Starting your PhD

These pages are designed to support you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your PhD, providing resources tailored to your academic and professional development. Whether you're seeking guidance, registering, or want to know more about your responsibilities. We are here to help you succeed every step of the way.

Checklist

This list summarises the things you have to arrange at the start of your PhD journey.

Tip! Create a print of this checklist to easily check off all the boxes.

Done!	Task	Details
	Complete supervisory team.	This must be arranged before you start, and the constitution should comply with the Utrecht University Doctoral Degree Regulations.
	Attend the introduction meeting.	The one-hour introduction meeting for GSLS PhD candidates is organised once every two months.
	Subscribe for the newsletter.	We have a biweekly PhD Update which provides you with relevant information for GSLS PhD candidates, including courses and events.
	Choose a programme.	Choose a GSLS PhD programme in consultation with your supervisory team. Include it in your MyPhD registration.
	Contact your programme coordinator.	Arrange an onboarding meeting with your PhD programme coordinator.
	Select one or – preferably – two mentors.	Choose your mentor(s) in consultation with your supervisory team. Include them in your MyPhD registration.
	Register in MyPhD.	MyPhD is the the official tracking system of Utrecht University. Do this once you have arranged the above points, and within 3 months after the start of your PhD.
	Complete the Training and Supervision Agreement (TSA).	Fill out the TSA form with your supervisory team and upload it to MyPhD within 3 months after the start of your PhD. Your TSA must be approved by your supervisory team and PhD programme coordinator in MyPhD.
	Register for the compulsory training.	Read more about the Responsible Conduct of Research - Year 1 training.
	Non-UU employees: request a Solis-id.	This is needed for online courses via Ulearning (including the compulsory courses Responsible Conduct of Research - Year 2 and 3) and courses in the UU Development Guide. See FAQs for instructions.
	Know your rights and responsibilities.	Setting up your research and acquiring the necessary skills in problem solving and communication is your responsibility.
	Know where to seek support.	There are many ways we can help during your PhD journey.

Prospective PhD candidates
There are different options for obtaining a PhD position at Utrecht University.
Getting started
Learn more about your responsibilities and use our helpful checklist to make sure everything is in order.
Supervision
During your PhD you receive guidance and support from your supervisory team and mentors.
MyPhD
At the start of your PhD journey, you must Register in MyPhD, the official tracking system of Utrecht University.
Training and Supervision Agreement (TSA)
The Training and Supervision Agreement (TSA) is a standard contract between the PhD candidate and the supervisory team.

Starting your PhD

Checklist

View checklist

Prospective PhD candidates

Getting started

Supervision

MyPhD

Training and Supervision Agreement (TSA)

Contact

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