Education minister Rianne Letschert wants to introduce doctorates for people who carry out research at hbo colleges, which are known abroad as universities of applied science.
She plans to introduce a new academic title – Professional Doctor or PD – for research students who have already obtained a master’s degree. While university doctorates are based on theoretical research, the hbo doctorates will focus on practical applications, often in conjunction with industry.
The minister also plans to introduce a new title – Engineering Doctor or EngD – for technological design researchers. Dutch universities already offer EngD programmes but they do not currently carry a title.
The two titles have not yet been officially recognised, and Letschert said she is currently working on how they would be implemented. The PD title would take four years, in the same way as a traditional PhD, while the EngD title could be earned after two years.
“Applied research is of great value in solving social problems, and can be put into practice straight away,” the minister said. “It is important to value such research.”
If the plan is approved in both houses of parliament, the first research posts could become available in the 2027-28 academic year.
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