PhD training

Components of the PhD training

The PhD training consists of a cursory component and an individually supervised research component. In this latter component, the PhD candidate performs research under the supervision of the day-to-day supervisor and the promoter and the PhD candidate reports on his/her research finding.

During the cursory component, the PhD candidate attends courses given at his own institute or elsewhere. The cursory component consists of both specific training in the PhD candidate’s field of research, and training in general skills. The content and quantity of the cursory component depend on the starting qualifications of the PhD candidate and on the research requirements. The content and quantity of the research component are determined in consultation with the supervisor(s) and promoter(s) and are put down in writing in the Training and Supervision Plan. If necessary, this plan can be adjusted if the annual progress meetings with the PhD candidate and the supervisory team give rise to changes.

Training in the field of research

Training in the PhD candidate’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 candidate’s own Graduate School or other Master programmes.

In general, a PhD candidate will be a member of one research school or research network. He/she can take the training courses provided by this school. However, it is recommended to also check out the training courses provided by other schools. For example, the courses in methodology and statistics of the IOPS research school.

Candidates are required to consult their supervisor(s) if they want to attend a course that is not mentioned in their Training and Supervision Plan. If these courses involve costs, then compensation has to be provided by the project or department budgets.

Links to pages about training courses of research schools, research institutes and research networks:

Training in general skills

As a PhD candidate you can participate in several basic training courses in Groningen such as:

• Language Centre : academic writing skills, publishing in English, and academic presentation in English.
• Educational Support and Innovation (ESI): didactic courses, such as a basic teaching training and specific courses to supervise Ba and Ma theses.
• ICT: Writing a thesis using Word.
• Career development training for PhD candidates.
• Career Services and their PhD support group .
• Many courses from the Research Master are open to PhD students from the Graduate School of Behavioural and Social Sciences.
• Introductory event for PhD students.
• Federation of Graduate Schools in Social Sciences and Humanities .
• Career Perspectives Series (offering relevant workshops from the start of your PhD).

Attending conferences and symposiums

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 candidates attend a conference abroad once a year.