The doctorate at Nantes Université: a programme of excellence, recognised worldwide

  • On 01 March 2026
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As the highest university qualification recognised internationally, the doctorate embodies academic excellence and training through and for research, all in the service of society. At Nantes Université, this programme is celebrated throughout the year with key events aimed at raising awareness and engaging the general public — most notably the My Thesis in 180 Seconds competition and the annual Doctoral Graduation Ceremony. Both occasions offer an opportunity to better understand what a doctorate involves, how it unfolds, and why it represents a genuine driver of scientific, economic, and societal progress.

A qualification of excellence

The highest university degree and internationally recognised, the doctorate is open to graduates holding a master's degree and leads to the title of Doctor (PhD). It is awarded upon completion of three to six years of research, conducted within a laboratory under the supervision of an academic researcher.

At Nantes Université, over 1,000 doctoral candidates embark on this journey each year, and 220 theses are successfully defended, contributing to the production of new knowledge across all disciplines — including science and technology, humanities and social sciences, law, health, literature, and more.
 

A professionally-oriented and recognised programme

As a genuine research-based training experience, the doctorate combines scholarly output with professional development. Doctoral candidates benefit from approximately 150 hours of additional training and hold an employed status, receiving a salary and, in some cases, carrying out their research in partnership with a company or a public organisation.

Upon completing their thesis, doctors go on to pursue varied careers in environments where innovation is essential: academia and research, R&D, human health and social care, manufacturing industries, data and information processing, and beyond.
 

March: A landmark month for doctoral candidates at Nantes Université

The international competition My Thesis in 180 Seconds (MT180) is one of the flagship initiatives led by Nantes Université to spotlight doctoral candidates and their work. The concept is straightforward: present your thesis topic in three minutes, in a clear, engaging, and compelling way, to a non-specialist audience. It is a valuable exercise in scientific communication, allowing early-career researchers to develop their public speaking skills, stage confidence, and ability to make their work accessible to a wider audience.

A highlight of the doctoral community's calendar, March also provides the opportunity to celebrate the 228 newly graduated doctors of 2025 at the annual Doctoral Graduation Ceremony (Monday 16 March 2026, at the Cité des Congrès). Each year, Nantes Université honours the diversity of pathways, the excellence of research, and the richness of scholarly contributions.
Updated on 05 March 2026.