Introduction

Co-ordinator: Prof. dr. Inge Hutter

PhD research at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences is conducted within the Graduate School of Spatial Sciences. PhD researchers perform their research in one of the research programmes of the Faculty of Spatial Science. The Urban and Regional Studies Institute (URSI) is the governing body directing research at our faculty. URSI in turn is linked with the national research school NETHUR. PhD research covers four years and the PhD training programme consists of at least 30 ec. More general information on PhD research can be found on the PhD webpage of the University.

Aim of the PhD programme and training

The prime objective of the PhD programme within the Graduate School of Spatial Sciences is to provide PhD candidates with a solid basis for independent research. The programme emphasizes the knowledge and skills that students need to write a dissertation, which is the ultimate proof of an individual’s proficiency in empirical research. Various modules help the PhD students to develop a number of academic skills: some are related to the field of theory, some to methodology and analytical skills, others to personal and research competences. Moreover, the modules focus on developing skills for the candidate’s subsequent career. In addition, communication and discussion of results is at the heart of science: skills in writing and presentation are thus essential. Special attention is paid to writing scientific articles in English.

Some of the training modules are compulsory and are followed by all PhD students usually under the umbrella of NETHUR. The selection of other modules will be tailor-made to the PhD student’s specific needs and his/her PhD project. The modules to be followed will be decided upon and selected in discussions between the PhD student and PhD supervisor and are set out at the start of the PhD project in the PhD plan.