PhD traject
Promotion
After completing a research master programme, students may choose to start a Doctoral Degree track (PhD track). Within the Graduate School of Social and Behavioural Sciences approx. 60 PhD candidates start their track each year.
PhD track
During the PhD track PhD candidates work on a research project, under the supervision of a professor. The research will be concluded with a thesis, usually consisting of a series of articles who are, or will be published in scientific magazines. PhD candidates also attend courses in the Graduate School and often teach students themselves.
Besides having a professor as supervisor, it is also possible to do a PhD track with a University Teacher (UHD) who has been given ius promovendi (promotion rights). For instance, if the chosen field of research matches better with an UHD. Download the list with UHD’s who may act as supervisor.
PhD’s are the driving force of their own scientific and personal development and they are expected to take the initiative themselves, find solutions and be pro-active. At the start of the PhD track the PhD candidate and the supervisor plan a training schedule and decide what courses are suitable and relevant. This plan may be revised yearly.
PhD’s attend specific courses to deepen their knowledge and expertise in a scientific area and to acquire academic and career competences necessary to become independent scientists and, depending on their choice of a future career, to prepare for a career outside academia. PhD’s can study, for instance, specific research methods and techniques, investigate discipline oriented subjects or work on their presentation- and writing skills.
The Graduate School of Social and Behavioural Sciences offers a number of courses, of which some are being organised in cooperation with local research programmes, with national research networks or research schools, or a combination thereof.
Applying for a PhD track
The Graduate School of Social and Behavioural Sciences has no standard application procedure. There are various possibilities to acquire a PhD track:
- There is a limited yearly number of vacancies;
- PhD track without employment contract:
- with a scholarship, see FAQ (see also for instance www.grantfinder.nl), Utrecht University does not provide any scholarships;
- whilst in employment with another employer, see FAQ;
- as an external PhD.
Any questions on a PhD track without employment contract can be addressed to the e-mail address: PhDOfficeSBS@uu.nl.
Please note: the section Cultural Anthropology is the only section in the faculty that does have a standard application procedure. Please read the extra information on the procedure.
PhD Council
The PhD Council represents the interests of all PhD candidates of the faculty. The council consists of PhD candidates of all sections of the faculty.
E-mail: PhDCouncilFSBS@uu.nl.
PhD Office Social and Behavioural Sciences
The PhD Office can be addressed by all PhD candidates of the faculty. PhD candidates can ask questions about their PhD track or, for instance, questions on courses, etc.
E-mail: PhDOfficeSBS@uu.nl.