In our PhD programme, as part of the BSI Graduate School, we integrate research and teaching within an interdisciplinary environment, fostering a dynamic academic culture where PhD candidates and researchers inspire one another and collaborate on impactful, high-quality research. We place a strong emphasis on quality assurance, continuous monitoring, and the well-being of our PhD candidates throughout their trajectory.
Facts and Figures
- 200+ PhD candidates
- 58% with an employment contract
- 42% externally funded ( scholarship or externally financed)
- 7 different research programmes with a focus on ‘Empowering the Young’
- Behaviour Change & Well-being
- Communication & Media
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Experimental Psychopathology & Treatment
- Learning, Education & Development
- Social Development
- Work, Health & Performance
- 25+ dissertations per year
What to expect in your PhD trajectory?
- Guidance and support: As a PhD candidate, you are under the supervision of at least two supervisors. A third supervisor is encouraged.
- Focused research start: Your PhD trajectory begins with the creation of a comprehensive project proposal, detailing and clarifying the scientific relevance, methodology, and societal impact of the research. This ensures a solid foundation for your entire PhD project. Of course, you will write your project proposal in consultation with and under the guidance of your supervisors.
- Evaluations: Comprehensive annual evaluations are held to assess your progress. These evaluations cover both research development, challenges, and personal growth, and also address individual needs and well-being to ensure your PhD project stays on track.
- Training opportunities: BSI offers in-house courses taught by BSI lecturers. In addition, you can take advantage of a wide range of PhD-tailored courses provided by Radboud University.
- Community & Networking: You can attend both scientific and non-scientific in-house events to enhance needed skills, create a sense of community, and expand your professional network.
- Representation: All PhD candidates are represented in the institute’s Advisory Board through the BSI PhD Platform and the PhD programme director, ensuring that your needs and interests are being heard.
- Teaching opportunities: If you are an employed PhD candidate, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the teaching programme within one of the three institute’s disciplines: Communication Science, Pedagogical Sciences, or Psychology. This teaching experience helps you build your portfolio, and provides the opportunity to make a start with/work on your teaching portfolio for University Teaching Qualification (UTQ).
External PhD students
The same doctorate regulations apply to PhD trajectories funded by external employers or organisations. Externally funded PhDs also have access to the same BSI facilities and amenities.
We are open to facilitating self-funded PhD trajectories, with the prerequisite that the PhD candidate resides in the Netherlands for the entire duration of the PhD.