The PhD studies

Supervision

All PhD students must have a principal supervisor. The faculties may have additional supervision requirements. The principal supervisor must be a researcher employed by the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) at least at the level of an associate professor. In addition to providing academic and study-related guidance, supervisors are responsible for making sure that the PhD studies proceed satisfactorily according to the PhD plan. The principal supervisor is also responsible for getting the PhD student in touch with researchers outside UCPH.

UCPH stresses the importance of good supervision and has made a leaflet on this: To Lead the Way (PDF)

Regular assessments 

All PhD students at UCPH must complete a minimum of three regular assessments during their PhD study. For regular PhD programmes, these are due 26 months, 14 months, and 6 months before the expected end date of the study programme.

The regular assessments is a tool for PhD students and supervisors to discuss the progress of the PhD project, review the components of the PhD programme, and make necessary adjustments to the PhD plan.

Change of research environment

During the PhD studies, PhD students must attend another active research environment. A change of research environment is mandatory and may be at a foreign or Danish research institute, private research company, etc.

The duration of the change of research environment depends on the nature of your research project and the different requirements from faculty to faculty.

Support and well-being

UCPH is committed to support the well-being of PhD students during their studies. As a PhD student, you can find help and guidance through e.g.: 

• PhD coordinators/counsellors (in matters concerning the PhD process)
• Named Persons (in matters of scientific misconduct or questionable research practice) 
• Psychological counselling (for employees at UCPH)

Find more information on the PhD Schools’ websites about supervision, regular assessments, change of research environment, extensions of enrolment, and support and well-being.

Please note that certain titles and terms may vary between faculties.