Bioscience Engineering KU Leuven

Doctoral training takes first and foremost place in the research group or laboratory via informal and formal meetings with the supervisor and peer researchers. This research-based training is complemented by more structured training activities organized by the departments, the research centres and the doctoral school. PhD researchers are expected to complete the PhD within 4 years.

The doctoral training consists of three components:

• Development of essential research skills by carrying out an individual research project resulting in high-quality scientific output.
• Thematic training comprising advanced courses, invited lectures, journal clubs and doctoral seminars focused on a specific scientific topic;
• Training and development of personal skills that are relevant for the successful completion of the PhD and which prepare the PhD researcher for a wide range of career possibilities.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the Doctor in Bioscience Engineering degree programme, the candidate must hold one of the following qualifications:

• a diploma of Bioscience Engineer in Agricultural Sciences, in Chemistry, in Land and Forestry Management, in Cell and Gene Technology or in Environmental Technology;
• a diploma of Agricultural Engineer or Engineer in Chemistry and Agro-industries;
• a diploma from a Master's programme organized or co-organized by the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering;
• a Master of Science diploma from a Belgian or an EU university totaling 4 or 5 years of undergraduate studies, if granted formal equivalence to a diploma Bioscience Engineer by the Doctoral Commission of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering;
• a final diploma from a university or a non-university higher education programme, recognized by the Faculty according to Article 56, 3rd § of the Decree of the Flemish Government of June 12th, 1991. A pre-doctoral test can be imposed in which the candidate should excel (see below);
• a diploma of "industrial engineer", after assessment of the dossier by the Doctoral Commission, and succeeding with distinction in a pre-doctoral programme totaling 60 credits.

The candidates should have "excelled" in their previous studies. This corresponds to the grade of "distinction", or "1st class or upper 2nd class honours" or an equivalent ranking, depending on the country issuing the diploma. The Doctoral Commission assesses the factual equivalence of the diplomas and grades.

Non-EU Master of Science diplomas ordinarily lead to the requirement of a pre-doctoral programme of 30 to 60 credits. The Doctoral Commission may exempt the candidate from the pre-doctoral programme if it grants equivalence to the diploma after assessment of the dossier.