PhD

Academic advancement

The member universities of the Federation currently have the power to confer the degree of doctor of 10 scientific disciplines. 

By combining the scientific potential of its member universities, the Federation establishes joint disciplinary councils and ensures high standards for advancement procedures. These competences arise from the Act on Higher Education and Science as well as from decisions issued by the Minister responsible for higher education and science.

PhD Degree - step by step

1. Confirmation of Learning Outcomes
In accordance with the Act, before commencing the doctoral procedure in the external mode, you must confirm the learning outcomes at Level 8 (30 ECTS) within the scientific discipline in which you intend to pursue your doctorate. This is the 8PRK procedure. In Poland, all qualifications — including doctoral degrees — are described within the Polish Qualifications Framework (PRK). Level 8 PRK (8PRK) represents the highest qualification level, equivalent to a doctoral-level qualification.
Before you can officially enter the doctoral award process, you must complete the 8PRK Learning Outcomes Verification Procedure. This procedure confirms that your academic experience, knowledge, research skills, and professional competences meet the standards expected at the doctoral level.

 

2. Initiation of the Doctoral Procedure
To initiate the procedure for awarding the doctoral degree within the Research Federation, you must have:

  • at least one scientific publication,
  • a master’s degree,
  • an application to initiate the procedure and a report from the Uniform Anti‑Plagiarism System (JSA),
  • certified knowledge of a modern foreign language (minimum B2 level),
  • a completed doctoral dissertation,
  • a positive opinion from your supervisor.


3. Review of the doctoral dissertation
The competent Scientific Discipline Council within the WSB‑DSW Merito Scientific Federation will accept your dissertation for processing, appoint a supervisor and the Doctoral Committee. Your dissertation will be reviewed by three evaluators. You must obtain at least two positive reviews.

 

4. Defense and awarding of the doctoral degree
The reviewed doctoral dissertation must undergo a public defense. A positive outcome will be confirmed by a resolution of the competent Scientific Discipline Council within the WSB‑DSW Merito Research Federation, which constitutes the awarding of the doctoral degree.