Aims and structure of this course

Tutorials offer the opportunity to work with an expert as a tutor on a specific substantive or methodological topic. Tutorials are intended for participants to study specific themes that are interesting and relevant to the participants’ own research. Tutorials are given on a one-to-one basis, or in small groups of two or three PhD candidates with similar interests, with a senior member of the research school. Topics may include the reading and discussion of recent or classic literature on a given theme, critical review and improvement of intermediate stages of the dissertation, acquiring a familiarity with research methods relevant to the thesis, or even writing a publication together.

The design of the tutorials is determined in consultation between the participant and the senior member, as is the number of times they will meet (including how long and where), and the assessment method. As a general rule-of-thumb, there will be 3-5 meetings next to the participants’ review of a considerable quantity of study material.

No matter which form is chosen, a tutorial must challenge the PhD candidate to treat a topic, theory or method relevant for his/her research in-depth. This should be evident from for example new or significantly revised writings. A tutorial should not be restricted to having an ‘extra supervisor’ reading and criticizing the student’s existing writings without placing any further demands on the student.

The tutor

A tutor is an senior researcher on a specific area, and is a member of NIG. The tutor cannot be involved in supervision of the PhD candidate as a (co)promotor. In principle, the tutor is employed at another university than the PhD candidate. Exceptions to this principle can be made by the NIG directors; in such cases, please contact the NIG office.

External tutorials

If the knowledge needed for the research not be available among the members of the NIG, it is possible, with the NIG directors’ permission, to attend tutorials ‘outside’ the NIG. Candidates should contact the NIG directors in advance in such cases.

Assessment

The end product of the tutorial is assessed by the tutor. The tutor evaluates the end product as pass/fail. The end product, together with the assessment of the tutor is submitted to the NIG office, where it is archived.

Credits

A tutorial is rated at 3 EC (about 90 hours).

Costs

If you are enrolled in the NIG-program, a tutorial is free of charge. The tutor will receive a fee