Thematic doctoral programmes

“Thematic doctoral programmes offer doctoral students structured supervision on a specific topic. On a thematic doctoral programme, students take a suite of complementary courses focusing on one main area of research. (…) When a student applies for one of these programmes, admission is decided by majority vote by the admissions tutors for the programme. To apply, the student must have gained admission onto a doctoral programme and approval from their supervisor(s)” (§ 19 (4c) Statute Part B)

There are six thematic doctoral programmes in total to choose from. The primary aim of these programmes is to enhance research, teaching and competencies in the doctorate subject. Students on these programmes receive structured supervision on a specific topic and are given support that will help them to compete effectively for a career in academia at an international level.

Groups of academics (lecturers and doctoral students) from larger research communities join forces to research a specific topic; this research may also take place across faculties or in cooperation with other universities. The thematic doctoral programmes also aim to raise AAU’s profile and reinforce its position as a specialist centre for research.

A thematic doctoral programme is not a standalone curriculum, but a supplement to the university’s current suite of doctoral programmes; they are an enhancement to these programmes rather than a substitute. A thematic doctoral programme’s organisational framework is based on a coordinated, longer-term course offering, grounded in a relevant research context.

* announced in the university bulletin, issue 19 2015/2016, 15/06/2016