An individual study plan, usually referred as ISP, is a document established by the PhD student and supervisor, as regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance. In other words, ISP is an agreement between the doctoral student and the supervisor concerning the content of the research studies and how they are to be pursued.
The individual study plan is
It is a fundamental document for any PhD student, unfortunately most of us do not realize its importance until later in the PhD program. All PhD students must have a documented study plan during the PhD program and keep it up to date. The Swedish Government made this mandatory for all the students as a means of monitoring the development of the individual PhD study.
<aside> 👉 The principal supervisor is responsible for working jointly with the doctoral student to draw up an individual study plan within maximum three months of the start of studies, and for submitting this study plan to the Director of Studies and examiner.
</aside>
<aside> 👉 The principal supervisor is responsible for revising the individual study plan together with the doctoral student at least once a year.
</aside>
<aside> 👉 The Director of Studies is responsible for ensuring that the individual study plan is reviewed at a follow-up meeting at least once a year.
</aside>
<aside> 💡 The doctoral student, Director of Studies and the doctoral student’s principal supervisor and examiner shall all take part in the follow-up meetings.
</aside>
Read more about the importance of individual study plan here: