PhD programme

The PhD programme consists of a cursory component (educational programme) and an individually supervised research component. In this latter component, the PhD student performs research under the supervision of the day-to-day supervisor and/ or the promoter. The PhD student reports on his/her research findings.

During the cursory component, the PhD student attends courses given at his own institute or elsewhere. The cursory component consists of both specific training in the domain of the PhD student’s field of research, and training in general skills.

The contents of the cursory and research component are determined in consultation with the supervisor(s) and promoter(s) and is put down in writing in the “training and supervision plan” (Dutch: opleidings- en begeledingsplan). 

 

Training and supervision plan

At the beginning of the PhD training, the promotor draws up a training and supervision plan with each PhD student. The content of this plan strongly depends on the previous education of the student, the qualifications already obtained and the kind of research the student is going to perform (starting situation and intended ultimate objectives). The training and supervision plan is evaluated at least once a year by the promotor and by other supervisors (if any) and the content can be changed, if so desired. 

 

Educational programme

The educational programme of 30 EC (840 hours), consists of a compulsory training in general skills of 10 EC (280 hours), and of a specific training in the domain of the PhD student’s field of research 20 EC (560 hours). Furthermore PhD students organize Spatial Sciences workshops and, also as part of their training, participate in various faculty and other scientific commitees.

Where possible, modules are provided:

• at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences, at master level
• within the research school NETHUR
• at other faculties in the Netherlands, at master level
• within existing national and international networks
• in combination with intensive short modules for Research Master’s students.

Compulsory training

This training part offers advanced knowledge and skills that every scientific researcher in Spatial Sciences is expected to have mastered. The modules not only cover research skills and methodology from various perspectives, but also deal with communication and social skills. One of the compulsory modules deals with formulation (or elaboration and reformulation) of the research proposal for the PhD project.

 

Specific research training

Furthermore, the PhD student receives specific training in the domain of his / her field of research. This tailor-made component focuses on relevant methodology courses and stimulates scientific orientation by promoting attendance at conferences.

Training in methodology courses in the PhD student’s specific field of research will mainly be provided by national research schools and research networks, if necessary supplemented with training from the Research Master of the student’s own Graduate School or other Master programmes.

Part of performing research is presenting your research results to fellow-researchers. You also need to inform yourself of the latest results in their research. Therefore it is essential for your PhD training that you take an active part in (international) conferences. On average, most PhD students attend a conference abroad once a year.

 

Spatial Sciences workshops

In addition to the training programme PhDs organize Spatial Sciences workshops. These workshops take place in interactive conference-like settings in which PhD researchers work with others in the same field or use a similar approach. The workshops are generally organized by one of the participants of the Graduate School and led by guest lecturers. They are specifically intended to help PhD candidates to come into contact with international researchers and international research networks.

 

Individually supervised research component

PhD students are coached by the research supervisors during the 4 years of the PhD programme . In principle, each PhD student has a first supervisor (promotor) and at least one other supervisor. The second supervisor can be a professor, an associate professor or an assistant professor (PhD holder)

Here you can find an overview of the courses by NETHUR.
Here you can find the course outline of the PhD programme.