The numbering refers to the corresponding sections in the University of Agder PhD regulations.
The PhD programme at the Faculty of Engineering and Science comprises four Specialisations:
- Specialisation in Engineering Sciences
- Specialisation in Information- and Communication Technologies (ICT)
- Specialisation in Mathematical Sciences
- Specialisation in Natural Sciences
To section 5 Admission
Section 5.1 a, Admission requirements
To be admitted into the PhD programme in Engineering and Science, the applicant must hold a master's degree in a subject area relevant to the research area from a Norwegian university or qualifications approved as equivalent.
If the academic environment in question finds that the applicant lacks necessary prerequisites within the current subject area, the relevant PhD specialisation committee may impose additional requirements beyond the compulsory course and training component of the PhD programme (conditional offer of admission).
To section 7 Supervision
7.1 Appointing supervisors
The main supervisor should be employed by the University of Agder and have experience with co-supervision before taking on responsibility as the main supervisor.
A supervisor should not take on principal responsibility for more than six candidates. If there is a wish to increase the number of candidates, reasons must be given.
All main supervisors must have completed a course in PhD supervision. If the main supervisor does not have courses in PhD supervision, an exemption must be applied for. The application must be justified.
7.2 Contents of the supervision
The candidate’s responsibilities
The candidate is obligated to keep up an ongoing dialogue with all the supervisors about progression and to submit preliminary written work to the supervisors for discussion (and feedback).
Termination of the candidate-supervisor relationship
If there is conflict or disagreement between the candidate and the supervisor(s), the issue should first be dealt with by those directly involved. If an agreement cannot be reached, the issue must be submitted to the department. If a solution cannot be found at the department level, a request for termination of the candidate-supervisor relationship should be submitted to the faculty.
The final decision on termination is taken by the faculty, which subsequently appoints a new supervisor based on a proposal from the department.
To section 8 The course and training component
8.1 Contents of the course and training component
The programme description for the PhD programme states which elements may be included in the course and training component. Descriptions of PhD courses must be approved by the relevant PhD specialisation committee.
The contents of the course and training component should, in combination with the thesis work, provide both scholarly breadth and in-depth knowledge.
The course and training component must include at least five ECTS credits in theory of science and ethics.
The courses included in the course and training component should be advanced courses at PhD level. It is the responsibility of the PhD candidate to ensure that documentation of external courses is submitted to the faculty.
All courses included in the course and training component must have a final examination according to the current course description.
For external research, training and summer courses to be recognised, the candidate must write an essay or conduct a seminar after the course is completed. The seminar or essay must be evaluated by an examiner appointed by the faculty. The only exceptions to this rule are regular research courses at other universities with a final examination. Courses completed as special syllabi must be described on a separate form where contents, level and scope are given in a similar manner to other course descriptions on the faculty web pages. The description of the syllabus must be approved by the PhD committee before the examination.
To section 9 Reporting
The PhD candidate and the main supervisor are required to submit 1-2 annual reports on progression by using the proper form. Overall responsibility for the reporting process lies with the relevant PhD specialisation committee.
PhD candidates who are not employed should be offered an annual consultation with the Head of Department or one deputized by the Head of Department (not the supervisor).
If relevant, the current department may require additional reports.
Adopted by the Central Research Education Committee at the University of Agder 18 April 2023 with statutory basis in the PhD regulations at the University of Agder.