If you are in possession of a master’s degree, you start your PhD programme by applying for the Initial Graduate School as a PhD prospect. The Initial Graduate School is a series of three courses (15 ECTS), which takes place in the autumn on Mondays and Tuesdays. The courses are: General Theological Research Skills, Research Management and Ethics and Research Proposal Development. During these courses, you will be supervised by Graduate School professors and your promotor in writing a research proposal, a data management plan and a training and supervision plan. You will also attend the yearly Graduate School meeting. This meeting offers you the opportunity to network with current PhD candidates, as well as experts from your field of study. You complete the Initial Graduate School by submitting your completed research proposal, data management plan and training and supervision plan. The PThU Doctorate Board decides whether or not you will be admitted as a PhD candidate to the Graduate school. You can read about the application procedure for the Initial Graduate School.