With the exception of external self-funded PhD candidates, all PhD candidates must follow a training plan established at the start of the doctoral process.

The courses will help you conduct scientific research, write your dissertation, develop (transferable) skills and gain self-insight.

Employed PhD candidates, contract- and internal self-funded PhD candidates must take at least:

• 140 hours of academic training activities (training in the candidate’s specialism, conference attendance, etc.).
• 140 hours of training activities focusing on transferable skills (such as time management, job orientation, presenting).

Every PhD candidate is free to choose the training activities that suit their research and career plan the best. However, some courses are mandatory for all:

• PhD Introductory meeting
• Scientific Integrity
• Data Management for Archaeologists.

External PhD candidates do not need to do 280 hours of training but only the three courses mandatory for all types of PhDs (PhD Introductory meeting, Scientific Integrity and Data Management for Archaeologists) and up to two more courses of their choice.​​​​​​

Courses

You can tailor your Training Plan to your needs and wishes. Requirements vary by personal situation. You must discuss with your supervisor which courses will work best for you. Training courses are available for PhD candidates at different levels:

1) HR Services of Leiden University offers PhD training courses, including academic writing, presenting online, and qualitative interviewing. Career development, personal development, communication, and project management courses are taught throughout the year. Register via this HRM course overview. These courses for PhDs are financed by the Graduate School.

 2) The national (interuniversity) Research Schools offer advanced courses to deepen academic knowledge. These courses offer training in both methodology and area-specific knowledge. Moreover, they allow you to come into contact with fellow PhD candidates from other universities. NB: There are costs involved in membership of a Research School.

The PhD training courses offered by HR services will be registered periodically in GSM after fulfilment. Other courses need to be registered in GSM by the PhDs themselves.