Courses and training programmes
As a PhD candidate, you are expected to follow certain courses and training programmes in the context of your training as researcher.
Courses and training programmes will help you to conduct your scientific research, write your dissertation, develop your career and gain self-insight.
Mandatory courses for all PhD candidates
All PhD candidates (employed, contract, externally financed, external) are obliged to take the following courses:
- Scientific Integrity course
- Introductory programme: Inform and Connect. Please note that it is mandatory to go through the online module ánd to participate in at least one theme session throughout your PhD trajectory. External PhD candidates of the Faculty of Humanities are exempted for the mandatory participation of at least one theme session but are still most welcome to participate in (one of these) sessions (NB the online module remains mandatory).
Mandatory hours of training for employed and contract PhD candidates
According to the PhD Regulations, employed and contract PhD candidates who started their PhD trajectory on or from 1 January 2024, are required to follow:
- 140 hours of academic activities (training in the candidate’s specialism, conference attendance, etc.);
and
- 140 hours of activities focusing on transferable skills, including at least one training course on academic integrity and the inform and connect sessions .
Courses
The requirements for your training programme may vary by institute and your personal situation. Please discuss with your supervisor which courses will work best for you. Training courses are available for PhD candidates at different levels:
Courses at university level
HRM services of Leiden University offers PhD training courses, including academic writing, presenting skills, time management and knowledge utilisation. Courses in career development, personal development, communication, working effectively and research skills are taught throughout the year.
- For whom:
- Employed, contract and external PhD candidates.
- download
- The costs differ per course and can be found on the website of HRM services. Ask your supervisor for permission before you register. The costs will be charged on the Institute. Therefore, the Institute Manager also needs to approve. You will be allowed to take part only once the course invoice has been paid.
Courses at institute level
Some institutes also offer (obligatory) training courses for their PhD candidates. Please check the institute’s website or ask your supervisor and/ or PhD coach for more information.
- For whom:
- May vary per institute, usually for both employed, contract and external PhD candidates.
- Costs:
- May vary per institute, usually free of charge.
Courses offered by research schools
Interuniversity PhD courses are also offered by the research schools. These courses offer training in both methodology and area-specific knowledge. Moreover, they provide PhD candidates with the opportunity to come into contact with fellow PhD candidates from other universities.
- For whom:
- Employed and contract PhD candidates. Affiliation with one of the national Research schools should be coordinated with your supervisor and Institute Management at the beginning of your PhD track.
- Costs:
- The institute meets the costs of the employed PhD candidate’s membership of a research school. Contract PhD candidates have to fund the membership from their scholarship funds (usually a training budget).
PhD sessions Leiden University Libraries
Leiden University Libraries offers PhD sessions that aim to introduce PhD candidates to librarians, library resources and library services. Every session focuses on an aspect of the PhD trajectory, and what services, specialists and collections Leiden University Libraries has to support you. We encourage you to sign up for these courses.