The PhD student, supervisor(s), and the university sign an agreement comprising the following information:

• rights and obligations of all parties involved,
• detailed description of the doctoral thesis project,
• time schedule and specification of financial aspects,
• extent of supervision (e.g., frequency of feedback meetings),
• requirements that have to be fulfilled.

The PhD student and the supervisor(s) specify within the doctoral thesis agreement how the required study credits (ECTS) will be achieved (through seminars, lectures, etc.). Students are also encouraged to take part in courses on transferable skills as well as obtaining relevant academic experiences (e.g., presenting at conferences). Courses should be chosen as to best suit the student's doctoral thesis project and intended professional development. The Directorate of Studies has to approve the doctoral thesis agreement.

The progress of the doctoral thesis project is documented in yearly annexes to the agreement (Annual Progress Report).