Choosing a subject and supervisor for your thesis

The lion’s share of a PhD is made up of research. For at least three years, a PhD student carries out their research under their supervisor with whom they meet regularly. Given the time spent on your thesis, it is important that you choose both the subject of your thesis and your supervisor carefully.

All permanent members of ULB academic staff are qualified to supervise a thesis, as long as they have obtained a PhD by defending a thesis themselves and they are not retired.

Your choice of supervisor will depend on the subject or planned area of research. To learn more about the research undertaken at the ULB and the particular domaines of each ULB professors and research centres, please visit:

• ULB research round-up

• the Institutional Repository that contains all works published by ULB professors and researchers

• the website of the Faculty or Research Centre where you would like to study for your PhD

It is important that you contact your potential supervisor before beginning the administrative process. This will enable you to outline your project, make any necessary adjustments, and discuss its feasibility and funding opportunities with your supervisor before submitting your application. You can either contact the supervisor directly (by email or in person during office hours), or contact the Head of department/research centre, detailing your research plans. The Head of department/research centre can then give you the names of any colleagues who could be a suitable supervisor.