Course Structure

In 2011, TRAIL started with a new and revised PhD Training & Education (T&E) program, in which basic PhD research skills, fundamental TRAIL domain knowledge, and TRAIL specialization courses are offered in a coherent program. The recent introduction of Graduate Schools at different universities requires TRAIL to make some adjustments in its training and education program in order to synchronize rules, guidelines, and administrations of the different institutes. More information and details about the TRAIL T&E program can be found in the 'TRAIL PhD Student Training & Education Program 2012'.

The TRAIL T&E program provides generic knowledge and skills for doing a PhD research project, introductory courses on TRAIL domains, and in-depth courses supporting the individual research needs of the TRAIL PhD student. A personalized T&E plan for PhD students is developed taking into account the student’s capabilities when entering the research school, the contents of their PhD research, the final attainment level that applies to all TRAIL PhD students, and any requirements in connection with their future profession. Hence, on the basis of each PhD candidate’s specific situation, a personalized T&E plan is composed that contains both generic and specific elements. The TRAIL T&E Program consists of three parts:

• Part I General PhD knowledge & skills
• Part II TRAIL PhD fundamentals
• Part III TRAIL PhD specialization

Part I courses will mostly be provided by the Graduate Schools or at the partner universities. You can contact your local Graduate School or related institution for details.

Part II and Part III courses will be provided by TRAIL and associated research schools. The PhD student is also very much welcome to propose courses that are not yet on the list. In addition to traditional courses, summer/winter schools, master classes etc. are explicitly considered part of the TRAIL T&E program. An overview of Part II and Part III courses  can be found in the 'TRAIL PhD Student Training & Education Program 2012' and on the TRAIL website.