PhD at FHML/MUMC+

PhD trajectories at Maastricht UMC+, of both internal and external PhD candidates, are aimed at the development into a well-equipped, well-prepared and capable independent researchers. At the end of their PhD, candidates will be able to defend the PhD thesis successfully during the graduation ceremony and function well in an international academic context.

Typical about the FHML/MUMC+ research is that it covers the entire continuum from health to disease. Future health care is not only about patients but also targeted at people who are at risk to develop certain diseases. Thus, as well as disease and defect, also health and health risks are central to our research. The multidisciplinary research is embedded in research lines or divisions within several FHML research Schools/Institutes and FHML research departments.

Each of the Schools and LINK institutes have their own PhD coordinator who you can turn to for information and support, a confidential advisor and PhD representatives. The PhD coordinators and PhD representatives regularly meet in the Faculty PhD Committee.

Fast Facts

About 1200 PhD candidates; more than half of them with a FHML/MUMC+ contract and many external PhDs
All PhD research is embedded in a School or Institute
Every PhD candidate has a Personal Research Plan and Training & Supervision Plan and receives expert supervision
All PhDs and supervisors are registered in the PhD TRACK system

How to become a PhD at FHML/MUMC+

The FHML considers a thesis as a demonstration of the PhD candidate’s ability to carry out independent scholarly work. The candidate should be enabled to finish the PhD trajectory within a reasonable time period. FHML discerns 4 types of PhDs, as defined by the VSNU:

Employed as Promovendus (UFO profile), via vacancy Academic Transfer
Other UM or MUMC+ staff doing a PhD
Contract PhD candidate
External PhD candidate

Starting your PhD

Supervision team and Quality of supervision
Meeting with HR advisor on employment conditions, internal PhDs
Registration in PhD TRACK system
Each PhD candidate, internal as well as external, should complete a Personal Research Plan (PRP) and
a Training & Supervision Plan (TSP) within the first three months in their PhD trajectory and sign a Declaration of scientific integrity at the start of their PhD project.
Scientific integrity committees and documents
UM Scientific integrity
MUMC+ Research code

PhD Courses at FHML/MUMC+

The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)/MUMC+ offers an education programme for all PhD candidates, funded and not funded. Please ask your supervisor.

FHML/MUMC+ PhD Courses