As of 1 September 2016, the duration of the doctoral training is 8 semesters. During this period, the doctoral studies must be completed and the pre-degree certificate (absolutorium) obtained by earning 240 credits. The description of the training requirements can be found in the Educational Plan.
The training consists of two stages:
Training and research phase 1 (semesters 1-4) 120 credits
At the end of the 4th semester, doctoral students must pass a complex examination.
Stage 2: Research and dissertation (semester 5-8) 120 credits
Credits
1. training and research phase (semesters 1-4) 120 credits
| Type of credit | Semester 1-4 (min. - max.) | Notes |
| Training | 24- 54 credits | 1 course/seminar= 6 credits Comples examination preparation course=6 credits |
| Research | 66- 96 credits | 30 working hours= 1 credit detailed research plan= 2 credit |
| Teaching (Educational) | 0- 24 credits | 45 minutes per week= 2 credits |
2. Research and dissertation phase (semesters 5-8) 120 credits
No training credits (courses, seminars) can be taken at this stage.
| Type of credit | Semester 5-8 (min. - max.) | Notes |
| Research | 90- 120 credits | 30 working hours= 1 credit 8th semester report= 2 credits |
| Teaching (Educational) | 0-24 credits | 45 minutes per week= 2 credits |
Training (study) credits may be awarded for participation in regular school-based studies (attendance of contact classes, preparation for examinations and assignments, completion of examinations). Courses taken and completed during doctoral studies (study credits) are recorded in the Neptun study system. At the end of the 4th semester, it is also compulsory to complete a complex examination preparation course.
Doctoral students may take up teaching assignments. The Teaching (Educational) credits are certified by the head of the department in charge of the subject on the semester credit certificate form. Teaching a 45-minutes class per week is worth 2 credits. Credits can also be given for supervising BSc thesis.
Research credits may be awarded for the acquisition of the skills and competences required for scientific research, for progress in scientific research and for the publication of the results of scientific work. In the Research and dissertation phase of the doctoral stuidies (semester 5-8) research credits (Research supporting activity) can also be awarded for Master’s thesis supervision: 2 credits per supervised student, up to a maximum of 6 credits per semester.
Compulsory tasks:
Submission of a study plan for 8 semesters upon enrolment
Semester 1: Detailed research plan (INFPHD201-N)
Semester 3: Annual report Semester 3 (INFPHD202-N)
Semester 8: Research report Semester 8 (INFPHD204-N)
All earned research and teaching credits must be certified by submitting a credit verification form at the end of each semester. The document must be completed and uploaded to ELME. During this process, the supervisor determines the number of credits and certifies the form with his/her signature.
Once submitted, and subject to the approval of the Programme Leader, the Department of Academic and International Relations will record the credits in the Neptun study system.
Detailed research plan
After beginning their studies and research, doctoral students gain a clearer picture of the tasks to be completed over the four years. By the end of the first semester, they are required to prepare a detailed research plan, taking into account their newly acquired experience. The plan must be at least 5 pages in length. The first page must include the doctoral student's name and the title of the research topic.
The document must be dated and signed by both the doctoral student and their supervisor.
The document must be uploaded to ELME.
Research report (3rd semester and 8th semester)
To assess and support the work of second- and third-year students, the Doctoral School Council reviews the activities and achievements of students in organized doctoral training at the end of the third and eighth semesters.
During this evaluation, doctoral students must submit a written report (approx. 3–5 pages) on their activities within the Doctoral School, which should include:
- Fulfillment of academic requirements
- Scientific achievements to date
- List of publications
The report must be approved by the supervisor.
Research report form 3rd semester
Research report form 8th semester
Absolutorium (pre-degree certificate)
After fulfilling the required study obligations (240 credits considering the minimum and maximum values – including study, research, and teaching credits), the absolutorium (pre-degree certificate) will be issued at the end of the last registered semester. The obtainment of the absolutorium shall be a prerequisite for the initiation of the doctoral procedure.
Further information about the new structure of doctoral training and the general principles and regulations of the comprehensive examination can be found in the University Doctoral Regulations, and on the website of the Hungarian Doctoral Council.