PhD at FHML/MUMC+

PhD trajectories at Maastricht UMC+ are aimed at the development of PhD candidates into well-equipped, well-prepared and capable independent researchers. At the end of their PhD, candidates will be able to defend their PhD thesis successfully during the graduation ceremony and function well in an international academic context.

Typical about FHML/MUMC+ research is that it covers the entire continuum from health to disease. The multidisciplinary research is embedded in research lines or divisions within several FHML/MUMC+ research institutes and research departments.

All research institutes have their own PhD coordinator and PhD representatives. They are there to inform and support PhD candidates as much as possible and help them to make the best of their time as a PhD candidate. The PhD coordinators and PhD representatives regularly meet in the Faculty PhD Committee.

Most research institutes have their own webpage(s) explaining their PhD programme. Please check here the PhD programmes of CAPHRI, CARIM, GROW, MHeNs, NUTRIM, and SHE.

If PhD candidates experience problems of any kind, they can turn to confidential contact persons within their research institute, or they can contact the independent Confidential Advisor for PhD candidates at Maastricht UMC+. It is also possible to contact a confidential advisor of the Concerns & Complaints Point of Maastricht University.

Fast Facts

About 1949 PhD candidates; nearly half of them with a FHML/MUMC+ contract and many ‘external’ PhD candidates
Since 01-01-2024 FHML has its own FHML PhD Office (mail), supporting supervisors and PhD students in the admission procedure, changing the supervision team and composing an assessment committee.
Every PhD candidate has a Personal Research Plan and Training & Supervision Plan and receives expert supervision
All PhDs and supervisors are registered in the PhD TRACK system
Every research institute has its own PhD coordinator(s)
Please read the new PhD regulations

How to become a PhD at FHML/MUMC+

The FHML considers a thesis as a demonstration of the PhD candidate’s ability to carry out independent scholarly work. The candidate should be enabled to finish the PhD trajectory within a reasonable time period. FHML discerns 4 types of PhDs, as defined by the Universities of the Netherlands:
PhD candidates employed by the university or UM
1a. Employee PhD candidates
1b. Employees who are conducting doctoral research
PhD candidates NOT employed by the university or UMC
2. PhD candidates on a grant
3. PhD candidates who receive external funding
4. External PhD candidates (self-funded)
Starting your PhD

Golden rules for PhD supervisors
Supervision team and Quality of supervision
Meeting with HR advisor on employment conditions, internal PhDs
Registration in PhD TRACK system
Each PhD candidate, internal as well as external, should complete a Personal Research Plan (PRP) and
a Training & Supervision Plan (TSP) within the first three months in their PhD trajectory and sign a Declaration of scientific integrity at the start of their PhD project.
Scientific integrity committees and documents
UM Scientific Integrity
Research Code Maastricht UMC+
PhD Courses at FHML/MUMC+

The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)/MUMC+ offers an education programme for all PhD candidates, funded and not funded that can be found on FHML/MUMC+ PhD Courses.
Please include these or additional courses in your TSP and ask your supervisor(s) for approval to subscribe.

Competence Development for supervisors of PhD candidates ‘BKB’ (only by invitation).