If you are a medical sciences student at UG or enrolled in a PhD trajectory at the GSMS and are co-supervised by a researcher from another university abroad, you may be interested in pursuing a Double or Joint PhD Degree (DD/JD). The GSMS offers legal and administrative support to help you navigate this process.
What are the prerequisites?
- Your supervisors at both institutions must be aware of and support your double or joint degree project, as this trajectory requires a different approach to supervision.
- Before any Double Degree or Joint Degree (DD/JD) trajectory can be considered, it is essential that you confirm whether admission to the partner institution is possible. This step should follow initial discussions with your supervisors and must take place before any further action. Please note that the GSMS has no authority or influence over admission decisions at the partner institution, which are made entirely by that institution.
Be aware that PhD systems differ significantly between countries and universities. You may be required to pass entrance examinations, demonstrate specific qualifications or knowledge, or pay tuition fees, regardless of your status at the University of Groningen. You are responsible for understanding and meeting all such requirements.
Only after your eligibility has been confirmed and admission has been granted by the partner institution can the GSMS proceed with setting up the DD/JD agreement.
We therefore strongly recommend that you thoroughly review the partner institution’s requirements as part of your preparation. Ensure that you are both able and willing to meet all requirements through to the defense. These may involve significant additional work, which should be carefully considered before committing to this trajectory.
Q: What is the difference between a Double or a Joint PhD Degree?
A Double or Joint PhD Degree (DD/JD) refers to a PhD trajectory in which the PhD candidate is enrolled at two institutions and their thesis is co-supervised by a supervisor from each. There is no international consensus on a definition of a Double or Joint Degree. These programs may also be referred to as “dual awards” or “co-tutelle” in other countries.
At the University of Groningen, both Double and Joint PhD Degrees are possible. The specific format depends on the legal and institutional framework of the partner university. UG regulations are generally flexible and can accommodate various arrangements.
Q: Can I do a DD/JD with another Dutch university?
No. Due to university-wide policy outside of GSMS regulations, at this point in time the legal office of UG does not support a DD or JD with other Dutch universities. The partner institution must be located abroad.
Q: Will DD/JD PhD candidates defend their thesis twice?
That depends on the requirements of the partner university. To obtain a degree from the University of Groningen, a public defense of the PhD thesis at UG is always required.
Whether a second defense is needed at the partner institution depends on the legal and academic framework of that institution. The GSMS aims to integrate the requirements of both universities into a single, coherent process wherever possible.
Q: What should be the duration of the stay abroad?
You will need to confirm with the partner university and your supervisor(s) the duration of the required period of research abroad. This requirement varies, with some institutions – like UG – needing six months, while others might require a full year or more.
Q: Is funding available?
The GSMS cannot provide additional financial support for such programs. As a registered PhD candidate at the GSMS, most beneficiaries will have already secured funding for their full PhD trajectory, which may include time spent abroad. It is important to note that PhD candidates with an employed PhD position in the Netherlands typically receive a very generous allowance compared to most international PhD systems. Access to additional funds (e.g., from the Partner institution) will depend on the Partner's context and will ultimately be a matter for you to coordinate directly with them.
Q: Do I need a Legal Agreement?
Yes. The GSMS Internationalization Team will coordinate the drafting and establishment of the agreement and will coordinate with the relevant contacts at both UG and the partner institution on your behalf.
Establishing a legal agreement for a DD/JD is inherently complex. The PhD regulations of both institutions must be adhered to, and legal representatives from each side often engage in multiple rounds of discussions to finalize mutually agreeable clauses. Please note that these legal teams typically handle a large volume of agreements, which may cause delays beyond our control. However, the GSMS has access to a comprehensive database of DD/JD templates with partner universities worldwide, which can often expedite the process. You should anticipate that the procedure will take at least 6 months.
Q: When does the legal agreement need to be signed?
At the University of Groningen, the agreement should ideally be signed well before the PhD defense. Some flexibility may be possible depending on the circumstances; however, agreements cannot be signed after the defense has taken place.
Please verify the specific requirements and timelines at the partner institution and inform us accordingly. Finalizing the agreement well in advance is essential to ensure a smooth and timely PhD trajectory.
Q: I have more questions, who can I contact?
If you have more questions or require further information, please contact us at gsms@umcg.nl