Student-driven PhD courses

Student-driven PhD courses are initiated by PhD students who identify a shared need for deeper exploration of a specific topic. The topic must be academic and not limited to a single research group or individual project.

How it works

You form a group of at least four PhD students who want to follow the same course. Together, you:

• Define the course theme
• Develop a reading list and course synopsis
• Plan sessions and activities
• Identify a qualified academic facilitator

Courses can include invited speakers, discussions, and student-led presentations.

Academic requirements

These requirements must be fulfilled:

• Responsible lecture(s) / facilitator: A full professor, MSO professor, associate professor, or assistant professor (SDU or other university) must participate in all sessions as a facilitator to engage in discussions where needed, track participant attendance, and report back to the PhD School upon course completion.
  If more departments are involved, one department must be appointed as the department responsible. It is the group’s responsibility to identify an appropriate facilitator who is deeply engaged in the topic. The facilitator will receive 2.5 coordination hours per 1 ECTS point for assisting the students in coordinating the course and for reporting, as well as 1:1 presence hour.
• Course aim and description of the course: You (and the other PhD students) must develop a course synopsis and a reading list jointly with the facilitator which will serve as the basis for the course and its application for ECTS points. Course topic must not be specific to topics in a research group or individual project.
• Lecturer(s): You may invite lecturers to present and facilitate discussions as appropriate for the PhD course. Lecturers are compensated according to SDU standard rates (Prophix and presentation hours). Lecturers may be affiliated with other departments, faculties, or universities. Any external speakers or additional expenses must be approved in advance.
• ECTS credits: Student-driven courses follow the same ECTS framework as other PhD courses and can provide 5 or 10 ECTS, depending on workload and academic scope. The maximum number of ECTS that can be awarded is 10.
  As a guideline, 1 ECTS corresponds to approximately 28 hours of work, which may help with aligning expectations regarding workload.
• Evaluation: The assessment consists of either a written exam, a portfolio submission, or an oral exam. The chosen format is assessed by the responsible lecturer and an internal examiner. The grading scheme is either pass/fail or the 7-point scale.