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
Research Code Maastricht UMC+

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 that can be found on FHML/MUMC+ PhD Courses.
Please include these or additional courses in your TSP and ask your supervisor(s) for approval to subscribe.
Basic Qualification (BKB) course for supervisors of PhD candidates.

Support and contacts
- List of PhD Coordinators
- PhD confidential advisors
- FHML/MUMC+ confidential advisor for PhD candidates
- UM confidential advisor for employees/PhD candidates - List of HR advisors
- Annual assessment interviews
- Guideline extension of contract for internal PhDs - Knowledge Centre for International Staff (KCIS; for foreign PhDs)
- Research Office (CV and grant advice)
- Staff Career Centre
- CRISP (Working conditions and safety)
-
The Consultative Body (Lokaal Overleg)
- Additional tips on Mental well-being during PhD

FPC: advocacy and representation
The Faculty PhD Committee (FPC) advises the Board about the broad domain of PhD related issues.

Preparation for graduation
End-terms for the PhD trajectory and thesis
Steps to take during the end-phase for admission to the PhD degree
UM Regulation on doctoral degrees and model letters
UM Regulation for publication of theses
Allowance for printing and reception costs
Staff Career Centre
Alumni information: employability / job perspectives