Individual Study Plans in PhD Education: Use and experience of PhD students at Lund University

Abstract

The use of individual study plans (ISP) during doctoral studies at Lund University was
investigated. The objective was to assess the current practice in the use of ISP among
doctoral students as well as the usefulness of the IPS from the view of the doctoral students.
A survey was submitted to past and present doctoral students at different departments within
Lund University and results from more than 50 respondents were obtained. Analysis of the
survey results revealed that the ISP has different uses. Most doctoral students typically use it
to keep track of completed courses and to define what is expected from the student. However,
most of the respondents prepare the ISP primarily because of administrative requirement and
their overall satisfaction on the use of the ISP is average.