Your PhD programme at UT

We train excellent, independent researchers.

Once you have completed your Master's degree, you can choose to pursue a PhD programme, which will prepare you to become an independent researcher. You will have the opportunity to interact closely with excellent researchers and supervisors. During your four-year PhD at UT, you will conduct in-depth research in a specialised field, contribute to new scientific knowledge and present your findings in a dissertation.

Alongside your research, you will follow a personalised 30 EC doctoral training programme, designed to help you develop both academic expertise and professional skills. You will complete your PhD by publicly defending your dissertation before a doctoral committee. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded the degree of Doctor (dr.) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

A PhD offers so much more than an academic qualification. It is a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise, develop as an independent researcher, and build a broad set of transferable skills. Throughout your PhD, you will strengthen your critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, project management, collaboration, communication, and leadership skills. These competencies are highly valued by employers and provide an excellent foundation for a successful career within academia as well as in industry, government, healthcare, and non-profit organisations. PhD graduates are highly valued for their ability to conduct independent research, drive innovation, and address complex scientific, societal, and technological challenges across a wide range of sectors.

Is a PhD programme right for me?

A PhD is both intellectually rewarding and challenging. It requires curiosity, perseverance, and a genuine interest in creating new knowledge. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you enjoy exploring a topic in depth and working on it over a longer period of time?
• Are you curious about research and motivated to answer complex questions?
• Do you enjoy analysing information, thinking critically, and solving problems?
• Can you work independently while collaborating effectively with supervisors and fellow researchers?
• Are you open to feedback and committed to your personal and professional development?
• Can you see yourself pursuing a career in research, innovation, or another specialist role?

If you recognise yourself in several of these statements, a PhD at the University of Twente could be an excellent next step in your academic and professional journey.

PhD supervision and support

You will do your PhD programme under the professional academic guidance of your supervisory team, consisting of a promotor and copromotor(s). Together with them, you will draft a training & supervision plan at the start of your PhD programme. This plan describes your training activities, time and frequency of supervision meetings and agreements on mutual expectations and methods of providing feedback.

The UT guide to the supervision of doctoral candidates and the Expectations regarding the supervision of doctoral candidates are documents that support PhD candidates and their supervisors in the process.

Additional support is available through the Twente Graduate School, specialized PhD/EngD counsellors, the UT social support structure and your HR department.

Joint and double degree agreements

This overview presents the current Joint and Double PhD Agreements between the University of Twente and the partner universities as listed below. Please note that the duration and specific terms of each agreement may vary. For further details, please don't hesitate to contact the Twente Graduate School via email at: TGS@utwente.nl