training and supervision plan (TSP)

The Training and Supervision Plan (further referred to as TSP) is an instrument in which the contents of the educational programme, teaching duties and the supervision are formalised, providing statutory rights and obligations to the PhD student and the supervisor(s).
All PhD students are obliged to submit their TSP within 3 months following their appointment.

TSP contents

1. A description of the educational programme of the PhD candidate.
   This part of the document should be seen as a declaration of intent and should be formulated upon consultation with the thesis supervisor.
2. A description of the teaching responsibilities of the PhD candidate.
   Teaching duties consist of assistance during laboratory practicals and supervision of undergraduates.
3. An agreement concerning the supervision provided by thesis supervisor and co-supervisor.

Downloading & submitting TSP
The TSP form can be downloaded here in pdf or in word format.
Within 3 months after the start of the PhD study, the signed TSP form has to be submitted to the secretariat of the VLAG Graduate School: Graduate School VLAG, Bomenweg 2, 6703 HD Wageningen (Internal WU postal number 184)

Periodical update TSP
The TSP, especially the educational programme part, should be discussed with the supervisors every year during the results and personal development meeting (R&O gesprek). The updated TSP should only be sent to VLAG in case of problems or questions.

TSP & financial support

• PhD students who submit their TSP within 3 months following their appointment, are entitled to an educational budget of € 2.500.
• For further financial assistance for the realisation of a TSP please visit the website of Wageningen University.
• VLAG has limited possibilities to financially support the participation of VLAG PhD students in external courses, click here for more information.

Additional TSP regulations

• Before admittance to the educational programme of VLAG PhD students must comply with regulations set by Wageningen University. This entails an academic training equivalent to MSc level. If required, an introductory qualification examination should be completed prior to being admitted to the PhD programme. This exam is not credited within the programme itself. Further on VLAG PhD students must work on a research project that is formally approved by VLAG.
• To guarantee a significant scientific level the TSP must be submitted through the supervisor and approved by VLAG.
• Supervisors are obliged to assist in completing the TSP and to stimulate PhD student participation in (VLAG) educational activities.
• The contents of the TSP should lie within the framework of two fixed provisions: the time spent by a PhD student on education is 15% of the appointment (i.e. 125 working days) and the maximum spent on teaching duties is 10% (i.e. 84 working days) The latter is only obligatory for PhD students employed by the university.
• The TSP should be considered as an agreement on education and supervision between the PhD student and the university (Department / Graduate School). Both parties are expected to honour this agreement, both the rights and the obligations.