The application process for doctoral studies at the University of Western Macedonia requires submission within a specified timeframe, detailing the cognitive fields for dissertation development and the number of admissions per field. Candidates must submit several documents, including an analytical CV, diploma copies, DOATAP certificates for foreign degrees, a summary of their Diploma Thesis, recommendation letters, evidence of English proficiency, scientific publications, and a doctoral thesis draft in Greek. This draft should include a title in Greek and English, a summary, a literature review, the contribution and originality of the dissertation, research propositions, methodology, a Gantt Chart, relevance to the supervising member’s academic work, and bibliographical references.
Supervision rights are granted to faculty members and researchers from certain categories, with each member overseeing up to five doctoral theses. A three-member Advisory Committee is appointed to support the doctoral thesis preparation, which includes the supervisor and two other members. The committee reviews the candidate’s progress annually, and any changes in the dissertation title or language require documented recommendations and department assembly approval.
Doctoral studies are free, with candidates enjoying certain rights and benefits for up to five years, which can include technological support, scholarships, and access to university libraries. Candidates are obligated to submit annual progress reports and contribute fifteen hours per week to university activities, including assisting in teaching and participating in examination supervision.
For public defense and evaluation of the doctoral thesis, the candidate must participate in an international conference and publish two articles in peer-reviewed journals. A seven-member Examination Committee is formed to evaluate the thesis, with public support requiring the physical presence of at least four members. Reasons for deletion from the doctoral candidate register include failure to meet obligations, plagiarism, actions damaging to the university, or personal reasons for discontinuing studies. Transitional provisions and modifications to the doctoral regulation are resolved by the department assembly, ensuring the quality of the doctoral program.