Thesis writing and individual support

In this course, you will be coached by Dr. Nicolien Wieringa of NFW Coaching according to your individual needs. The aim is to strengthen your motivation and ability to attain your goal of completing your thesis on time. Therefore, in terms of research planning, finishing experimental work, thesis writing, and communication with supervisors, specific emphasis will be on your role as manager of your project.

Target group:

PhD candidates in the last 6-12 months of their PhD, who still have to write a (considerable) part of their dissertation and are encountering difficulties balancing tasks or e.g. staying motivated. PhD candidates who follow the course are offered dedicated writing time in combination with targeted and individual coaching to optimize their efforts to finish their thesis in due time. 

Schedule:

The course will be spread out over the course of seven full Fridays (09.00-17.00) between May and October. Between the course days, both the PhD candidates and their supervisors will be asked to complete respective writing and correcting tasks.

Course dates in 2025:

• Session 1: May 16
• Session 2: June 6
• Session 3: June 20
• Session 4: July 4
• Session 5: September 5
• Session 6: September 19
• Session 7: October 3

Preparation:

To be able to participate in this course, you are requested to:

• draft a detailed outline of your thesis prior to the course;
• present a realistic planning of (finishing) your experimental work during the remainder of your contract/fellowship, also prior to the course;
• commit yourself to attend all course days (cancellation only after consultation with the coach – a minimum requirement is to attend five out of the seven course days);
• participate in the individual coaching that will take place during these days;
• describe any arrangements with your supervisor(s) about writing your thesis and other work related to the thesis;
• indicate any specific support requests to finish writing your thesis.

Work during the course 

Over the duration of the course, you will be asked to:

• update achievements and planning and to discuss these items during the individual coaching sessions;
• prepare a realistic planning of tasks during the remainder of the contract/fellowship period at the end of the course.

Please note: as there is limited seating available, the coach will call each individual PhD candidate for an intake interview where you will discuss what is expected from the course. The coach subsequently decides if a candidate can be admitted to the course.

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