PhD double degree programmes at SCIENCE

A double degree is a collaboration between two universities on a single PhD project of mutual interest. The PhD student is enrolled at both universities and must meet all requirements of the PhD programmes at both universities. One university is the primary university and employs the PhD student while the other university is the secondary university.

Based on a single PhD project with supervision from both institutions, the PhD student submits a thesis to both universities for assessment and defence. A double degree results in two PhD diplomas, one from each university.

Below, you can find more information about requirements for double degrees at SCIENCE. You can also find information about the principal agreement and the individual PhD student agreement that form the basis of the double degree programme.

 

If you are interested in pursuing a double degree project, please consider the following:

  • A principal agreement between SCIENCE and the partner university must be in place for double degrees to be possible.
  • SCIENCE will only enter into negotiations for a principal agreement with a specific university partner if at least two PhD projects will be initiated under the principal agreement. Both SCIENCE and the partner university must be the primary university for at least one project.
    • Please note: This is also a requirement for larger project consortia with several university partners. At least two PhD projects must be initiated with a specific university partner to meet this requirement, and each university must be the primary university for at least one project.
  • Additionally the academic level of the foreign PhD education must, at a minimum, correspond to that of SCIENCE.
  • Following the principal agreement, a student agreement for the individual PhD study must also be finalised before the PhD student can enrol at SCIENCE.
  • Four-year studies: The duration of Danish PhD studies is fixed at three years, as established in Danish legislation. Accordingly, double degrees in collaboration with a university partner with four-year PhD studies is only possible if SCIENCE is the secondary university and the PhD student is enrolled at SCIENCE one year after enrolment at the university partner.
  • The PhD student must have a supervisor at each university.
  • A reliable administrative contact at the other university must be provided to the PhD Administration.
  • The PhD student must meet all requirements for the PhD programme at both universities. This includes any administrative registration and reporting.
  • The PhD student must complete a stay of at least 12 months at the secondary university. The research stay counts as the mandatory change of research environment.
  • The tuition fee is usually paid only at the primary university.
  • The partner university must be outside of Denmark.
  • Combining a double degree with an integrated MSc/PhD scheme (e.g. 4+4 or 3+5) is not possible.

 

 

The double degree PhD programme is based on a principal agreement between SCIENCE and the partner university, ensuring a solid framework for collaboration on PhD double degree programmes, including reciprocity in terms of students with principal enrolment at both universities during the time of the agreement.

The principal agreement is initiated and created at the PhD Administration on the basis of a supervisor's inquiry. Contact us at phd@adm.ku.dk if you are a supervisor who wishes to initiate a double degree collaboration.

 

 

Following the principal agreement, individual double degree PhD student agreements must be signed for each student before enrolment to the programme, specifying the roles of supervisors, admission criteria, and other essential details.

If relevant, a separate agreement on the processing of personal data must be signed prior to the entry into force of the double degree PhD student agreement.