PhD at the PThU

The Initial Graduate School (IGS) takes place from the first full week of October and lasts six weeks. In this phase you follow three modules of 5 ECTS each, which you complete with a paper.

The language of instruction is English. The courses are:

• General Theological Research Skills
• Research Management and Ethics
• Research Proposal Development

If you pass all three modules, you can proceed to the second phase.

In this phase you write a research proposal following the format you studied in the IGS.

At the end of this phase you submit the following documents:

• your approved research proposal
• your approved training and supervision plan
• your approved data management plan

Please send these to graduateschool@pthu.nl for assessment by the Admissions Committee.

If the Admissions Committee grants approval, you may continue your PhD research in the third phase.

Deadlines

Research proposals can be submitted on 1 January, 1 May, and 1 September.

In this phase you further develop the actual research and write your dissertation (thesis). You also obtain at least 15 ECTS through:

• courses (offered by NOSTER as well as other external institutions)
• workshops
• seminars
• participation in international conferences or expert meetings
• the annual Graduate School meeting for all (prospective) PhD candidates

You complete the dissertation phase with the public defence of your thesis after approval by the Doctoral Committee. This takes place in an official PhD ceremony at which your supervisor (promotor) is also present.

The dissertation protocol describes exactly how the PhD ceremony proceeds. Once you have successfully defended your thesis, you are officially awarded the title of Doctor.

Are you a full-time PhD candidate?

Then you complete your PhD within four years of starting the Graduate School.

Are you a part-time PhD candidate?

Then you are expected to complete your PhD within six years of starting.

You will need:

• A short two-page research proposal that aligns with one of the PThU’s research areas (Sources, Beliefs, Practices). This proposal is used to assess whether the idea is promising enough for further development and admission to the Initial Graduate School. During the IGS you will work with this proposal; substantial changes in angle are still possible at that stage.
• A motivation letter (one to two pages) explaining:
  • why you want to pursue a PhD
  • why you want to do this at the PThU
  • (if applicable) why you prefer this supervisor or these supervisors (promotor/promotores)
• One letter of recommendation, preferably written by the supervisor of your Master’s thesis.
• Your Master’s thesis. If your Master’s research was completed more than seven years ago, please submit a more recent academic text instead.
• Your curriculum vitae.
• A copy of your Master’s diploma and transcript of records.
• A copy of your ID document. This is needed, among other things, to enrol you.
• If possible, a supervisor (promotor) for your research. This is a professor at the PThU. Send your research proposal to one of our professors and ask whether he/she would be willing to supervise your PhD. Need help finding a supervisor? Please contact the head of the Graduate School at graduateschool@pthu.nl.

The following deadlines apply:

• Do you live within the EU, EEA or Switzerland, or do you not need a visa for the Netherlands? Then you must apply before 1 May.
• Do you live outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland and do you need a visa for the Netherlands? Then you must apply before 1 January.