Editing Delft University of Technology (section)

===Doctoral-level studies===

[[File:TU Delft PhD Defense committee.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Typical photo following a [[Doctoral studies|doctoral defense]] at Delft University of Technology. The [[List of academic ranks#Netherlands|promovendus]] (center) is accompanied by two [[paranymph]]s. The [[bedel|pedel]] is on the left, holding the [[Staff of office|staff]]. The red tube holds the doctoral diploma. The [[List of academic ranks#Netherlands|promovendus]], as well as the paranymphs, must wear white ties, while all professors in the defense committee wear [[toga]]s.]]
[[Doctoral studies]] at TU Delft are divided into two phases. The first phase, lasting one year, serves as a trial period during which the doctoral candidate must prove capability for performing research on a doctoral level. The candidate must pass the evaluation performed at the end of the year by his/her promoter in order to continue doing research the following three years. The research the candidate performs must be finalized by submitting a [[doctoral thesis]]. The thesis is evaluated by a doctoral committee composed of TU Delft professors and external opponents. Once the thesis has been revised and comments have been taken into account, the candidate gives a formal doctoral defense.

In contrast to US graduate school, other duties such as following lectures and giving TAs form only a small portion of the programme.

====Doctoral defense====

The [[Doctoral studies|doctoral defense]] is of ceremonial nature and is held in the senate room. It lasts exactly one hour, during which the doctoral candidate must answer all questions from the committee. Sometimes the candidate is accompanied by one or two [[paranymph]]s, who theoretically might help defend a question asked by a committee member. The defense is ended by the [[Bedel|pedel]], who enters the room and says in Latin ''Hora est'' (''It is time''), stamping the university [[Staff of office|staff]] on the floor. The committee then moves to a separate room to decide whether to grant the candidate a doctorate or not. Then the committee returns to the room where the defense was held, and if the doctorate is granted the promoter presents the [[praise|laudation]] praising the new [[doctor (title)|doctor]]. The entire ceremony is chaired by the [[Rector (academia)|rector]] or a representative.