The PhD training programme

The PhD student carries out his or her research according to the approved research proposal. The GGSL provides training and offers the opportunity to attend international conferences and to participate in workshops and seminars. Part of the training consists in following the Career Perspectives curriculum, which aims to prepare students for their (academic or non-academic) careers after the PhD trajectory.

Candidates should have obtained a university Masters diploma, preferably in law or in a field that is relevant for carrying out the research proposal. Candidates should furthermore be competent in academic writing and should be able to plan and organize their activities in an independent manner.

The University of Groningen offers scholarships for PhD students for a period of 4 years. Every year results are assessed in order to ensure a smooth PhD process, that results in a timely PhD thesis. The PhD student will participate in the Faculty’s GGSL training programme for PhD students and will draw up a personal training and supervision plan.

The Faculty offers the opportunity to attend international conferences and to participate in workshops and seminars.

PhD Scholarship Programme

Candidates can apply every year for these scholarships. This year you can apply from 19 March till 30 April. For the application you have to submit the following information:

• A motivation letter in which you describe why you wish to do this research, why you aim at performing this specific research, what makes you pre-eminently suitable to perform this research and, if possible, which supervisor you have in mind.
• A curriculum vitae
• A list of marks or results belonging to the master degree
• A letter of reference / recommendation relevant for academic performance
• A certified English language test for non-Dutch speakers*
• A research proposal of max. 4 A4 consisting of the following elements:
  - The introduction of the central question
  - The central question
  - The relevant literature
  - The methodology
  - The plan of approach
  - Th e way the research fits into the faculty’s research programmes.

* a certified language test: GPA, IELTS or TOEFL minimum criteria (GPA > 7.5/10). Students that have a slightly lower GPA, but a thesis score of at least 9.0 can also be considered; IELTS > 7.0, all section scores should at least be 6.5 plus a writing score of at least 7.0; TOEFL > 100, all section scores should at least be 23 plus a writing score of at least 25).

You are exempt from proving proficiency in English if you:

• are a native speaker and have completed secondary education in one of the following countries: USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia
• have already completed a bachelor ánd masters programme in one of the following countries: USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia

If English was the medium of instruction during your previous education, but you do not meet the above mentioned requirements for exemption, you are still required to prove your English proficiency by means of one of the tests as mentioned above.