Future PhD education at NTNU

 

NTNU has initiated a process for reforming and all aspects of PhD education in mathematics and ICT. The main principle behind this process is the qualification framework principle. Where the content of the PhD training is determined starting from a set of professional qualities of the graduated doctoral researcher.

This process is based on recommendations from an international evaluation of PhD-programmes in mathematics and ICT at NTNU, national requirements and the European Commission principles of Innovative Doctoral Training.

NOKUT, the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, is an independent expert body under the Ministry of Education and Research. This is the institutional body accrediting education programmes at all levels in Norway.

The guidelines of NOKUT and the European Commission principles of Innovative Doctoral Training highlight the importance of acquiring  transferrable skills during the PhD education. The society needs highly trained individuals with ability of engaging in interdisciplinary research, and able to establish international research networks. The importance of exposure to industry and other relevant employment sectors is emphasised. Skills in innovation and communication as  well as the ability of critical ethical thinking are of essence.

A focus on career development for the PhD candidates is the key factor to improve the PhD education in Norway and in Europe. The candidates should develop also more general working competence through their research training. The PhD students should be informed about job opportunities outside academia and the non-academic employers should be made aware of the relevance of the PhD education for industry and the non-academic sectors.

Also in the mathematical sciences, PhD candidates should be highly trained individuals who can meet the challenges of future science and society.