GET YOUR PHD! University of Liège PhD guide

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Version 2 – October 2015 p. 3
SELECTING A PH D TOPIC
You become a researcher by researching... Research work represents the essence of the PhD. In
addition, selecting a research topic is important. By conducting research you learn how to become a
researcher, but your research will proceed far more smoothly if your are interested in and curious about
the subject! The research topic can be proposed by the PhD candidate themselves, who may ask a
professor or an experienced doctor to provide guidance and become their supervisor. However,
research topics are usually proposed by the supervisor, who integrates them into the research
conducted within their research group. In the end, it is of little importance how the PhD is started; the
in-depth relationship between a PhD candidate and their thesis subject will necessarily be creative!
A PH D IN WHICH DOMAIN?
A PhD provides a unique opportunity to explore a topic you feel passionate about in depth! This takes
place in one of the domains covered by the 'Paysage' Decree, and as far as Liège University is concerned
in particular:
Architecture and Urban Planning – Art Sciences – Criminology – History, Art and Archaeology –
Information and Communication – Languages, Literatures and Translation Studies – Philosophy –
Sciences – Agronomy and Bio-Engineering – Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Motor
Skills – Public Health – Engineering Sciences and Technology – Dental Sciences – Economics and
Business Management – Law – Medical Sciences – Political and Social Sciences – Psychology and
Education – Veterinary Sciences.
In practice, a PhD is a long-term “parenthesis” or, according to others, a “test”, which can be both
rewarding and difficult, in which you learn to assert yourself and excel, but you have to
..
WHOM TO TURN TO?
 Professors: Daring, from the start, to ask your supervisory staff any questions which come to mind is
an essential step in outlining the specific characteristics of the research, the subject requirements,
financing possibilities, the supervisor’s guidance style, etc., all the more so because PhD enrolment
requires the approval of supervisory staff.
 Other PhD candidates and doctors: Informal contacts between PhD candidates are an essential type
of support during doctoral studies, also at the very beginning… Those who have started a PhD can
discuss their successes and achievements as well as their regrets and failures. Those who have
successfully completed a PhD can attest to their great resilience. Watch the video

A PhD is an experience to be shared with the Network of PhD Students (Réseau des Doctorants –
ReD), an association aimed at bringing together the PhD candidates of Liège University. ReD is
intended as an inter-faculty entity as PhD candidates are often faced with the same problems and
questions, regardless of their area of research. It makes dialogue between individuals as well as
interdisciplinary meetings possible, often sources of inspiration and innovation in research.
Watch the video concerning the Network of PhD Students!
 The Doctoral Affairs service of ARD: Those who undertake a doctoral degree ask themselves certain
questions about the required competencies, the practical organisation, the enrolment procedures,
financing possibilities, etc. Information can be found in this document and on the Internet to shed
light on the matter and specify the options