Students will cover historical and theoretical subjects, methodological issues, field work and applications, and will conduct research projects on comparative European topics. The partners have worked hard to ensure the new PhD has as much academic clout as nationally-based qualifications. Course requirements are based on current national standards, but take advantage of new communications technology to develop an international dimension. As well as writing the thesis itself in their own mother tongue, the students must also submit an article in English. Totally transnational Standards have been set for selecting candidates, training those selected, research activities in an international environment, establishing stages of learning in multicultural settings, and evaluation.
Quality control is stringent.
A Scientific Board and an Executive Committee made up of high-ranking professors from all the partner institutions constantly monitors the content and methodology of the course. The Board members serve as tutors, and take responsibility for promoting the programme in their own universities. The Executive Committee is the governing body of the 'Super-University'. The regulations and financing of the programme have also been standardised to ensure that every aspect is genuinely transnational. New universities can apply to join the network.