General outline

The Graduate School of the Faculty of Science offers a PhD programme combining original independent research, advanced courses on research topics, development of personal skills, and teaching. The programme culminates in the production of a PhD thesis. Successful defence of the thesis is awarded with the Doctor (PhD) degree.
This document describes the general outline of the PhD programme. Specific individual requirements depend on the specialization chosen and are determined in agreement with the supervisor of the thesis.

General Outline

Research
PhD candidates are expected to spend a minimum of 80% of their appointment on a research project. Detailed description of the research projects can be found on the websites of the research institutes, including the specific interests of the individual staff members (see links below). Many of the research projects include international collaboration and travel. The results of this research are published in international scientific journals. These publications are the basis of a PhD thesis.

Scientific meetings
PhD candidates are expected to frequently present their scientific results in writing and by oral presentation at national and international conferences and workshops. Visits to these meetings also serve to expand their (inter)national scientific network and form an important aspect of their training.

Education
A maximum of 10% of the appointment is dedicated to personal development. PhD candidates are trained at three levels: professional courses, skills training, and personal effectiveness. Parts of this multi annual training programme are mandatory for all PhD candidates. For international PhD candidates the programme starts with a short introductory course.

Professional courses
Each Research Institute of the Faculty of Science offers advanced courses to deepen the scientific knowledge. In many cases, the advanced courses are given in a joint effort of research groups from different national and/or international universities (e.g. Research schools).

Skills
Courses are offered to develop personal skills including oral presentations and the writing of a grant proposal. Intense English language courses are also offered.

Personal effectiveness
The personal effectiveness training programme is designed to develop skills such as time management and communication. The programme also provides for personal coaching and peer group intervision. PhD candidates are trained in scientific integrity and can be introduced to entrepreneurship. At the end of the course, career counselling sessions are offered.

More information on the programme of courses on Skills and Personal effectiveness can be found here

Teaching
As part of their training PhD candidates assist in the Institute’s teaching programme for a maximum of 20% of their appointment. Teaching may include activities for talented high school students. PhD candidates will be prepared for teaching by didactic courses, which may already be part of the university’s Basic Qualification in Teaching (Basis Kwalificatie Onderwijs). Specifics are to be decided by the supervisor and the Teaching Director of the Institute.

PhD Thesis
The PhD thesis is presented in book form and is based on a number of scientific papers, presented as a coherent text. The international context of the research is explained in an introductory chapter and/or a summarizing conclusion. The PhD thesis is written in English. An external referee and a promotion committee review the work. The PhD thesis is formally defended in front of a PhD defence committee.

Supervision

Before the start of the appointment an individual training agreement is signed between the PhD candidate and the supervisor (Opleidings en begeleidingsplan).
The PhD candidate meets with his/her supervisor on a regular basis, discussing research, training and teaching. The learning progression of the PhD candidate is officially evaluated annually during a ‘Result and Development assessment’ (Resultaat en Ontwikkelingsgesprek). After the first year it is decided whether the appointment will be continued for the remaining 3 years.

Duration of the Programme

As a rule, 4 years full time or a longer period in the case of a part time project. The Programme can be started monthly.

Admission requirements

A MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant field is required for admission to the PhD programme.

After a supervisor has been found, approval by the Doctorate Board is the next step. All (foreign) PhD candidates are required to submit an application for Admission to the International Office of Leiden University. Upon receipt of the application form, the admissions officer will evaluate the candidate’s diploma. The formal decision on admission rests with the Doctorate Board (College voor de Promoties) of the University, which consists of the Deans of the Faculties together with the Rector Magnificus as its Chairman. Upon admission, the PhD candidate (and the professor who will act as supervisor) will receive a formal letter of acceptance from the Board.

PhD positions

The Faculty of Science has paid positions available for PhD candidates, which are filled on a merit basis. A salary is granted in conformity with the Collective Labor agreement (CAO) of Dutch Universities. PhD candidates can directly apply for available PhD research projects. Talented, highly motivated candidates are offered Institutional PhD positions, in which the candidate starts his/her training by attending advanced courses and a nearer acquaintance with the research of the Institute before choosing his/her own research project and supervisor.

It may also be possible to enter the PhD programme with self-obtained grants. Grants must provide for costs of living and for bench fee.
More information on posible grants and scholarships can be found here.

PhD Union

Every PhD candidate at Leiden University is offered a membership of the PhD union “Leids Promovendi Overleg (LEO)”. Here PhD candidates meet for discussion and social activities. The PhD union offers support to new (international) PhD candidates at Leiden University.

Information

Enquire at Graduate school office: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or directly to the Research Institutes of the Faculty of Science.