What is it, and what should you take into account?
As a PhD candidate, you create a Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) at the start of your doctoral journey. In this blog, we’ll explain what the plan entails, who and what can help you draft it, and what you should keep in mind.
What is a Training and Supervision Plan?
A Training and Supervision Plan contains all the agreements between you and your supervisor regarding your research.
At a minimum, the TSP includes the following:
- How will you develop yourself during your PhD?
Think about attending courses, workshops, and training sessions. If you are assigned any teaching responsibilities, the agreements about these tasks are also included in your plan. You won’t just describe what you’ll do, but also include a timeline for these activities. - What will your supervision look like, and how frequently will it occur?
This section outlines how you’ll be guided as a PhD candidate and specifies the roles and responsibilities of your different supervisors.
One year after your appointment, your TSP will be updated with any relevant new information.
Who and what can help you draft your TSP?
You will create the plan together with your supervisor(s). It’s also useful to know that the basic agreements for the Training and Supervision Plan are outlined in Article 6.9 of the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) of Dutch Universities.
Guidelines for the TSP may differ between universities and faculties, so it’s wise to research the requirements that apply to your situation in advance.
Good to know
You must submit the plan within three months after the start of your PhD.
If you are an external PhD candidate—someone conducting doctoral research without an employment contract at the university—you must submit your TSP no later than six months after your admission to the graduate school.hool.
