HVS PhD Timeline

PhD timeline

A PhD is organised into six-month periods based on your enrolment date. As it is possible to begin a PhD programme at any time, the periods do not necessarily align with the traditional spring and autumn semesters.

The exact dates of individual tasks may vary. You arrange meeting times in consultation with the doctoral committee, but submit documents within the required deadlines.

How long is a PhD programme?

A doctoral research project is generally 180 credits and corresponds to three years of full-time study. Courses may comprise an additional 0–30 credits.

If the project proves more extensive than anticipated, you can apply to increase the number of credits from 180 to 240.

The maximum study period is six years based on full-time study. If you do not expect to be able to complete the programme within four years, you must apply for an extension:

• First, for one year, making the study period five years
• Then, for a further year if necessary

Part-time study

You can apply to study for a PhD on a part-time basis. The time limits for the programme are then extended by half. If you study part-time throughout the programme, the maximum study period is therefore nine years.

What needs to be done during the study period?

Research proposal– within six months

You must submit a research proposal no later than six months after enrolment. It is the main subject of the first meeting of the doctoral committee, unless a detailed research plan was included with your application for the programme.

Progress report – twice a year

You submit a progress report twice a year:

• 1 June
• 1 December

You and your supervisor prepare the report in the PhD programme.

Doctoral committee meetings – twice a year

The doctoral committee generally meets twice a year. Every other meeting must be detailed.

A separate doctoral committee meeting is not required during the period in which the one-year or mid-term assessment takes place.

First-year assessment – within 12 months

The First-year assessment takes place before 12 months have elapsed since enrolment. The doctoral committee assesses whether the conditions are in place for continued doctoral study.

Mid-term assessment – generally after two years

The mid-term assessment generally takes place approximately two years after enrolment. The doctoral committee conducts the assessment, which replaces the regular doctoral committee meeting during the relevant period.