Doctoral personal study plan (DPSP)
Instructions for doctoral students making their personal study plan
New recommendation: doctoral students’ plans (DPSP) to be discussed twice a year
From the autumn 2025 onwards, doctoral students and supervising professors are encouraged to discuss the student’s plans at least twice a year. Those employed by Aalto University as doctoral researchers and their supervising professors should use the My Dialogues in the autumn and spring terms to discuss the topical parts of their Doctoral personal study plan (DPSP). Other doctoral students should follow the same timing.
In addition to these bi-annual discussions, all doctoral students and their supervising professors need to agree about the form and frequency of their other communication in the DPSP’s supervision plan.
In addition to these bi-annual discussions, all doctoral students and their supervising professors need to agree about the form and frequency of their other communication in the DPSP’s supervision plan.
In the bi-annual discussions it is recommended to check the overall situation of the doctoral student, and then concentrate on specific parts of the DPSP, which are topical at that moment. Doctoral students should keep their plan up-to-date in MyStudies, and refer to the latest version in the DPSP discussions. Supervising professors can view the plan via Student Succes Hub.
Supervising professors DPSP and Student Succes Hub instructions
Doctoral students make plans for their research and studies in the form of the Doctoral personal study plan (DPSP), which includes five parts: credit plan (i.e. a plan for the credits to be completed in Sisu), research plan, supervision plan, financial plan and career plan. Their supervising professor must confirm the plan at the beginning of their studies and in case major changes take place.
More information
Supervisory roles and responsibilities in doctoral education
Information for supervising professors and thesis advisors on the expectations for doctoral supervision and the quality requirements for successful completion of a doctoral degree.
Doctoral education services
We support the whole university in matters related to doctoral studies, especially doctoral students, supervising professors, thesis advisors and doctoral programme directors.
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