The PhD education includes a mandatory training component that must correspond to at least 30 credits. The scope of the content of the training component varies from faculty to faculty, but a common feature for all of them is that it must contain academic and methodological training. Additionally, the training component must provide training in the dissemination of academic work to colleagues, students and the general public. The training component must include science theory and ethics with a scope equivalent to at least five credits. The content of the training component must be relevant for the work on the doctoral research project as a whole.

In the start-up phase, it is advisable that the candidate and supervisor look over the plan for the training component. The completed training component and the research work together must contribute to the fulfilment of expected learning outcomes.

Some candidates may have completed courses on the PhD level before admission to the PhD education. With regard to this, it is important to bear in mind that completion dates for these courses must not be earlier than five years prior to the date of admission to the PhD education.

If there is a need to take courses not offered by the faculty, it must facilitate to allow the candidate to receive corresponding training at other institutions.

The PhD candidates are advised to consult their main supervisor and administrative contact person before they attend a course that is not part of their original course plan.

The training component must be completed and approved before the thesis is submitted. If the training component is not approved at the time of submission of the thesis, the evaluation of the thesis cannot commence.