Doctoral Student
The time spent in doctoral studies is divided between:
- a research assignment that will lead to a licentiate or doctoral degree;
- doctoral-level courses to introduce, deepen and broaden doctoral studies;
- any departmental duties, such as teaching assistant duties in Bachelor’s and Master’s level courses.
All doctoral students must have adequate means of support throughout their studies. This is to be guaranteed by the department at which they are studying.
Planning and follow-up
The planning and follow-up of doctoral studies is a joint commitment for the doctoral student, the appointed supervisors and other staff responsible for doctoral studies at the department. The primary instruments for planning and follow-up are the individual study plans, which are revised annually, and the regular performance and development conversations between the doctoral student and the head of department (or a person to whom the head of department has delegated this task).
If a research idea or research results are deemed capable of commercialisation, some form of agreement should be drawn up between those involved, and UU Innovation should be involved at an early stage, before any results are published.
Programme length
The studies are to be planned so that the effective period of study is a maximum of 48 months for a doctoral degree and 24 months for a licentiate degree. The effective period of study is the time that is actually devote to doctoral studies, excluding departmental duties, sickness absence, parental leave, etc.
The supervisor-doctoral student relationship
The relationship between supervisor and doctoral student should be characterised by professionalism. Within the faculty, many doctoral students work closely with their supervisor and it is natural that over a period of four to five years, conflicts or other problems may arise.
Ethics and generative AI
As a doctoral student, you are expected to be aware of research etichs and compliance with good research practices.
Information and tools about research etichs at Uppsala University
European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity – Revised Edition 2023
Good Research Practice 2024 - Swedish Research Council
On part in the doctoral education is therefore a mandatory course in research etics of at least 2 credits and corresponding contenta as in the course provided at the faculyt.
Compulsory course in research ethics
As a doctoral student, you also need to inform yourself about the ways in which you can use generative AI in your education. The faculty's working methods on the use of generative AI are specified under organisation and regulations
Courses
Information about compulsory courses, as well as faculty-wide and subject-specific courses
Part-time studies
The Higher Education Ordinance allows for the possibility of admitting doctoral students with a different pace of study than normal, at their own request, though no less than 50 per cent of full-time. Decisions on admission to part-time studies are taken by the Faculty Board’s Working Committee. The total effective period of study may not exceed four years.
In the case of externally employed doctoral students or doctoral students holding a position at another higher education institution, whose employer wishes to fund their doctoral studies, a written declaration of intent from the funding provider is required upon admission.
Terms and conditions of work and study
The list below details a number of rights and obligations concerning doctoral students’ terms and conditions of work and study. Doctoral students operate in a border area between studies and employment, with an emphasis on the latter. The category to which a doctoral student formally belongs depends on the type of funding they have during their studies.
- Working and employment conditions for doctoral students
- Means of support for doctoral students.
- Work environment and equal opportunities.The University has agreements for occupational health services that apply to all doctoral students (including those funded by scholarships) with an activity rate of at least 20 per cent.
- Continuing professional development for members of staff. Like other employees, doctoral students have the right to participate in internal education and training courses. Course listings and related information can be found via the Staff Portal page on continuing professional development. Some courses are also provided by the Council for Pedagogical Development at the Faculty of Science and Technology (TUR).
- Support for employees and students with disabilities.
Extension of period of study
Extension due to positions of trust
Doctoral student representatives in faculty bodies may, if necessary, apply for an extension of the net study period as compensation for positions of trust within the department, faculty or university.
- The number of days the doctoral student can apply for an extension for assignments within the faculty is determined by the assignment (TEKNAT 2021/201). Decisions are made by Administrative director.
- Extension of study time for a doctoral student with a position of trust within the faculty's doctoral board is regulated centrally (UFV 2021/2081) and is handled by the Planning Division, but the application is sent to the Faculty Office.
- Extensions related to department boards are regulated centrally (UFV 2021/2081) but are applied for and handled by the departments.
Extension due to parental leave
Extension for parental leave is based on the number of days of parental leave. The Faculty Board (delegated to the Administrative director) can decide on up to three months' extension (per child) of the net study period as compensation for the time it takes for the doctoral student to start up their research activities.
Forms and guidelines
- Information about parental leave and leave to take care of a sick child (VAB)
- Form for application for extension
- Faculty Guidelines Extension of study period for doctoral student in elected positions (TEKNAT 2021/201)
- University Guidelines for Extending Employment and Study Periods for Doctoral Students holding Positions of Trust (UFV 2021/2081)
Discontinuation
Discontinuation of doctoral studies at the doctoral student’s request refers to a situation where a doctoral student chooses not to continue with their studies (without taking a degree). Anyone wishing to resume their studies after discontinuation must re-apply for admission. See Guidelines for doctoral (third-cycle) education, Faculty of Science and Technology.
Before a doctoral degree
Checklist before a doctoral degree.
Before a licentiate degree
Checklist before a licentiate degree.