The ten steps to obtaining a doctorate
The process comprises ten steps.
- Notification of intention to pursue a doctorate
- Alternative proposal of supervisors
- Approval of thesis by the thesis supervisor(s) (promoters) + the proposal for the composition of the inner and the plenary committees + any experts
- If alternative proposal composition of inner/plenary committee
- Discussion of intended date of conferral of doctorate
- Propositions
- Report of the opinion of the inner doctoral committee on the admission of the candidate
- Possible request for cum laude designation
- Despatch of theses intended for the University
- Defence of the thesis before the plenary committee
1. Notification of intention to pursue a doctorate
Time path
Minimum of six months before the intended conferral date.
Action promoter/candidate
Complete and despatch form 1: Notification for doctorate.
Action points
The maximum number of supervisors is two. Dispensation must be applied for in writing.
Candidates who have studied abroad need to have their diploma validated by the faculty examining board, after a recommendation by Nuffic.
Information on this from the Admissions office.
2. Alternative proposal of supervisors
Time path
Minimum of six months before the intended conferral date.
Action promoter/candidate
Writing of a supplementary letter to the Doctorate Board in which the reasons for the proposal are given. This letter should be enclosed with the forms referred to in step 1.
3. Approval of thesis by the thesis supervisor(s) (promoters) + the proposal for the composition of the inner and the plenary committees + any experts
Time path
Minimum of five months prior to the intended conferral date.
Action promoter/candidate
Complete and submit form 2: Proposal of doctoral committee including the manuscript and title pages (front and reverse).
Action points
Besides the promoter(s) there are three other members of the inner committee. The requirements for this are:
- members must be a professor or senior university lecturer.
- the majority of the committee including the promoter(s) must be attached to the EUR.
- emeriti may solely be members of the committee if they have retired no less than five years previously experts must have the title of doctor (dr.).
4. If alternative proposal composition of inner/plenary committee
Time path
Minimum five months before the intended conferral date.
Action promoter/candidate
Written request with reasons to the Doctorate Board enclosed with the form as referred to in step 3.
Action points
A provisional conferral date can only be agreed with University Ceremonies once the manuscript and the proposal for the forming of the inner committee have been approved by the promoter.
5. Reserve intended conferral date
Time path
Minimum five months before the intended conferral date.
Action promoter/candidate
Agree on provisional date with University Ceremonies.
Action points
A provisional conferral date can only be agreed with University Ceremonies once the manuscript and the proposal for the forming of the inner committee have been approved by the promoter.
6. Propositions
Time path
Minimum four months before the intended conferral date.
Action promoter/candidate
Complete and submit form 3: Approval of propositions including the propositions.
Action points
This letter is signed by the promoter(s) with the relevant propositions as an appendix.
7. Notification of the opinion of the inner committee on the admission of the candidate
Time path
Minimum three months before the intended conferral date.
Action promoter/candidate
Complete and submit form 4: Admission of the candidate.
Action points
The secretary of the inner committee submits this letter also on behalf of the other members of the committee. Subsequently the candidate will be given written permission to print the thesis if all the conditions have been met.
8. Possible designation of cum laude
Time path
Minimum seven weeks before the intended conferral date.
Action promoter/candidate
Request of the promoter to the Doctorate Board.
Action points
Referees should not be co-authors of the candidate. CVs of the referees must be enclosed.
9. Despatch of thesis intended for the university
Time path
Minimum five weeks before the intended conferral date.
Action promoter/candidate
Candidate delivers the thesis.
Action points
For this see information at Thesis.
10. Defence before the plenary committee
Action points
For this see information at Doctorate ceremony.
