Individual Study Plan (ISP)

What the ISP is and why it is important

An Individual Study Plan (ISP) is a central document for all doctoral students at KTH and is regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance. The ISP is based on the current subject syllabus and is adapted to the doctoral student’s specific research project.

The ISP is one of the doctoral student’s most important tools for ensuring the quality of the education. It clarifies the commitments of both the doctoral student and the School, and includes a timetable for the programme. The plan describes rights, obligations, and performance requirements, and serves as both support and a basis for dialogue between the doctoral student and the supervisors. The ISP is detailed for the coming year and less specific for the later stages of the programme, which facilitates the annual follow-up of studies.

How to complete and update the ISP

After admission of the doctoral student, the principal supervisor is responsible for preparing the ISP in consultation with the doctoral student. The plan shall include:

• Course planning and research activities

• A timetable for implementation

• Specific goals and deliverables for the doctoral project

• Agreements on supervision and other resources

• Allocation of responsibilities between the principal supervisor and co-supervisors

The principal supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the ISP is followed up at least once per year and updated as necessary. All supervisors shall take into account factors that may affect their availability to the doctoral student. The doctoral student, supervisor, or Director of Third-Cycle Education may also initiate a review at any time during the year.

Approval process and timelines

The ISP is an administrative decision that must be approved by the Director of Third-Cycle Education at the School. The annual follow-up ensures that KTH’s commitments are fulfilled and that the programme’s timeline and objectives can be implemented at an appropriate pace. The duration of studies may only be extended if special circumstances apply. The responsibilities and duties of co-supervisors must be clearly stated in the ISP.

Links to templates and systems

To facilitate work with the ISP, KTH uses the system eISP. Templates and instructions for completing and updating your plan are available here:

• eISP – KTH’s system for Individual Study Plans

• Templates and examples of ISPs can be accessed via the School’s doctoral education webpage.