Tilburg University hoogleraren

FAQ PhD application procedure Tilburg Law School 2024

The format for the application form can be found here.

Application Form & Research proposal

Is there a format for a research proposal?

Yes, it is incorporated in the application form.

Does a candidate have free choice of research subject/research proposal topic or should the proposal fit within the scope of a “framework" topic provided by the supervisor?

The choice is depending on the indications as stated in the vacancy advertisements and has to fit in the applicable Signature Plan. 

Signature Plans

What Signature Plans are there at Tilburg Law School?

The Tilburg Law School research is organized into four signature plans focusing on:

  1. Crime and Criminal Justice in the Age of Globalization and Digitalization;
  2. Connecting Organizations: Private, Fiscal and Technology-Driven Legal Regulations in a Sustainable Society;
  3. Global Law and Governance;
  4. Regulating Socio-Technical Change.  

More information can be found here.

Am I allowed to apply to more than one Signature Plan?

No, this is not allowed. Please select the Signature Plan that meets your research interest most.

Master diploma

I have not obtained a master diploma yet. However, I expect to finish my master program in the current academic year before September 1. Am I eligible for your positions?

In case you finish the master program before September 1, it is possible to apply to our positions. Please add an official list of grades that you have obtained so far. Please mention this situation in your CV and motivational letter. If the master program is finished after August 31, you are not eligible.

I do not hold a master’s degree in the field of Law. Am I eligible for your positions?

It is not mandatory to have a master’s degree in Law. However, your proposed research should have a clear link with the field of law. A mono disciplinary research project other than in the field of law is not eligible. 

CV

My CV is slightly different from the European style. Is this ok or do you recommend to adjust it to the European style?

Please use the required EU format.

Written work

What written work am I expected to submit?

Preferably, submit a bachelor- or master thesis or a scientific article in Dutch or English.  The committee will look to part of this work to assess your writing skills. Ideally submit a recent example of your written work.

Recommendations

Do I have to provide recommendations?

Yes, please mention two names and contact details in the application form at question 9. You do not need to send recommendation letters at this stage.

Do both recommendations have to be academic recommendations?

Provide if possible at least one referee who is an expert in the proposed study, preferably from another university. The other referee can be a professional of your choice.

Interview

What does the interview look like?

The interview consists of a meeting of 30 minutes with the selection committee. First, the candidates present themselves and their research proposal in a pitch of 5 minutes. In the remaining time, the committee will ask questions about the proposal and the candidate.

What does the pitch look like?

In the pitch the candidates present themselves and their research proposal in a powerpoint presentation of 5 minutes. Please prepare a powerpoint presentation, no other presentation methods will be allowed. Candidates who are invited for an interview will receive information on where to send their presentation. The Law School will take care of the IT facilities and ensure your presentation is available on the screen in the interview room.

When do the interviews take place?

In case you are invited for an interview you will receive an email indicating the date and time for the interview appointment in May. The dates are fixed and non-negotiable.

Is it possible to attend the interview online?

The committee prefers to see candidates in person. Depending on where you live, interviews may take place online (TEAMS or Zoom).

Can I claim travel costs to Tilburg?

Depending on where you live, it might be possible to claim travelling costs. More information will be provided by the HR department.

Planning procedure

Is it possible to postpone the deadline of the application?

It is not possible to postpone the deadline. We advise candidates to take into consideration that the procedure demands a great deal of preparation for applicants.

When do the interviews take place?

In case you are invited for an interview you will receive an email indicating the date and time for the interview appointment in May. The dates are fixed and non-negotiable.

When do the positions start?

The positions will preferably be starting as from September 1, 2024. The final start date will be decided in mutual agreement with the PhD candidate and supervisor.