PhD thesis, assessment and defence

All successful PhD programmes culminate with the submission of a PhD thesis. The PhD thesis represents the scholarly work and the original intellectual contribution of the PhD student to the research field.

In accordance with the PhD Order, a successful PhD thesis must “document the student's ability to apply the subject's academic methods and to conduct research in a way that corresponds to the international standards for PhD degrees in the research area.”

The thesis must demonstrate the PhD student's capacity to engage with academic theories, concepts, and methods of the research field in question. It should provide an overview (state-of-the-art) and engagement with relevant international research and make a significant contribution to the development of new knowledge and understanding within the research area.

Once the thesis has been submitted, the PhD administration will submit the PhD thesis to the Royal Library for textual screening for plagiarism, before it undergoes assessment by an international committee of experts. The committee is allotted to evaluate the thesis and provide a written assessment along with a preliminary recommendation regarding its acceptance for public defence.

If accepted, the defence is scheduled and takes place shortly after. Following the defence proceedings, the Assessment Committee makes its final recommendation on whether to award the PhD degree. The PhD degree is conferred by the Academic Council of the Faculty.