Preparatory PhD Project Certificate (CUPPD) and Consolidation of the PhD studies Project (CPD)

Are you considering a PhD but want to solidify your research proposal before getting started? Unique in French-speaking Belgium, the University of Liège’s University Certificate in Doctoral Project Preparation (CUPPD) allows you to develop and structure your research proposal over a three-month period within a research unit, with academic, methodological, and personal support. 

The program helps you:

• refine and confirm your doctoral project, 
• gain hands-on experience with the research profession, 
• develop the essential skills for research, 
• integrate into an international and interdisciplinary scientific environment. 

For candidates already enrolled in a doctoral program, ULiège also offers a specific program called the Doctoral Project Consolidation (CPD).

 

Why join the CUPPD?

• A unique program in French-speaking Belgium
• A 3-month immersion in a ULiège research unit
• Personalized support to structure your doctoral project
• Essential interdisciplinary training for a career in research
• An opportunity to expand your scientific and academic network
• A valuable experience, even outside a doctoral program

 

The CUPPD: a hands-on immersion in research

Embarking on a doctoral program often raises many questions: Is my project solid enough? Am I cut out for research? How do I join a research team?

The CUPPD allows candidates to discover the research profession and develop their research project under the supervision of an academic or scientific advisor, while benefiting from the scientific infrastructure of ULiège’s laboratories and research units. The program runs for a period of 3 months and is offered in French or English.

 

A program structured around two main areas

• Axis 1: General and cross-disciplinary modules.
  Over the course of about ten days, participants explore the various aspects of the doctoral program and the research profession. They learn to use the tools essential for developing a doctoral project, meet their host research unit, and participate in cross-disciplinary training on project management as applied to the dissertation, literature review and scientific writing, ethics and scientific integrity, research data management, public speaking and effective presentations—all the cross-disciplinary skills useful for a scientific career.
• Axis 2: Immersion in the host research unit.
  In parallel with the training sessions, candidates work within a research unit. They gradually draft their research proposal, exchange ideas with their peers, and develop the skills required for a career in research. 

 

Evaluation and Recognition

Candidates are evaluated based on their participation in training seminars, their involvement in the research team, the quality of their research project, and their final presentation before a jury.

The University of Liège awards a certificate equivalent to 15 ECTS credits. 

Successful completion of the certificate is not a sufficient condition for admission to the doctoral program.

 

Who is the CUPPD for?

The program is intended for: 

• any ULiège or non-ULiège Master’s graduate considering whether to pursue a doctoral program and commit to a career in research;
• any applicant for a doctoral fellowship who wishes to refine their research proposal and develop their skills, regardless of the outcome of their funding application;
• any working professional with a master’s degree who would like to pursue a doctoral degree related to their professional activity.

 

Requirements and Important Notes

Applicants must:

• provide formal and authentic proof of their eligibility to pursue doctoral studies,
  have identified a ULiège faculty member to serve as their advisor and have established contact with them in advance,
• have sufficient proficiency in French or English.

A copy of the Master’s thesis must be provided for evaluation purposes. 

Please note:

• The CUPPD is a continuing education program and, as such, does not grant student status. Please take this into account when completing your administrative procedures,
• Please note that the selection committee will not review the same application more than twice if submitted in consecutive application rounds.

 

Financial Aid

The cost of the program is €1 194.  Applicants may submit a written request for financial aid to cover tuition, living expenses, and/or travel costs. This request will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee, which may approve it subject to available funding.

A reduction in the cost of doctoral enrollment may be granted to candidates who are subsequently admitted to ULiège. Please note, however, that successful completion of the certificate does not entitle the holder to funding to pursue doctoral studies.