Doctoral Programmes

FIELDS OF STUDY
Doctoral studies have a long and rich tradition at the University of Bucharest. The first PhD has been awarded in 1905, and since that time the University of Bucharest has awarded more than 10,000 doctoral titles. Currently, the University of Bucharest awards doctorates in 19 fields of study – biology, chemistry, communication sciences, cultural studies, education sciences, environmental sciences, geography, geology, history, informatics (computer science), law, mathematics, philology, philosophy, physics, political sciences, psychology, sociology, and theology. The scope of the doctoral studies is in progress, so the University of Bucharest was the first university in Romania which started in 2016 a doctoral programme in cultural studies.

WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY HERE
There are many reasons why prospective doctoral students should choose the University of Bucharest. This institution stands at the center of the academic life in Romania and is also part of many first-rate international research and innovation networks. It provides a stimulating environment for exploring students’ passion in various fields of scientific study. Bucharest’s main university has a supportive community, offers numerous research facilities and values critical thinking, just to mention some of the components that transform graduate studies into a genuine personal and professional adventure. At the University of Bucharest, doctoral students have the opportunity to experience the vibes of the dynamic cultural life of Romania’s capital city; they are encouraged to take part in intellectual debates, to further scientific knowledge and social progress, and to be active in shaping the society of the 21st century.

Currently, the University of Bucharest has about 2.014 doctoral students, enrolled in 23 doctoral schools. Institutionally, the doctoral studies are coordinated by the Council of Doctoral Studies, composed by members elected by the doctoral supervisors and by the doctoral students, as well as by directors of the doctoral schools. The Council is chaired by a Director with the rank of a Vice-Rector.

THE DOCTORAL PROGRAMME
The doctoral programmes include a programme of training based on advanced courses (generally about 3 months) and a research programme. They are normally scheduled for 4 years (240 ECTS), but the existing national and institutional regulations allow for extensions in well motivated situations, so that no doctoral student is rushed into finishing his doctoral thesis before it is ripe for public defense. Quality requirements are severe, and the national debates regarding doctoral plagiarism have determined the hardening of procedures. Each doctoral student is advised by a doctoral supervisor (or even two in cases of co-tutelle), and by a guiding committee composed of three members. She/he has to present a number of research projects and to publish at least two scientific articles. When finished, the doctoral thesis has to be checked electronically against plagiarism and presented before the doctoral supervisor and the guiding committee. After this, the thesis is officially submitted, the rector nominates a defense committee in which there are at least two members from other universities or research institutes, and there is organised a public defence. The whole procedure is checked by the National Council for University Titles, Diplomas and Certificates, and after the minister awards the doctoral title, the University of Bucharest also issues the doctoral diploma.

For more information about the University of Bucharest Doctoral Schools please contact the Doctoral Studies Office

Contact
90, Panduri Street,  room 304, 3rd floor, Sector 5, 050663, Bucharest, ROMANIA,
Telephone: +4021 305 4655, +4021-305 4656
E-mail: birou@doctorat.unibuc.ro