Study pinpoints challenges for joint doctoral supervision

Varying regulations mean “complex and labour-intensive” negotiations for ‘co-tutelles’ agreements

A study has pinpointed the challenges of joint doctoral supervision, describing varying and sometimes “incompatible” regulations in different countries as creating a “legal and administrative burden”.

The 19 May study—from the European University Association’s Council for Doctoral Education—outlined how, over the past two decades, universities have paid “increasing attention” to ‘co-tutelles de thèse’, which offer joint supervision of doctoral degrees. The partnerships between two universities were set up with the aim of promoting international collaboration.