The PhD programme is research training for those who plan a career in higher education or research. In recent years, industry has shown increased interest in specialists with a PhD degree.

The programme comprises organized training and research work that:
- combines training and experience in scientific work and method
- has an international focus
- is an integrated part of research activity in each discipline
- provides a basis for senior positions in industry, administration, higher education and research

The PhD thesis work at the faculty will normally be focused on areas covered by departmental R&D. Potential PhD candidates should therefore contact one of the departments directly.

The admission criteria to the PhD programme state that ”Applicants must have a strong academic grounding from earlier studies and have a grade point average of B or higher in relation to NTNU's grading system during the past two academic years (equivalent to 120 credits)”. See Section 5 of PhD Regulations at NTNU.

There are no fixed application deadlines for these programmes.

The faculty offers doctoral degree programmes :

• PhD programme in biology
• PhD programme in biotechnology
• PhD programme in biophysics
• PhD programme in physics
• PhD programme in chemistry
• PhD programme in chemical process technology
• PhD programme in materials technology

Nominal length of study for a full-time PhD degree is 3 years. Any required duties come in addition.

Funding for PhD degrees. There is a variety of possibilities including scholarships at NTNU, the Research Council of Norway, and industry, in addition to other sources of funding. Each disciplinary group at the faculty can provide details.