The most important component of the doctoral programme is the independent research activity completed in the research topics announced by the Doctoral School. Each doctoral student is assigned one and only one supervisor, who have full responsibility in guiding and helping the academic and research work of the doctoral student working on the topic, and also the publication of results and the completion of the doctoral theses. For the successful completion publication in high standard journals (Web of Science, Scopus) is necessary.
The doctoral training which prepares for the award of the doctoral degree following the Master’s degree, consist of two stages: 1. Educational and Research Stage (1st – 4th semester) and 2. Research and Dissertation Stage (5th – 8th semester). During the course of the doctoral training, at the end of the 4th semester, the Comprehensive Exam has to be taken successfully to conclude the Educational and Research Stage of the training and as a precondition of entering the Research and Dissertation Stage.
The tutorial character of the education of the Doctoral School is emphasized by the regular consultations with the supervisor, where participation is recognized by credit points, and the support of research and publication activities. The competence of students and their activities at consultation are assessed by the supervisor in each semester.
Related regulations: BME – Doctoral and Habilitation Procedures; BME Code of Studies and Exams
According to the Code of Studies of BME (BME TVSZ) PhD Students must fulfil min. 120 EPPH in the Educational and Research Stage, and min. 120 EPPH in the Research and Dissertation Stage: altogether min. 240 EPPH at the end of their 8th semester.
At the end of their 4th semester, doctoral students must apply for and successfully pass the Comprehensive Exam in order to follow their studies.
For the qualification for the Comprehensive Exam PhD Students have to fulfil min. 80 EPPH at the end of their 3rd semester. Also for the successful qualification for the comprehensive exam, PhD students have to fulfil publication requirements by the end of their 4th semester.
After the Comprehensive Exam, students shall complete the Research and Dissertation Stage – as part of the degree award procedure, aiming at obtaining the doctoral degree. In this stage, the emphasis shifts toward the research work, publication of results and the completion of the thesis. To obtain a PhD degree, the PhD candidates shall demonstrate a profound knowledge and a research activity bringing along new results in the scientific field, and also their ability to conduct research work without guidance.