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Environmental Studies (multidisciplinary) – (Ph.D.)
VU University Amsterdam
Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
- PhD Programme - Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM-VU)
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| Application Deadline: | PhD studies may start any time (no deadlines) | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 8,000 - | ||
| Location: | Amsterdam / Netherlands / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 48 months | Start Date: | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
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| Languages: | English | ||
Location of VU University Amsterdam
Our focus is on multidisciplinary environmental research and education by combining the natural and the social sciences. We regard PhD research as an individual track, so PhD studies may start any month of the year, not necessarily in September.
The IVM PhD Programme offers opportunities for high-quality graduates leading to a doctorate: excellent supervision by senior researchers, membership of IVM´s research community; a training programme, including courses at VU University, and SENSE and other Research Schools, such as the Tinbergen Institute; a flexible office with computer facilities; access to student facilities at VU University such as libraries; sports facilities and cultural activities; and assistance in arranging accommodation and visas.
If you would like to apply, please complete the application form and send one copy with the required additional information to the address mentioned on the form. The IVM Graduate Studies admissions board will assess your application and respond promptly. Applications are invited all year round.
Contents
PhD Studies are tailor made and dissertation research proposals in line with our own research focus and strategy will be considered all year round.
On the form you may indicate your preference for a potential supervisor, but the final choice depends on our supervisors' judgements and availability.
Potential candidates with a positive evaluation (on average, 1 in 4 applicants) will receive a letter stating they will be admitted to the PhD programme provided they themselves will be able to acquire the funds required to cover tuition fees and the cost of living in Amsterdam. In principle, students will have to find their own funding.
When commencing, the PhD student will start by elaborating the research proposal, adding details, a list of proposed publications and a time table. Guidance will be provided by the supervisor who will need to approve the final version after a couple of months. At this stage, additional training required for successful completion of the dissertation will be identified. After one year, a go/no go decision will ensue.
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
More informationRequirements
A masters degree (in any discipline) and a background course (at least two weeks) in multidisciplinary environmental sciences are mandatory.
For non-native speakers, a TOEFL score of at least 570 (in a paper-based test) or at least 230 (in a computer-based test), or an IELTS score of at least 6.5 are required. Dutch students do not require a language test certificate.
The completed application forms should be complemented with:
- certified copies of your diplomas
- certified copies of your grade lists
- a letter of recommendation by the supervisor of your Masters thesis
- a copy of your passport
- your 2 page curriculum vitae
- a copy of your TOEFL/IELTS score (if applicable)
Selection criteria include:
- the quality of your grade lists and Masters thesis
- the quality of your proposed dissertation research
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Master's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 6.5 |
| TOEFL Paper-based: | 570 |
| TOEFL Computer-based: | 230 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 93 |
Accreditation
- 51 Bachelor's degree programmes, including 1 taught in English
- 110 Master's degree programmes, including 57 taught in English
- 18 Postgraduate programmes, including 2 taught in English
Overall the quality of the Dutch higher education is amongst the best in the world. According to the THES QS World University Rankings, no other country in the world can claim more than half of all its universities being ranked in the world’s top 200, VU University Amsterdam is ranked 139th, no 3 in the Netherlands.
Education at VU University Amsterdam is structured according to the Bachelor’s and Master’s system. Students embark on a one-year or two-year Master’s programme after completing a Bachelor’s programme, which usually takes three years. After graduating from the Master’s programme, some students opt to study for a doctorate.
Generally speaking, the teaching style can be described as student-centered: we stimulate students to develop their own opinion through independent and creative thinking. At VU University Amsterdam this means that teaching is conducted in small tutorials, where interactivity is the norm rather than the exception. At all turns, students are invited to question the professors.
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