Individual study plan

The individual study plan is a vital document for doctoral students. The Guidelines for Doctoral Studies at Uppsala University include the following reference to the Higher Education Ordinance, HEO [Högskoleförordningen, HF]:

An individual study plan shall be drawn up for each doctoral student. This plan shall contain the undertakings made by the doctoral student and the higher education institution and a timetable for the doctoral student's study programme. The plan shall be adopted after consultation with the doctoral student and his or her supervisor (Chapter 6, Section 29 HEO).

It is also stipulated that individual study plans must be followed up and revised at least once a year and if ‘special difficulties are foreseen, more frequent follow-ups and alternative approaches should be considered’. In simple terms this means that is it vital that all individual study plans must be reviewed at least once a year and any deviations noted. If problems arise, the follow-ups should be more frequent. Individual study plans should be signed by the doctoral student, her or his supervisor and the head of the department. All parties should remember that this is a legally binding document.

The guidelines referred to above also mention that studies at third-cycle level are the joint responsibility of the doctoral student and supervisor. At Uppsala University we strive to provide all doctoral students with knowledgeable and dedicated supervisors that continuously monitor the progress of the study programme. Supervisors and doctoral students are jointly responsible for proposing any changes to the individual study plan that are necessary for ensuring that the thesis work is completed within the net study period time frame.