Graduate School of Science
Getting started
The success of a PhD candidate depends in part on the guidance received from the supervisor. Read here about the responsibilities and first steps to become a good supervisor.
Supervision team
The Leiden University PhD Regulations stipulate that every PhD candidate must have a supervision team consisting of either 2 or 3 persons. PhD candidates at the Faculty of Science must have at least one supervisor who is a full professor or associate professor with Ius Promovendi at the Faculty of Science.
Options for a supervision team of 2 persons
- A team of two Full Professors
- A team of two Associate Professors with Ius Promovendi
- A team of one Full Professor and one Associate Professor with Ius Promovendi
- A team of one Associate Professor with Ius Promovendi and one Full Professor
- A team of one Full professor and one Assistant Professor
- A team of one Associate Professor with Ius Promovendi and one Assistant Professor
Options for a supervision team of 3 persons
- A team of two Full Professors and one Assistant Professor
- A team of two Associate Professors with Ius Promovendi and one Assistant Professor
- A team of one Full Professor and one Associate with Ius Promovendi and one Assistant Professor
- A team of one Associate with Ius Promovendi and one Full Professor and one Assistant Professor
- A team of one Full professor and two Assistant Professors
- A team of one Associate Professor with Ius Promovendi and two Assistant Professors
Course 'Supervising PhD Candidates'
he success of a PhD candidate depends in part on the guidance they receive from the supervisor. Members of staff who are supervising a PhD candidate for the first time are required to follow the Supervising PhD candidates course. After the training course is finished, you will be able to guide your PhD candidate in a targeted and motivating way.
Education and supervision plan
At the start of each PhD track, regardless of the type of PhD candidate, a supervisor is responsible for:
- Drawing up an Education and Supervision Plan, together with the PhD candidate, within three months. By mutual agreement, they shall include of an overview of training courses to be followed. For example, a table with the training plan per year (1, 2, 3 and 4), distinguishing between academic/transferable skills. The overview serves as a guideline for the PhD candidate, will generally not be complete at the start for the later years, and can be adjusted/complemented. Whether this is necessary they will discuss together annually.
- Determining among the supervision team how the supervision will be divided. You need to record this in writing, and inform the the PhD candidate.
First year as a supervisor
Each institute has a different guideline for the first year. In any case, as a supervisor you will be responsible for the go/no go decision. Be aware that this can be a difficult period for the PhD candidate with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Set clear expectations already at the beginning and look for improvements. Keep the Golden Rules of PhD Supervision in mind for a successful and fulfilling PhD trajectory.