Double and Joint PhD degrees
International research collaborations between Nicolaus Copernicus University and other universities or reaserch units can include students obtaining a double or a joint PhD degree.
A double or a joint degree refers to a collaboration between two universities on a common PhD project based on a mutual binding cooperation agreement.
What is a joint degree?
If you are passionate about the blend of Biology and Chemistry, and see the potential for furthering your career by obtaining degree from not one but two top institutions, why not study both? At the same time.
Joint degree – is a highly regarded international education programme offering students the opportunity to purse two degrees, at two prestigious universities or research institutions in the world. The joint degree programme involves a carefully crafted and integrated coursework established by the partner institutions allowing for multiple combinations of fields of study. Upon the successful completion of a unified and mutually approved study program students earn a single diploma with the insignia of both institutions, what is important, in considerably less amount of time than it would take to earn them separately.
What is a double degree?
Double degree – is an internationally approved study programme collaboratively offered and developed by faculty members of two recognised reaserch units or universities. It provides an integrated curriculum in various fields of study. Credits obtained at both universities within the programme are mutually acknowledged, resulting in a shortening of study time compared to acquiring both degrees consecutively. Students who successfully complete program requirements earn a diploma at equivalent levels from each collaborating university.
Programmes are ideally suited for students who are committed to developing expertise in two separate fields of study, pursuing more in-depth academic work but also for those who appreciate the benefits of the wide scope of knowledge it provides.
Please note that due to distinct national regulatory frameworks, the diversity of these programmes’ models and multiple differences in requirements regarding duration, coursework, or assessment to be met by the participating institutions, each Double or Joint Degree programme looks different and shall be defined on a case-by-case basis.
What are the benefits?
Within the prevailing landscape of higher education, international joint and double degree programmes perform a significant role and have been rising in numbers and influence in the recent years, providing natural extension of international academic exchange and mobility. This internationalization strategy brings important benefits to individuals who strive to immerse themselves in two distinct academic, social, and cultural environments.
Apart from having the opportunity to pursue two degrees at two different universities in considerably less time, there are plenty of benefits that a joint and double degree programmes tend to come with:
- an international study and life experience,
- enhanced career opportunities,
- acquiring interdisciplinary knowledge,
- increased status, competitiveness, and capacity,
- ability to look at both subjects from the perspective of the other discipline and gain comprehensive knowledge,
- decreased workload,
- opportunity to develop proficiency level fluency in English,
- undergoing a diverse and interdisciplinary academic experience
- expanding professional network
Although joint and double degrees also come with a set of specific challenges, requiring from students strong academic record and high levels of ambition and motivation, these are more than outweighed by the advantages of studying multiple disciplines.
Who can apply?
If a principal supervisor or a prospective PhD student wish to pursue a double or a joint PhD project in collaboration with another university under the STER programme, the candidates must familiarize themselves with the specific terms and conditions available at: https://www.ac.umk.pl/nawa-ster/regulations/