Orientation

  • Michela: A PhD Candidate from Abroad
    Michela: A PhD Candidate from Abroad In my hospital, and more general in the Italian system, we don’t have many possibilities to focus exclusively on research. I applied for a PhD at Amsterdam UMC as soon as I finished my specialization.
  • Job:  Working on his PhD Trajectory
    Job: Working on his PhD Trajectory Like any PhD project, this project goes slower and more difficult than anticipated. Luckily, both the team and myself are positive and meanwhile interesting results are found.
  • Birgit: One more year to go in her PhD trajectory
    Birgit: One more year to go in her PhD trajectory During your PhD trajectory you receive many opportunities to develop yourself and your skills. I think with a proactive mindset you can really make the most of your PhD.

What is a PhD or Doctoral degree?

The words doctorate or doctoral degree come from the Latin word 'doctor', meaning teacher. Doctorate, doctoral degree and PhD are used interchangeably for practical purposes, and refer to the same degree.

The doctorate is the highest academic degree awarded in the Netherlands. It is proof that the PhD candidate is capable of conducting independent research of a very high standard, culminating in the succesful defence of the doctoral thesis.

It often takes about three to four years of full-time research and training to complete a PhD trajectory at the Amsterdam UMC. The doctoral degree is generally a prerequisite for an academic career in teaching or research, although contrarily to its origin, not everyone who receives a doctoral degree becomes a university lecturer or researcher. Many go on to work for non-academic research institutes or in the private sector, as experts in their respective research topics.



Cliché but true: the biggest challenges turn out to be the most valuable lessons
Birgit Wever
PhD Candidate, Amsterdam UMC

If you are interested in knowing more about the academic research and higher eduction in The Netherlands, the Dutch young Academy has published A Beginner's Guide to Dutch Academia .

More information

Find a researcher in your field of interest

In case you're in search of a PhD position you might want to know who is doing research in your field of interest. Read more

International Office

Are you from abroad and interested to come to Amsterdam for a PhD? Get in contact with our International offices. Read more

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