There are two universities in Lithuania offering PhD in Environmental Engineering, but KTU is the only one providing its students the opportunity of a double PhD.
The oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna was very open for collaboration on various levels, according to KTU professor Žaneta Stasiškienė, Head of the Department of Business Social Responsibility at the Institute of Environmental Engineering. Impressive research infrastructure and the expertise of scientists and researchers were the deciding factors while choosing the University of Bologna for collaboration.
"This double degree agreement will render us better visibility among international academic community, also it will influence our place in international rankings. We also expect to benefit from the partnership by increased participation in international projects, as the University of Bologna is very active in this field", said Stasiškienė.
Double Supervision from Both Universities
Double PhD studies will require considerably high English proficiency from the students: the thesis will have to be written and defended in English. Although doctoral thesis defence will take place at KTU, the thesis paper copy together will all the necessary documentation will be posted to Bologna. The double PhD diploma will be issued after the thesis is confirmed at the University of Bologna.
During the course of studies a student will also have two PhD supervisors: one from Kaunas and one from Bologna university.
Stasiškienė praised the possibility of double supervision: "Being able to prepare the thesis with the help of two supervisors is an exciting opportunity for our students: different perspectives and expertise renders multidimensional experiences". She also believes that students from the University of Bologna coming to KTU will encourage our teaching and research staff to build up their competences and to promote them on European level.
12 Months in Bologna
The students willing to obtain a double PhD qualification will have to spend 12 months at Bologna University, which can be scheduled throughout the studies. The double degree is a possibility and not a necessity – a KTU PhD diploma is also an option for those aiming for a single qualification.
There are 4 state funded places at KTU Environmental Engineering PhD studies this year.
However, Stasiškienė said that the double degree agreement is only the first step in collaboration between two universities: "There are many possibilities and fields where our expectations meet. At the moment we are discussing double degree master studies with the University of Bologna".
