The purpose of SLU’s PhD programme is to supply education and research training that nurtures and promotes the development of independent research skills in candidates.
During their degree, candidates will undertake an original and important research project that is the result of approximately three to four years of full-time or equivalent study and supervised research training.
Time Frame
In the Swedish University system, one week of full-time study gives 1.5 higher education credits (hp). One year of full-time study is equal to 60 hp. A doctorate degree should be completed in four years of full-time study or equivalent, i.e. 240 hp. For a licentiate degree, 120 hp. The doctoral thesis itself must be equivalent to at least 120 hp, according to the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen SFS 93:100). In practice, the thesis is often equivalent to 180 - 210 credits, while coursework represents 30 - 60 credits.
Within the above timeframes, postgraduate education at SLU is flexible and there are no ready-made programmes to be followed, although some disciplines have formalised part of the education by introducing mandatory courses. In general, the supervisor and the student have considerable freedom to tailor the education to individual requirements. However, it is strongly recommended that all doctoral students participate in some basic courses to acquire general competence.
Supervision
Each candidate is entitled to supervision throughout their postgraduate education. Candidates should have two to three supervisors, one of whom is the principal supervisor. Normally, the principal supervisor raises funds for each research project. The candidate's supervisor is obliged to set up, in consultation with the candidate, an individual study plan (ISP), describing what they are expected to accomplish during their postgraduate education. Candidates will find this plan a valuable tool for managing their degree.
PhD councils
At SLU, all PhD students are organised into one of four PhD councils. Each council is connected to one of the faculties.
These councils survey the quality of PhD education at the university. Please find the link to the PhD councils pages HERE