All PhD candidates who started their project in 2019 or later take a mandatory course on academic integrity, preferably in their first year.

This course is offered regularly by the Graduate School of Humanities; check the course page for upcoming dates and registration.

Employed and contract PhDs are required to take 280 hours of training during their trajectory, including LUCAS’ own PhD training programme, the Graduate Programme. The Graduate Programme (GP) consists of a two-year cycle of thematic seminar sessions tutored by senior academics as well as other professionals, both from LUCAS and from outside the Institute. The GP focuses on academic values and research skills, as well as post-PhD career development.

The full cycle comprises around 17 sessions spread over two years, and counts for 40 hours of training in total (this includes the training on academic integrity). Attendance of the full programme is compulsory for employed and contract PhDs, and PhDs are advised to follow the programme in the first two years of their trajectory, to ensure they build crucial skills for their research. External PhDs are also strongly encouraged to participate in these sessions. Dates, locations, and topics can be found in the GP schedule and are communicated via email and Brightspace. Participation is free of charge for LUCAS PhDs.

LUCAS also organises PhD presentation sessions. These provide a platform for PhDs to practice presentation skills, and to have a substantive discussion about their work with the LUCAS PhD community. Attendance is voluntary, yet highly recommended for all PhDs.