Work package 2 - PhD core group

Coordination and monitoring: by Peter Bossier (Ghent University) 

Aim: Increased Cooperation in the AQUA-TNET domain on PhD curriculum development

This WP is a continuation of first phase where the project achieved several key milestones. Achievements of generic projects at PhD level were communicated to the network; a comprehensive survey was carried out through 3 questionnaires targeting institutions, students and post-docs. The outcomes were the largest needs analysis of its kinds on this topic in the networks sectors. The results have given the network significant insight into the perceived strengths and weaknesses of existing PhD curricula and have helped guide the network in identifying where work is needed on quality aspects of current and new PhD programmes and thus forms the basis for this new work plan.

The PhD cycle is considered to be the essential cycle in development of links between the EHEA and the ERA, and growing consensus for having a taught phase in the PhD curriculum at the European level. Given these factors, QA of PhD programmes must be assured. Building on the outcomes of the 1st cycle of AQUA-TNET, the 2nd cycle will identify tools that need to be developed in the domain to increase the QA of the PhD cycle at the European level.

Main Objectives:
1.    To monitor the important work of the European Association of Universities related to PhD programmes and disseminate their outputs to the network
2.    Further develop the PhD database to include detailed information on specific PhD courses (entry requirements, taught aspects, assessment)
3.    Bring PhD supervisors together to identify common elements required by the new taught components of PhD programmes with a view to sharing courses and resources and where required, up skilling of lecturers to deliver such elements (training of trainers)
4.    Carry out a review of current PhD methodologies/experimental design with a view to standardising techniques (e.g. statistics packages, welfare requirements etc) to allow for valid comparison and group analysis of research results
5.    Review the content of certain PhD courses available in the AQUA-TNET domain aiming at providing input to further increase their quality and European dimension. Bring partners (University + Research Institutes/Industrial Partners) together to identify where new multidisciplinary PhD programmes are needed and where necessary create structures to enable implementation of joint research (needs analysis) 
6.    Facilitate the interaction between PhD student and PhD supervisor with the aim of evaluating and possibly upgrading draft PhD programmes (in accordance with Bologna recommendations)

Outputs and results: