Program Overview

WIAS Introductory Course for New PhD Candidates

Course Schedule

The course is scheduled for December 1, 2025, with the following details:

• Dates: December 1, 2025
• Start time: 08:45
• End time: 17:30
• Location: Wageningen Campus
• Coordinator: WIAS
• Registrations: 20/25

Course Description

This compulsory one-day introductory course is intended for all PhD candidates enrolled with the Graduate School WIAS. It aims to prepare PhD candidates for their PhD journey by providing tools to successfully manage their PhD project and education. The course facilitates building a strong network with fellow PhD candidates through lectures, group work, plenary discussions, and social events.

To maximally benefit from this course, PhD candidates are strongly advised to register for the next available course after the start of their PhD (within the first six months of the start of their PhD). The course program will be sent to participants before the start of the course.

General Information

• Target Group: WIAS PhD candidates
• Course level: General, postgraduate
• Group size: A minimum of 15 and a maximum of 25 participants
• Course duration: One day, given twice per year
• Prior knowledge: Familiarity with PhD documents on the WIAS website
• Homework/self-study: Familiarization with information for PhDs on the WUR and WIAS website
• Language: English
• Credit points: 0.3 ECTS
• Name of lecturers: Nicole Rodenburg, Sylvia Brugman, Michiel Kleerebezem, Johan Schrama, and a WAPS council representative
• Teaching methods: Lectures and working groups
• In-person: To be announced

Programme

The course covers the following topics:

• Information about the PhD trajectory
• PhD and Supervisor Communication
• Project and Time Management
• Managing your Expectations as a PhD candidate
• Managing Project Stakeholders

Fee

This course is free of charge for all WIAS PhD candidates, including lunch and dinner.

Cancellation Condition

Until four weeks before the start of the course, participants can cancel free of charge. After this date, a charge of €150 will be applied.