Postgraduate studies in 2024 are becoming more demanding: individual plans, strict control of the Ministry of Education and Science, and mandatory publications in Scopus and Web of Science journals. The article discusses the key requirements, risks, and tips for successful dissertation defense. With the support of E-Science Space, the preparation and publication of scientific works becomes much easier.
In 2024, admission to the doctorate school becomes an even more demanding and dynamic process, given current trends in science and education. A favorable entry to doctoral studies requires careful preparation and consideration of key factors.
1. Individual plans are not only a privilege, but also a list of obligations
Each PhD student works on an individual plan, which facilitates planning academic activities effectively, combining it with other obligations. However, regardless of the schedule flexibility, the PhD student has a clear commitment to the HEI, which includes not only regular performance of the research, but also participation in scientific conferences and international internships .
Article 9 of the Order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 2612 establishes the following:
“the PhD students are required to:
- adhere to the principles of academic integrity, moral and ethical norms and standards of researchers’ conduct in the relevant field established by the institution;
- complete an individual educational and research plan and report on the progress of its implementation at a meeting of the department, department, laboratory or other specific unit of the institution twice a year;
- prepare their academic achievements in the form of a dissertation (for applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy degree) and in the form of a dissertation or an academic report – in the case of defending academic achievements published in the form of a monograph or a set of articles in national and/or international peer-reviewed professional journals (for applicants for the Doctor of Sciences degree)”.
Monitoring the implementation of plans by the Ministry of Education and Science
Moreover, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine strengthens control over the implementation of individual plans, announcing checks that pose new challenges for PhD students. Therefore, it is important to ensure an appropriate level of fulfilment of academic obligations and have support in the preparation and publication of materials.
This means that every PhD student should not only perform their research on time, but also regularly report on the results achieved.
Approval of scientific activity = successful postgraduate studies
One of the main criteria for successful PhD studies is publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. They serve as proof that the PhD student really acquires a new educational and qualification level, and his/her research has academic value and can bring new knowledge to the relevant field.
This is not just a formality, but a necessary stage for defending a PhD thesis and confirming an academic qualification. These can be publications in European journals or in category “B” journals, however, according to the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, academic publications indexing in the Scopus or WoS databases have more weight. The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine regulating the basis and rules for publishing the results of dissertations states that the academic activity of a PhD student must be approbated in at least 3 journals, in particular, indexed in the Web of Science and/or Scopus databases.
2. Sustainable academic activity is a guarantee of success
The PhD student’s academic activity is subject to control not only by the university, but also by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Achieving results in the PhD student’s academic activity should be sustainable and gradual. This means that success cannot be instant; it is formed through systematic work, regular training and continuous improvement of research methodology.
Demonstration and approbation of academic activities at all stages of research, from the collection of materials to the analysis of the data obtained and up to publication provide confidence and avoidance of unwanted attention. It was believed that the abnormal number of applicants for education was related to an attempt to evade mobilization, but if PhD students systematically show their scientific achievements, they are safe.
Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi notes:
The problem of fictitious education has already been discussed at the level of the Prime Minister and the Office of the President, as well as at meetings with rectors and representatives of educational institutions. The Ministry conducts additional checks to detect anomalies and reduce the negative consequences of this phenomenon. Such practices affect the quality of higher education negatively.
Along the way, it is important to note that the responsibility for fulfilling these obligations falls not only on the PhD student, but also on his/her supervisor and the corresponding educational institution. For example, due to unfair academic activity, the Ministry of Education and Science deprived the Classical Private University of the license to provide PhD studies.
The PhD student’s academic activity in 2024 implies a high level of responsibility and self-discipline. The cooperation with the academic assistant E-Science Space provides PhD students with comprehensive support at every stage of their academic activity. We will help you in the preparation, design and publication of your academic articles, as well as advise you on the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and reporting.
With E-Science Space, your path to successful completion of doctorate school will become much easier. With us, you can achieve your academic goals faster and more efficiently, focusing on the main thing – science, and we take on the technical aspects!
