Cotutelle PhDs

A cotutelle thesis is a doctoral thesis supervised by academic staff from two universities in different countries. For instance, the University of Murcia in Spain and the Sorbonne University in France.

Exceptionally, based on quality criteria and when duly justified, a cotutelle thesis may be carried out under the supervision of three directors and universities.

The difference between a cotutelle thesis and a thesis that is merely co-supervised by staff from two different universities is that, in the case of cotutelle theses the universities sign an agreement, which is also subscribed by the supervising academic staff, and which enables the doctoral degree to be awarded by both universities and thus by both countries. The universities must reach a specific agreement on the terms and deadlines for each particular thesis.

Features and requirements

For a cotutelle thesis to be recognised, it is necessary for the student to:

1. have a thesis supervisor at each of the universities that agree to subscribe a cotutelle agreement. Please find the agreement template in “Related documents”.
2. enrol at both universities each year. Most universities agree to apply a tuition fee waiver when they are not the student’s home university, and they are not to hold the thesis defence. However, that depends on each particular university and a tuition fee waiver at one of the partner universities cannot be guaranteed.
3. carry out a research stay of at least six months at each university after signing the agreement and prior to submitting the thesis.

A cotutelle thesis is defended at only one university, but both universities recognise that thesis and award the official PhD degree.

What are the advantages of a cotutelle thesis?

• Recognition and prestige.
• Scientific quality of the thesis, as it incorporates different research teams and perspectives.
• Mobility and international projection.

Who can apply for a cotutelle thesis?

Any student enrolled on a doctoral programme at the University of Murcia.

If interested, when should you apply?

Formalising a cotutelle agreement can take months to process. We recommend you start the procedure before the end of the first year of your doctoral programme.

Is everything clear to you? Does it sound like a good idea? Do you want to carry out or supervise a cotutelle thesis?

If the answer is yes, then please contact the Postgraduate Section for information and to start the procedure.

Email: 3rciclo@um.es
Tel.: 868 88 8867 / 4294