Licentiate degree

The licentiate degree is a degree that can be awarded after two years of full time third-cycle, or research, education. There are requirements, specified in the law and in the General Study Plan of each programme, that need to be met for this degree. 

It is common practice in some departments to complete a Licentiate while studying for the doctoral degree, but you cannot be forced to submit for a licentiate degree against your will. Doctoral students who originally planned to complete a doctorate may be permitted to conclude their studies with a licentiate.

In any case, if you defend a Licentiate, you should remember to apply for a Licentiate degree, as one is not issued automatically. You can ask the persons responsible for research education at your department, or the administrative staff, about applying for the degree.

The Licentiate should not be confused with a half-time evaluation, or half-time seminar, which some programmes have. Such half-time controls are not degrees. They can be part of the educational goals and should be included in the Individual Study Plan.