Graduates from universities of applied sciences may soon be able to earn a doctoral degree based on practice‑focused research. Minister of Education Rianne Letschert (D66) plans to introduce this through a new law. The proposal includes two new titles: Professional Doctor (PD) and Engineering Doctor (EngD). The EngD title applies to technological design tracks at universities.
These tracks already exist as pilot programmes, but they do not yet count as official doctoral degrees. Let’s call formal recognition “a missing piece of the puzzle”. The PD track should take four years, similar to a PhD. The EngD track can be completed in two years.
A PhD at a university involves scientific, often theoretical research under the guidance of a professor. In contrast, a doctoral track at a university of applied sciences should focus on practical research, sometimes conducted in collaboration with partners from the professional field.
If both chambers of parliament approve the law, the first candidates could start their doctoral track at a university of applied sciences in 2027.
@ ANP | News Brainport
