in the MA Linguistics or MA programmes elsewhere.
>> Read more about courses for PhD candidates at UiL OTS

Regulations and forms

As a PhD candidate, you have to comply with various legal, University and Institute regulations and you need to fill in official forms at specific moments during the PhD programme.
>> Read more about regulations and forms for PhD candidates at UiL OTS