Content of programme
Within the Pre-PhD Programme, master’s students and recent graduates work on preparing a research proposal under the supervision of the Academic Coordinator and an academic supervisor from one of the institutes. The programme lasts for 1.5 years at the most and is divided into 2 phases. The programme starts every year in January.
The Pre-PhD Programme comprises two phases.
- Phase 1: lasts six months and starts during your regular master’s degree. Participants follow compulsory courses and do a research internship. In addition, there are monthly meetings and you can take courses in the PhD Training Programme.
- Phase 2: lasts one year at the most. This phase continues from Phase 1, and comprises working further on the preparation of your research proposal and/or a scholarly publication, the organization of conferences and developing your CV further.
Phase 1
During Phase 1 at least two courses are followed. You can choose from the four courses below:
|
Vak |
Hours |
Docent |
Startdate |
|---|---|---|---|
|
140 |
Carel Smith | January | |
| Legal Methodology | 140 |
Various teachers |
April |
| 84 |
Various teachers |
March | |
|
140 |
February |
February-August
As a part of Phase 1 of the Pre-PhD Programme, students are required to do a research internship to become acquainted with doing scientific research. The internship can take different shapes, such as:
- writing a research proposal for PhD research under the supervision of an assistant, associate or full professor;
- writing a scientific article under supervision of or together with an assistant, associate or full professor, whether or not on the basis of a master thesis;
- editing a scientific volume under the supervision of or together with an assistant, associate or full professor;
- organising a conference or other scientific event/gathering.
This list is not exhaustive, other research-related activities might also be considered. Participants have to submit a proposal for the internship with the coordinator of the PPP before the 1st of April. The activities of the internship need to be carried out during the academic year in which the participant is following Phase 1 of the programme and should be completed before 1 September.
If you have any questions concerning the research internship, please contact the coordinator of the PPP.
Students meet every month for a two-hour session at the invitation of the Academic Coordinator of the Pre-PhD Programme.
Pre-PhD Programme candidates can follow courses on the PhD Training Programme (academic writing, etc.). Registration is via the Graduate School.
Certificate
In principle, the successful completion of two compulsory courses and the academic internship will lead to the participant being awarded a certificate. If the participant only completes part of the Programme, a modular certificate will be awarded for the elements that were completed successfully.
Possible appointment as research/teaching staff member
After completing Phase 1, an institute may offer an appointment as a research/teaching staff member (O&O medewerker) to a participant who has successfully completed the programme, has graduated and is motivated to carry out PhD research. If no funding is available, it is also possible to provide the person in question with a zero-hour contract. Master’s students who have not completed their degree by the end of Phase 1, will retain their student status in Phase 2 and are affiliated in this way to Leiden Law School.
In the case of O&O staff members, these may be admitted to Phase 2 on the recommendation of an institute irrespective of whether they participated in Phase 1 or not.
Phase 2
During the first six months, the candidate continues to work on a research proposal and/or scholarly publication in a (refereed) journal of, for example, their thesis.
The group of Pre-PhD candidates meets every two months for two hours at the invitation of the Academic Coordinator of the Pre-PhD Programme.
Pre-PhD Programme candidates can follow courses on the PhD Training Programme (academic writing, etc.). Registration is via the Graduate School.
The organisation of conferences or other events.
Developing your CV further
Doing a PhD in Leiden
Being part of the Pre-PhD Programme can lead to a PhD position at Leiden University. For example, Pre-PhD Programme candidates can secure an internal Meijers PhD position. An institute can also decide to provide funding for a PhD position for their candidate.
PhD position elsewhere
Together with the Academic Coordinator of the Pre-PhD Programme, the department/institute can also assist in acquiring a PhD position elsewhere. The Careers Coach at Leiden Law School can also become involved in this process.