FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a set of answers in response to the most common
questions concerning CUGS and doctoral studies. Other questions are
addressed to CUGS.
Q: How do I get the enrolled in CUGS?
A: If you are already admitted as a doctoral student,
then you can apply to become a CUGS student, or if you are interested
in pursuing graduate studies (but have not started yet), we encourage
you to contact Nahid Shahmehri (Director of CUGS) or representatives at the different CUGS
sites, if you currently are already at that site or have an
interest to join that site.
Q: I'm not enrolled in CUGS, can I still particpate in CUGS
courses?
A: Yes, the courses are open courses for other
doctoral/graduate students. There
is no course cost for participating in the CUGS courses. While CUGS
covers necessary accommodation costs for its members (enrolled students
and faculty), non-members are expected to cover their own accommodation
costs as well as any travelling costs. Course participants need
to enter the courses with the prerequisites as specified by each
course. You need to register for the course if you intend to
participate. Please contact us
for further details.
Q: What do doctoral students do?
A: Doctoral students are usually involved in two main
activities:
the writing of a thesis, and taking graduate courses.
Writing a thesis usually implies taking part in
research projects conducted by one of our research
groups.
Q: How long does it take to finish doctoral studies?
A: Each of the activities above amounts to
approximately
two years of full-time work, but since most doctoral students
are also involved in up to 20 per cent teaching the total
expected time to obtain a doctor's degree is 5 years.
Q: What happens after graduation?
A: There are a great variety of careers available
to graduates. Some of our graduates have become lecturers and
professors
at computer science departments at universities in Sweden and abroad,
for instance at MIT and Yale. Many people work in the industry, doing
advanced research and development, doing start-up companies, or take on
leader roles.
Q: What is a licentiate degree?
A: The licentiate degree is a degree half-way between
a
master's degree and a doctoral degree; it amounts to one year of
PhD courses, and one year of thesis work (excluding
teaching). Most people who complete the doctoral degree
first complete the licentiate degree and then spend two
more years on graduate courses and thesis work.
Q: How do I identify the subject of my thesis?
A: The subject of your thesis is typically decided
jointly by yourself and your supervisor. All PhD students
also have an advisory committee consisting of the main supervisor
and two additional supervisors.
Q: How do I finance my studies?
A: There is no tuition. Normally, a doctoral student
is employed as "doctorand" and has a salary. A doctorand position is
typically renewed
one year at a time, and is limited to a maximum of 4 years (excluding
teaching). Non-native students are sometimes offered a scholarship for
6-12 months before being employed as
a doctorand.
Q: What are the requirements for becoming a doctoral
student?
A: Every doctoral student is admitted to a subject
area, and
each subject area has its own requirements. To be eligible for doctoral
studies it s required to have Bachelor's or a Master's degree with
approximately 1.5 years (i.e., 90 credits in the Swedish academic
system) of courses in the subject area that you are being admitted to.
The specific requirements of CUGS is found here.
Q: What subject areas can I be admitted to?
A: Computer science (datalogi), and computer systems
(datorsystem).
Q: Are there any admission tests?
A: No, there are no formal admission tests but you
have
to satisfy the requirements described above, and
there is a general examination including e.g. interviews.
Q: What research areas are covered by CUGS?
A: The research at CUGS covers a wide spectrum
of areas. There is research in traditional fields
of computer science such as theoretical computer science, programing
environments, embedded and real-time systems, artificial
intelligence, intelligent information systems and databases.
Q: How much teaching does a doctoral student do?
A: Everyone who has a full-time "doctorand" position
should devote at least 80 percent of the time to doctoral
courses and thesis work. Hence, up to 20 percent can
be devoted to teaching.
Q: What about social benefits?
A: If you have a "doctorand" position you have all the
benefits of other employees; pension, social security etc.
Q: What about other benefits?
A: Most doctoral students have an office of their own,
usually close to their supervisor, equipped with modern workstations
and/or PCs. We also encourage doctoral students to participate in
national and international conferences.
Q: What language is used in CUGS?
A: Many of the graduate students and faculty people in
CUGS have an international background. Hence, the offical language of
CUGS is English, which means that all common activities, e.g., courses,
conferences, seminars are are given in english. Most Swedes speak
English well, and almost everybody in the academic environment
university is fluent in English, so if you are coming to Sweden, you'll
be able to get by just fine using english. However, we strongly
encourage everyone to learn Swedish to better assimilate into the
native culture.
|
