The content of the educational component, along with the work on the thesis, should provide both breadth and depth in the field of study. Additionally, the educational component should contribute to achieving the expected learning outcomes in accordance with the descriptions outlined in the PhD programme. The educational component must be completed and passed in its entirety before the PhD candidate can apply to the faculty for assessment of the thesis.
Up to 10 credits of previously taken courses, which are not older than 2 years at the time of admission and which are not included in any previously obtained degrees, can be included in the educational component.
All courses that are to be included in the educational component must normally have a final examination resulting in a grade.
To include research courses in the educational component, the PhD committee at the ground unit must evaluate the scope, content, academic level, number of credits, and form of assessment. Research courses are awarded 1 credit for 25-30 hours of work.
Part A, totalling 15 credits, must consist of:
- 5 credits in research ethics, philosophy of science, and scientific methodology;
- 10 credits in advanced academic/scientific PhD courses and/or advanced research courses with a final examination or another form of assessment.
Part B, totalling 15-25 credits, may consist of:
- PhD academic/scientific courses, courses in generic skills, and/or research courses with a final examination or another form of assessment;
- research courses and courses in generic skills without an approved form of assessment, where the candidate takes an oral examination in the form of a seminar at the ground unit. The seminar must be assessed by two or more examiners;
- special syllabus in the form of literature and methodological studies within topics or fields of study where suitable educational options do not exist. The special syllabus should be described in a separate form specifying the scope, content, academic level, number of credits, and form of assessment, following the standard course presentation on the faculty's website. The syllabus description must be approved by the PhD committee at the ground unit before the exam;
- Master's level courses, up to 10 credits, with a grade of A or B;
- Bachelor's level courses, up to 10 credits, with a grade of A or B, can be included in special cases to support interdisciplinary studies and achieve expected learning outcomes.