The PhD programme is a 3 year research programme aiming to train PhD students to independently undertake research, development and teaching assignments in the private and public sector which require a broad knowledge of research. At Roskilde University you have the opportunity to undertake research within the university's three main areas of social sciences, humanities and science. 
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Structure of the PhD programme

Roskilde Doctoral Schools constitute the overall framework of the PhD programme at Roskilde University and undertake tasks related to the PhD program in general. The PhD programme takes place under the auspices of RU's 10 PhD programmes and 7 Doctoral Schools. RU's 7 Doctoral Schools provide the organizational frame for the individual PhD programme. PhD programmes and research groups provide the academic framework. More than 300 PhD students are enrolled at RU and app. 20% of the students are international students (2013).
See the list of RU's Doctoral Schools and PhD programmes

The PhD programme

As a PhD student at RU you are required to carry out independent research under supervision (the PhD project) during the 3 year period. The research is concluded with the submission of a dissertation and subsequent doctoral defense. In addition, the PhD program consists of the following:

• Completion of PhD courses totaling to approx. 30 ECTS
• Participation in research activities, including stays at other, mainly foreign, research institutions
• Gain experience in teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination

At the end of the programme of study a dissertation is submitted for evaluation and a public defence is conducted on the basis of this dissertation. If the dissertation meets the expected scholarly standard, the PhD degree is awarded. Roskilde University issues PhD certificates in Danish and English. The certificate contains information concerning the subject of the dissertation as well as the PhD programme including courses and stays at other research institutions.
Read more about the rules and regulations for the PhD programme at RU

The PhD programme of study

The PhD programme of study is based on a research - and educational plan prepared by the student with approval from the supervisor and Head of the Doctoral School. The PhD research - and educational plan outlines the anticipated course of study and activities in the PhD programme. The plan can be continually revised by the student, and as a minimum the plan will be assessed biannually by the student and his/her supervisor.

Why choose a PhD programme at RU?

Interdisciplinary research environment
The PhD programme at Roskilde University is characterized by a strong interdisciplinary research environment. Besides being associated with a Doctoral School, research groups and possibly as PhD programme you will, as a PhD student be associated with an active research environment at Roskilde University. RU's 7 Doctoral Schools and 10 PhD programmes collaborate with national and international Doctoral Schools, and as a PhD student you have the opportunity to participate in PhD courses offered at all Danish universities.
See the list of research groups at RU

Great influence on the PhD programme of study
The structure of the PhD programme at RU is organized to enable the PhD student the greatest influence on the course of study. For example, each Doctoral School has instituted a Doctoral Committee which acts as the supreme authority and the Board of Studies for the Doctoral School. As a PhD student at RU you have the opportunity to join the Doctoral Committee, and thereby influence your PhD programme of study.

Improve your communication skills
As part of the PhD programme at RU, you gain experience with communicating. This experience can be exemplified in supervision of students, teaching or participating in conferences. In order to develop your ability to communicate you are offered university teaching courses. The types of courses vary, but may include courses in project supervision and teaching. In addition, as a PhD student you are associated with a strong research environment, with excellent opportunities for professional discussions with regards to supervision and teaching of students.