Cotutelle Model

Cotutelles

A Cotutelle (also known as a dual or double degree) allows a doctoral researcher to be jointly enrolled at Warwick and another higher education institution. The student is supervised by academics at both institutions, spends time studying at each, and, on successful completion, receives a doctoral award recognising their studies at both.

Each Cotutelle is a bespoke arrangement for an individual student, formalised through an agreement between the two institutions. Unlike a joint PhD, which establishes an ongoing programme between universities, a Cotutelle applies to a single student. Cotutelles are most commonly established with international partner institutions, although UK-based arrangements may be possible in exceptional circumstances. They can also provide a foundation for future joint PhD programmes.

Cotutelle Proposal Form:

Please click here to complete and submit the Cotutelle Proposal Form.

Steps to arrange a Cotutelle:

Departmental discussion
The proposed Cotutelle is discussed within the department, normally between the supervisor and the Director of Graduate Studies (or another senior member of staff).
Departmental approval and proposal submission
If the department supports the proposal, the supervisor completes the Cotutelle Proposal Form. Proposals should support departmental research and partnership objectives.
Institutional consideration
The proposal is considered by the Cotutelle Panel, which determines whether the University will support the proposed arrangement.
Discussion with the Doctoral College
If the proposal is approved, the supervisor contacts the Doctoral College to discuss the negotiation process and requirements for a Cotutelle agreement.
Departmental authorisation
The Head of Department completes and signs the required FP11 form.
Agreement drafting and negotiation
The Doctoral College coordinates the development of the agreement, working with the University's Legal Services team and the partner institution. Negotiating a Cotutelle agreement can take several months.
Approval and signature
Once agreed, the Cotutelle agreement is signed by the appropriate institutional signatories and the student.
Implementation
Once the agreement is fully executed, responsibility passes to the department and student, who follow the usual processes for enrolment and ongoing study.

Establishing a Cotutelle agreement can be a complex and time-consuming process and should only be pursued where there is a clear strategic benefit to the department or University. Timescales vary considerably, as negotiations can be affected by institutional, legal and regulatory requirements. While a Cotutelle may be established within six months, the process can take significantly longer and, in some cases, several years.

Less formal collaborative arrangements, such as visiting studentships, may be more appropriate and can often achieve similar outcomes with greater efficiency.

Key constituents of a Cotutelle:

Admission	Students have to meet our normal admissions criteria (including English language) and follow the normal application process. The Cotutelle agreement is supplementary to their status as a student of Warwick.
Fees	The student should only have to pay one set of fees, ideally to their home university. For students coming to Warwick under a Cotutelle agreement we need a decision from the department regarding a fee waiver, scholarship to cover the fees, or other option.
Duration	Warwick PhDs are four years, but this isn’t necessarily the case with non-UK institutions, so this needs to be addressed. Students must spend a minimum of one year at each institution (in a single or multiple blocks).
Supervision	The student is jointly supervised throughout the duration of their PhD. The two institutions will have to work out responsibilities around progression. All Warwick monitoring points need to be met.
Examination	The requirements for examining theses vary by country – public v. private defence, possible outcomes of the examination, constitution of the examining panel. These need to be agreed together with the preferred language (if applicable). Occasionally there is a mismatch between the word limit requirements which should be factored into the agreement.
Certification	The student receives an award from both institutions. It is helpful to agree up front on whether this will be two separate certificates or a single joint one.

Please contact the Head of the Doctoral College for further information.

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