The programme leading to the PhD degree is set up with the purpose of training researchers at an international level in interplay with the international research world and within the framework of the research programme of the School of Conservation.

The PhD programme at the School of Conservation is aimed partly at giving a wide knowledge of scientific theories, methods and auxiliary subjects which form the basis of research into conservation science, partly at developing the student's faculty of cognition and independent treatment of scientific problems.

The PhD degree shall be awarded to the PhD student who has successfully completed a PhD programme and publicly defended a thesis, thereby furthering research at the level equivalent to the international standard for PhD degrees within the subject area.