Training and Supervision Agreement (TSA)

• the name of the PhD programme that you have been admitted to;
• the names of your supervisory team and your mentor(s);
• divisie of supervision tasks and meetings
• your Individual Training Plan (see below for more information), detailing your intended training activities such as thematic and general training and research-related meetings;

As part of the TSA, you complete an Individual Training Plan. It details your intended training activities such as thematic and general training and research-related meetings. By following these trainings you will build your PhD Training Portfolio.

The Individual Training Plan can be adjusted during your PhD journey. It is a dynamic document and can be adjusted during the annual PhD progress meeting.

Discipline-specific educational activities

Discipline-specific training is provided by each of the PhD programmes of the GSLS. They offer the opportunity to attend courses and meetings (e.g. seminars, master classes, journal clubs, PhD retreats) organised by the programme itself, related research institutes, or (inter)national research networks/schools. The PhD programmes are tasked with organising these courses and meetings and fostering an engaging and inspirational community of PhD candidates. For further information or guidance on completing the plan, please reach out to your PhD programme.

General educational activities

General training in professional competencies and skills are available via the PhD Course Centre of the GSLS or Utrecht University (e.g. Development Guide including Career Services). The PhD Competence Modelcan be helpful to select training that fits the competencies of your interest. Key competencies are Research Skills & Knowledge, Responsible Conduct of Science, Personal Effectiveness, Professional Development, Leadership & Management, Communication and Teaching. These competencies are valuable to prepare you for both academic and non-academic futures. The PhD Course Guide offers an overview of available training ordered by competence.

When you make your Individual Training Plain, please take the following requirements for the PhD Training Portfolio into account to be sure that you can apply for a GSLS Training Certificate at the end of your PhD.

• Accumulate at least 5 European Credits (ECs) per full-time equivalent year of research appointment, totalling at least 15 ECs for a 3-year appointment or 20 ECs for a 4-year appointment. If your PhD is part-time or of a different duration, you can calculate the credits proportionally. However, a minimum of 15 ECs is required to receive a GSLS Training Certificate.
• A minimum of 40% of the total credits must be from discipline-specific educational activities within your PhD programme or other relevant programmes or institutes.
• A minimum of 20% of the total credits must be from general educational activities.
• A maximum of 20% of the total credits may come from symposia/conferences where you are an oral or poster presenter.

According to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) 1 credit = 28 hrs and 1.5 credit = 1 week.