<h1 class="display-custom pb-4">Programme structure</h1>

Engineering - PhD programme (doctoral degree)

Programme structure

Students from Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering are doing experiments in the hydraulic laboratory. Photo: Geir Mogen/NTNU.
Students from Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering are doing experiments in the hydraulic laboratory. Photo: Geir Mogen/NTNU.

The PhD programme consists of: 

  • at least 30 ECTS of coursework, and an independent academic work in the form of a doctoral thesis estimated to 2.5 years.
  • A PhD degree requires a great deal of independence and capacity for completion
  • The final thesis should contribute to the development of new scientific knowledge and meet international standards in the field.
  • PhD education at NTNU is internationally oriented.
  • You are expected to contribute to international conferences and publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
  • It is possible to complete part of your studies abroad, either in the form of a prolonged research stay or by completing some of your courses abroad.

In addition, PhD candidates at the Faculty of Engineering must take the mandatory PhD course IFEL8000 - Introduction to Research Methodology, Theory of Science and Ethics (4 ECTS).