The Centre for Teaching and Learning (former IVLOS) carried out a PhD Survey (Promovendimonitor) amongst all of the PhDs working at the UU on behalf of the executive board. This study focused on the judgment of PhDs about their environment: topics such as supervision, progress, courses, intellectual climate, preparing for the labour market and other academic activities were included in the survey. Over 1500 of the almost 3000 PhDs who were contacted, participated in the study. The PhD Survey was carried out for the second time. The first time it was held was in 2002. The results of both studies were compared to each other.
Most important results
On average the PhDs judged all of the topics with a 7.4. In 2002 this average was a 6.8. A small, but not to be ignored, step forward. A small part of the respondents (6%) gave the PhD experiences and the whole spectrum of supervision, facilities, support and work- and learning-environment an insufficient grade. 13% graded the whole PhD experience 6 out of 10 and the majority (over 80%) judges the PhD environment with a grade between 7 and 10.
Issues that need more attention according to the PhDs are the working conditions and supervision. But expectations, courses and training, participation in the academic community and personal circumstances are issues that need attention as well. It is remarkable that 36% of the PhDs report to have little to no room for taking part in courses. The average quality of courses is judged with a 3.8 out of 5. The full report should become available early 2011, the summary can be downloaded here.