The PhD training
The PhD training may differ somewhat, depending on your field of research. The individual faculty programme may have distinct regulations. Furthermore, your conditions of employment may make a difference - for instance, if you are appointed to a research fellowship position, you may be expected to teach more than other PhD candidates.
A PhD programme is expected to take three years of full time studies and research. Many PhD research fellows are employed for four years. When this is the case, the extra time is spent on other work, known as compulsory duties. Compulsory duties are determined by the unit one is employed by, and is usually performed inbetween programme work.
The research training is to an extent adjusted to suit the individual PhD candidate's research project. In addition, each faculty may have specific demands and scientific traditions.
However, some requirements apply to all who are admitted to a PhD programme at the University of Oslo.
Coursework - educational component
The educational component shall provide training in the dissemination of research-based knowledge, and an introduction to research ethics, the theory of science and scientific methods. This part of the PhD programme should consist of a minimum of 30 ECTS credits, i.e. one semester of full time studies. At least two-thirds of this work must be done after admission to the PhD programme.
The faculty may approve courses and other scholarly activity that you have conducted outside the University of Oslo, for instance as a guest researcher at another university, as part of the educational component.
Reporting
Every year, you must submit a progress report. You will receive a standardised form and guidelines at the faculty, which must receive the report and will approve it, if all is in order. Your academic supervisors will also submit reports.
The faculty may stipulate special reporting requirements should the need arise. Failing to submit a report in the appropriate manner may result in mandatory termination from the PhD programme.
Thesis
The thesis should be an independent, scientific work that meets international standards with regard to scientific merit, methodology and ethical requirements. It must promote the development of new scientific knowledge and achieve a level of scientific merit which suggests that it could be published as part of the scientific literature in the subject area.
The faculty decides which language(s) may be used. Read more about the thesis.
Academic supervision
As a PhD candidate at the University of Oslo, you are required to participate in an active research community, and shall receive individual and regular supervision. The faculty will usually appoint two supervisors, one principal academic supervisor and one co-supervisor. The supervisors are obliged to adhere to the university's ethical guidelines.