Are you interested in doing independent scientific research based on your professional experience on sustainability? Would you like to do PhD research relevant for your professional context? Then the Radboud Global PhD Programme on Sustainability Challenges is the opportunity for you.
Radboud Global PhD Programme on Sustainability Challenges
International off campus PhD programme for mid- and end-career sustainability professionals in the public, private and civil society sectors.
General
The programme in a nutshell
- Do a PhD while continuining your sustainability career
- Above-average supervision and support
- Anual intensive: week-long Summer School on campus International academic staff and working network
- Access to facilities & (internationa) research stays
Facts & figures
- Language: English
- Average duration: 6 to 8 years, depending on the candidate's progress
- Start month: flexible
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
- Target group: mid and end-career sustainability professionals in the public, private and civil society sectors
- Faculty: Nijmegen School of Management, other faculties at Radboud University and other (international) institutions
- Tuition fees: upon request
Factsheet
Contact information
Contact information
Would you like to know more about the programme? You can reach out to us through email:
- Programme director Prof Dr Ingrid Visseren-Hamakers (ingrid.visseren [at] ru.nl)
- Programme coordinator Dr Ir Sjors Witjes (sjors.witjes [at] ru.nl)
Programme
The Radboud Global PhD programme on Sustainability Challenges enables life-long learning by allowing mid- and end-career sustainability professionals to do research on a topic relevant for their work. The programme focuses on both environmental and social sustainability challenges. With supervisors from different disciplinary backgrounds supporting the programme, candidates are encouraged to conduct multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research. The topic of research is inspired by the candidate's professional context. During the programme, PhD candidates learn how to design and implement academic research and become part of a community of sustainability researchers and professionals who want to make a difference.
Benefits of our programme
- Possibility of a research stay at Radboud University, Nijmegen
- Membership to our online community, with access to a virtual and interactive learning environment
- Networking with other PhD candidates, supervisors and alumni
- Above-average PhD supervision
- Research your topic of interest, relevant to your work context
- Membership to our Faculty's Doctoral School and participation in our yearly Summer intensive
Membership to our doctoral school
- Formal affiliation to our Institute for Management Research (IMR)
- Campus card & staff number, granting access to University library (online and offline), databases and a professional email account
- Access to research facilities (e.g. Visa Skills Lab, Decision Lab)
- Study workplace on campus Participation in IMR's PhD research activities and networks
- Possibility of following PhD courses at Radboud and other institutes, online and on campus, and master level courses at Radboud
- English Language courses
- Writing coaching sessions at the Radboud Writing Lab
Summer intensive
Week-long on-campus programme in which candidates present their research proposal or ongoing work, discuss progress made,and outline their future plans. Together with supervisors and other staff, candidates engage in an intensive week of lectures presentations, feedback sessions, problem solving exercises and discussions.
Teacher(s)
Our programme consists of staff from Radboud University in the Netherlands, but also from other institutions worldwide. Below you can find an overview of the programme's management staff at the Nijmegen School of Management.
With our tailor-made PhD supervision process, we regularly contact other staff at Radboud and elsewhere to collaborate with us as PhD supervisors.
Costs and admission
Application requirements
In order to be admitted as PhD candidates at the Radboud Global PhD programme on Sustainability Challenges, candidates (both Dutch or international) must have met the criteria described below and must display academic and research skills sufficient to start their PhD research project.
The requirements for PhD candidates are:
- A Master's degree in a relevant field, obtained at a Dutch university or recognised as the equivalent of a Dutch university programme;
- A relatively clear research idea, outlined in a 2-3 page research proposal that provides:
- A brief overview of the relevant research conducted in the candidate's area of study;
- A research problem and objective;
- The theoretical and practical contribution of the proposed project;
- The methodological approach;
- A list of references.
- English language skills that allow the candidate to carry out independent research (at the very least) at a Master's level. Typically, English language skills are underpinned by one of the following certificates (not older than two years):
- A TOEFL Score of >600 (paper based), >250 (computer based), or >100 (internet based);
- A IELTS Score of >7.0, with sub-scores not lower than 6.5;
- A Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher.
Candidates interested to pursue our programme are welcome to apply by filling out the application form below. After reviewing this application, our staff will contact the interested candidate with a decision or with a request for additional information, following the steps outlined below.
Steps application procedure
- Check if you meet the programme's requirements
- Apply through the application form
- Your application will be assessed and an initial decision taken
- If you meet the requirements and we see a fit between your research idea and our programme, you will be assigned a supervisor, who will help you work on a research pre-proposal
- The pre-proposal is then assessed by:
- Supervisor(s)
- Programme management staff
- Institute of Management Research's Doctoral School - If all the assessments are successful, you are admitted to the programme