Cotutelle PhD Programmes

Cotutelle PhD Programmes

Coventry University is a global research university and has developed significant collaborations with highly-regarded research partners around the world. Many of our strategic partnerships are underpinned by a jointly developed cotutelle PhD programme which enables candidates to benefit from enrolment, supervisory support and awards from Coventry University, and one of our international partner institutions.

Coventry-Deakin Cotutelle Programme

Coventry University and Deakin University (Australia) have been running a cotutelle since 2016 with projects now covering a range of areas in Health and Life Sciences, Future Cities, Materials Science, Big Data and Cyber Security. Find out more and apply.

Find out more

What is a cotutelle PhD?

A cotutelle is a PhD programme where a research candidate is jointly enrolled at two universities and spends time at each university. The candidate is jointly supervised by academic staff at each institution and, upon successful completion of the PhD programme, the candidate is able to graduate with a PhD or equivalent title from each university.

  • Europe

    Aarhus University Denmark
    Cergy Pontoise University* France
    Institut National des Sciences Appliques (INSA) Lyon France
    Leipzig University* Germany
    Technical University of Cartagena Spain
    Institute for Condensed Matter Physics (ICMP), National Academy of Sciences, Lviv Ukraine
    Universite de Grenoble* France
    Universite de Lorraine France
    Universite Paris Saclay France
    University of Mons Belgium
    University of Warwick UK
    Radboud University Netherlands

    Africa

    Stellenbosch University South Africa

    Australia

    Deakin University Australia

    South East Asia

    Institut Teknologi Bandung Indonesia
    Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) (not a dual award programme) Singapore

    South America

    University of Santa Catarina (UDESC) Brazil
    Universidade Federal do Esprito Santo (UFES) Brazil

    *indicates that the cotutelle arrangement is currently for an individual candidate, whereas the majority of our cotutelle partnerships apply to the whole institution

  • The cotutelle programme is a fantastic way to gain wide-ranging research experience within different academic environments, through joint enrolment and research supervision.

    Cotutelle research candidates have the benefit of being part of an exceptional international research team, receiving high-quality supervision from both universities. You will also be part of a prestigious network of global academic staff and research candidates, creating a vibrant international research community. The breadth of international engagement allows access to a significant programme of seminars and conferences across two continents. The combined offer of both institutions provides access to unique international dissemination opportunities and research networking, supporting future career development. Cotutelle candidates will also have access to additional funding opportunities, the widest possible research development opportunities, and the latest research equipment and technologies at both institutions, providing a truly world-class research experience.

  • Entry criteria can vary depending on the cotutelle programme and partner institution requirements. As a minimum, Coventry University's entry requirements are as follows:

    • A minimum of a 2:1 first degree (second class honours upper division) in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average, or
    • A Masters degree in a relevant subject area, with overall mark at minimum Merit level. In addition, the mark for the Masters dissertation (or equivalent) must be a minimum of 70%.
    • The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study.
    • Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

    Find out more information about Coventry University's PhD entry criteria.

  • All of the research projects are jointly agreed, and a lead institution identified for each project. The lead institution is clearly identified within the details of each of the advertised research projects. The applicant should apply to both institutions.

  • Applications are submitted to both institutions. Applicants must ensure they meet eligibility requirements. Selection involves academic staff from both institutions. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by a panel including academic staff from each institution. Applicants will need to submit copies of certificates to both institutions in line with their respective requirements.

    Find out more about how to apply to Coventry University.

  • Candidates will be fully funded for this programme, receiving a fee waiver and a stipend towards living costs (stipend rate for academic year 2023/2024 is currently £18,622).

  • Successful applicants will typically spend at least 12 months at each institution. Candidates will start at the home institution and the timing of the 12 month exchange will be tailored to best suit the project.

  • A team of supervisors from both institutions will jointly supervise the candidate throughout their programme. Regular meetings and communication will ensure that the team stays engaged with the candidate. Wherever the candidate is located, there will be supervisory and skills development support readily available.

  • Each institution has its own programme requirements for research candidates, including relevant development programmes, covering research methodology and academic writing. The research candidate will be given a tailored programme that meets the requirements of both institutions. Care has been taken to develop this programme so a piece of work or assessment will meet the requirements of both institutions, wherever possible.

  • Research candidates will submit their thesis to their host University and, in most cases, undergo a single defence through an agreed viva voce examination. Successful candidates will receive an award from each institution, based on their respective requirements and will be eligible to attend graduation at both universities.

For further information about our cotutelle programme, contact our collaborative programmes team.

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