Graduate School of Governance and Global Affairs
Mandatory coursework
As a PhD candidate at FGGA, you are encouraged to develop a wide range of skills that not only support your research, but also prepare you for the next steps in your career. To help you grow both academically and professionally, Leiden University offers a structured PhD Training Programme that supports you in this process.
Training requirements
If you are an employee PhD candidate or a contract/scholarship PhD candidate, your training plan must include:
- 140 hours of academic training activities, such as courses/training in your field, participation in a conference, or seminars.
- 140 hours of transferable skills training, including the Leiden University PhD Introductory training, and training in areas like, for example, communication, research integrity, and career development.
For PhD candidates admitted to the Graduate School on or after 1 January 2024, successful completion of the agreed training plan is a requirement for admission to the PhD defence.
If you are an external or externally funded PhD candidate, you will discuss with your supervisor(s) whether additional training is needed to support your research. If necessary, and in consultation with your first supervisor, you may follow up to two training courses funded by the faculty/institute. External candidates are also encouraged to participate in academic activities at their institute, such as seminars, workshops, and peer groups.
PhD training: Practical details
Regardless of your PhD type, all FGGA PhD candidates are required to complete the following three courses:
- Leiden University PhD Introductory Programme (Inform & Connect)
- FGGA Research Data Management course
- FGGA Scientific Conduct seminar
These courses are free of charge for the PhD candidate and count toward your transferable skills hours.
In addition to these mandatory components, FGGA also offers a course on Informed Consent, which is recommended for all PhD candidates, especially those working with human subjects. Furthermore, HRM Learning and Development provides a range of optional courses that can support your professional growth and may also count toward your transferable skills hours, depending on your training plan.
All PhD candidates are required to report the hours spent on academic activities and transferable skills training in LUCRIS/Converis. Please note that courses and activities can only be registered after your Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) has been uploaded.
Some activities are registered automatically:
- Transferable skills courses offered by HRM Learning and Development
- Leiden University PhD Introductory E-learning
These do not require manual input.
For all other activities, you must upload proof (e.g. certificates or programme details) yourself. Below is a summary of how different activities should be registered.
Academic training activities
| Activity | Proof | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Internal seminars | Certificate from institute | Upload certificate to LUCRIS GSM |
| External courses (e.g. NIG, ECPR) | Certificate from host organisation | Upload certificate to LUCRIS GSM |
| Conference visit | Programme or presentation | Upload proof to LUCRIS GSM |
Transferable skills
| Activity | Hours | Proof | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGGA Research Data Management (mandatory) | 20 hrs | Certificate from GS FGGA | Upload certificate to LUCRIS GSM |
| FGGA Scientific Conduct (mandatory) | 15 hrs | Certificate from GS FGGA | Upload certificate to LUCRIS GSM |
| FGGA Informed Consent (recommended) | 1.5 hrs | Certificate from GS FGGA | Upload certificate to LUCRIS GSM |
| Other FGGA workshops/seminars | Varies | Certificate from GS FGGA | Upload certificate to LUCRIS GSM |
| Introductory programme / career events | Varies | Certificate from GS FGGA | Upload certificate to LUCRIS GSM |
| HRM Learning and Development courses | Varies | Registered automatically | No action needed |
| Academic Language Centre courses | Varies | Certificate from ATC | Upload certificate to LUCRIS GSM |
| Teaching (min. 20 hrs, max. 40 hrs) | 20 - 40 hrs | Proof from Programme Director | Upload proof to LUCRIS GSM |
| BKO modules | 12 hrs (portfolio + sessions) | Certificates from LLInC | Upload certificate/proof to LUCRIS GSM |
At FGGA, PhD candidates can participate in a variety of courses to develop academic and transferable skills. There are two main sources of courses:
- Graduate School FGGA courses – free of charge for all PhD candidates at FGGA.
- HRM courses – free of charge for internal PhD candidates and contract/scholarship PhD candidates.
External PhD candidates are charged for HRM courses. In order to register, a SAP number is required. Please coordinate with your supervisor to obtain a SAP number if necessary, in accordance with what has been agreed in your Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) or in your Agreement Form for External PhD Candidates.
Cancellation policy
Even though HRM courses are free of charge for internal and contract/scholarship PhD candidates, some terms and conditions still apply: if you register for a course, attendance is expected. If you have signed up but do not show up, or if you cancel within two weeks of the course start date, the HRM department will charge a €100 cancellation fee. To cancel your participation, please send an e-mail to the HRM department.
External PhD candidates are charged for HRM courses as usual, and the same cancellation policy applies.