Below is an overview of the start-up phase of the PhD education. The process from employment and admission to the PhD studies until a written agreement and an approved plan of education.
Admission to PhD programmes
There are different ways to fund a PhD programme. The most common of these is full funding through grants (which normally leads to employment at the University of Stavanger). An employer can also fund a PhD candidate and other sources of external funding are also accepted. Private funding is normally not allowed.
The final work plan processed and formally approved
The work plan is an important tool for creating a solid and realistic programme for the implementation of the doctoral studies.
The completed PhD plan (including the individual training plan, further development of the academic rationale of the project, additional education and/or intellectual property agreements) must normally be made available no later than three months after the candidate has received temporary admission. Once the doctoral committee approves the PhD project plan, it is considered to be the final work plan for the PhD programme. In such an instance, the PhD candidate and supervisor(s) need only notify of changes to the project plan in conjunction with the annual progress report, unless the changes are substantial, e.g. if the hypothesis is profoundly changed or the data collection/chosen methodological approach is not feasible.
The information in the final work plan is used as the basis for the annual progress report and the mid-term evaluation.
During the programme, it is important to have an updated plan. Significant changes to the plan must be entered into the annual progress report, once the relevant authority approves such changes. The plan is a critical tool for creating a solid and realistic programme for the implementation of doctoral studies within the stipulated timeframe. In cooperation with their supervisor(s), the PhD candidate must at all times ensure that the plan is up-to date.