About the PhD Programme
Learn more about the PhD programme at the IT University of Copenhagen
The PhD programme at the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a research-based education that prepares you for a career in academia, industry, or the public sector. The programme covers a wide range of disciplines, such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Media and Social Sciences, Conceptual Design and Creative Practice-based Computing. As a PhD student at the IT University, you will be part of a vibrant and international research environment, where you will conduct independent research, write a PhD dissertation, take courses, engage with other researchers, and communicate your results to various audiences.
The PhD programme at the ITU has the following characteristics:
- Around 70 PhD students are enrolled in the PhD programme, divided by three departments: Computer Science, Business IT, and Digital Design.
- ITU receives around 150-200 applications for each open PhD call and fills about 12-15 PhD positions a year.
- There are various types of enrolment: Employed PhD, Industrial PhD, and Independent PhD. The admission requirements are the same for all types of enrolment, but the funding mechanisms and employment conditions differ.
- You will be assigned an advisor from one of our research groups, and you can expect competent supervision from experienced researchers working in an international environment.
The PhD programme is primarily supported by two main actors: the Head of the PhD School and PhD Support.
Head of the PhD School is responsible for:
- Being a resource for you as a PhD student, providing guidance and advice on your education, supervision, and career development.
- Being responsible for your education, ensuring that it meets the quality standards and regulations of the PhD programme.
- Holding PhD activities, both social and educational, such as workshops, seminars, lectures, and social events.
- Handling extensions of enrolment for personal reasons
- Helping you navigate career directions after your PhD study, whether you want to pursue an academic career at the IT University of Copenhagen or elsewhere
PhD Support is responsible for:
- Providing you with information about the PhD programme, from admission to defense.
- Organizing activities and events for you and other PhD students, such as orientation days, courses, and socials.
- Evaluating and developing the PhD School, based on your feedback and in collaboration with the Head of the PhD School and PhD Council.
- Holding annual PhD courses, that cover topics such as research methods, academic writing, presentation skills, and career planning.
- Managing the budget and finances of the PhD School and assisting you with your financial situation as a PhD student, such as salary and travel/gadget expenses.
- Supporting you with any issues or challenges that you may encounter during your PhD programme, whether they are personal, academic, or administrative.
- Managing the internal systems, such as planIT, that help you plan and report your PhD activities and progress.
- Advising you on the rules and procedures of the PhD programme, such as ECTS points, duty hours, research stay abroad, thesis submission, and defense.
For more information about PhD Support, please visit: PhD Support.
You can reach us by email at phdsupport@itu.dk, or drop by our office 2D10 (map) for a chat.