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The course of studies

Here you can find information on what is required in order to complete a research education.

Research education is normally three years’ full-time studies and consists of:

  • Coursework of a minimum of 30 or 35 credits’ scope
  • Supervision
  • Mid-term evaluation and progress reporting
  • A research work / a PhD thesis

Training / taught component

The faculties are responsible for ensuring that the training / taught component along with the dissertation, provide education at a high academic level and in accordance with international standards.

In addition to the completion of a research work, this part of your studies will provide training in academic dissemination and introduction to research ethics, philosophy of science, and the scientific method.

The PhD programme of study must be planned so that it can be completed within a standard timeframe, but the academic offerings for the PhD programmes may vary from semester to semester. Course information is updated continuously for all PhD programmes at INN University on the PhD programmes’ webpages.

All PhD programmes have a portion of compulsory courses. The rest of the courses are elective, and can be taken at INN University or at other degree-awarding institutions.

It is also expected that PhD candidates present parts of their work at national and international conferences and partake in a stay abroad during their doctoral studies.

However, courses at other institutions must be recommended by your supervisor and approved by the PhD programme. PhD candidates can obtain pre-approval of external courses when possible, based on available documentation (course description and syllabus). For this purpose, please fill out the form below with title:

After the course is completed, an application should be made for the approval of the course, and the transcript of records or the course certificate should be attached to the application. For this purpose, the following form must be sent to the coordinator at the PhD programme:

The same form can be used if the PhD candidate has not applied for pre-approval of a course, but then the course description and syllabus or equivalent must be attached to the form as well.

The coursework, also known as training / taught component must be completed and approved before the PhD thesis is submitted. Only external courses which have been approved as part of the training / taught component will be included in the PhD diploma. The application must be sent to the PhD coordinator of the relevant PhD programme. The PhD in Teaching and Teacher Education (TTE) programme uses its own form, while the other PhD programmes use the following:

In addition to courses, the PhD programmes host seminars and arrange other activities. It is therefore important that you familiarize yourself with the provisions that apply to your PhD programme. There may be different requirements for enrolment, active and compulsory participation in seminars, and which activities award credits.

Other resources:

Supervision

Read more about supervision

Midway evaluation and reporting

Midway evaluation

A midway evaluation of the doctoral work should take place in the third or fourth semester. The PhD candidate shall present her/his work to a person or group appointed by the PhD Committee at the faculty. The evaluation will assess the academic status and progress of the doctoral work, and feedback will be given to the candidate, the supervisor and the PhD Committee.

The purpose of midway evaluation is to ensure candidates will be assessed in terms of how the project stands regarding a prospective completion as scheduled. The evaluation aims to identify the need for measures that can contribute to completion at the appointed time and necessary measures for raising the quality of the research work.

The faculty is responsible for the completion of midway evaluation for the candidates associated with the programme; this applies to candidates with external employers, as well.

Progress report

Each year, the PhD candidate and main supervisor must report to the PhD committee on progress and any changes to the progress plan. The candidate and the main supervisor have equal responsibility for submitting the required reports. Failure to submit a progress report or inadequate progress reporting from the candidate may result in involuntary termination of the candidate's participation in the doctoral programme, prior to the expiry of the agreement period, PhD regulations § 5-6 and 9-1. Supervisors who fail to comply with the reporting requirements may be relieved of their supervisory responsibilities.

Progress reporting takes place in the spring semester and the deadline for submission is June 10th of each year.

Progress reports are completed using the designated forms the PhD programme sends to the PhD candidates and main supervisors in advance of reporting. The reports are treated confidentially where the information warrants it.

Stay abroad for PhD candidates

Read more about staying abroad for PhD candidates

The PhD thesis

Read more about the PhD thesis

Last modified Mar. 14, 2024 1:12 PM