Program structure

The student must carry out a custom program of courses, seminars and projects for a total of 18 ECTS. Courses and seminars might be attended in any recognized academic institution.

At least one course on research methodology and one course of theory (IS/CS) are required. The custom program must be sent before the Day of PhD students and is approved by the doctoral commission. All courses require an evaluation (e.g., graded exam, pass/fail, poster evaluation). More information can be found in the Q&A page, point 3.

The student, together with his supervisor, selects 5 articles (research papers, book chapters). The Doctoral commission decides on this choice. Then, the student writes a critical review of each article, outlining its strengths and weaknesses. Each review should be approximately 2 pages long (A4 format), single space, starting with a short summary of the reviewed paper not exceeding 1/2 page. In addition, the students chooses 1 of these critical reviews and presents it during a "Day of PhD students". During this presentation, the students can also be asked questions about the other 4 chosen articles. This constitutes the critical reading exam. More information can be found in the Q&A page, point 1.
 

The student writes a thesis proposal of approximately 15 pages (A4 format), single space. The proposal should provide the following information:

• a description of the research;
• a preliminary review of the main research conducted in the domain;
• a discussion of the research questions that will addressed;
• a discussion of the theoretical basis underlying the thesis;
• a description of the foreseen research methodology;
• a discussion of the expected contributions to theory and practice;
• a detailed timetable of the planned research activities.

The thesis proposal is then defended during a "Day of PhD students" by the student,  no sooner than one month after having been handed out to the Doctoral commission. If accepted, the proposal serves as research plan for Phase 2 and as scientific contract between the student on one side, and the advisor and the Doctoral commission on the other. The thesis proposal concludes Phase 1.

The student is asked to participate in the various events organized in the context of the doctoral school, such as research seminars, seasonal schools, and research days. Among others, these events include research seminars organized throughout the academic year, research days organized once or twice per year, occasional seasonal schools, etc. For details, please refer to the events section of this site.

The student must have at least 2 papers accepted in conferences or journals with peer review. If a paper is accepted in a conference, the student must in addition attend the conference and present the paper.