Doctoral Studies in Poland

1. Supervision

Scientific Board or Supervisor?
Scientific board consisting of minimum 8 professors. The student, in most cases, has the same personal supervisor during its thesis work on an active research area of the supervisor.

Subject Assignment?
Subject assigned after a specified period of coursework, by agreement between the student and supervisor

Duration?
4 years

Who can be a Supervisor?

• Any professor or DSc title holder in the department
• Any external professor or DSc title holder, but with an obligatory internal supervisor.

2. Development

Courseware?
Yes

Course Work:
The students have to take course work during their doctoral degree preparation. The course work is assessed by examinations. The coursework is offered as specialist graduate course units. In case of failure the student must retake the exam.

Presentation of Work:

• In the department;
• At national conferences ;
• At international conferences.

3. Thesis

Submission of Doctoral Written Thesis:

• Language normally used: POLISH. Alternative language: ENGLISH;
• No credits allocated to the doctoral thesis;
• The doctoral thesis is a previously unpublished substantial written report.
  

Oral Presentation of Thesis Work:

• Language normally used: POLISH. Alternative language: ENGLISH;
• Oral presentation for an open audience and with oral examination at open doors ;
• Duration: typical duration of 2 hours including discussion with no upper limit.

4. Examination

Thesis Examination Board:

• Composition: five internal examiners and one external examiner (6 elements);
• Selection by the scientific board.
  

Evaluation:

• Mark based on the reading of the thesis and the oral presentation of the thesis work, with a grading system: passed or passed outstanding.
  
• If the student fails he/she may resubmit a revised thesis.