Doctoral studies

After obtaining a Master’s degree or equivalent, students with an  aptitude for research can enrol in a PhD program at Université Lumière Lyon 2. A PhD program is generally completed over a period of three years or  more, after which PhD students are awarded the title of “Doctor”. 

Before applying, you must :

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent
• Have identified a research laboratory,  or a doctoral school and a thesis supervisor, who will help you identify a research topic and will supervise your work for at least three years.

PhD students enrol in one of the 7 affiliated Doctoral schools, which are approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

Each  doctoral school provides a scientific framework and is dedicated to  supervising and teaching PhD students, who conduct their research work  under the responsibility of their thesis director.

Contact doctorat@univ-lyon2.fr

Key figures 820 doctoral students (2024-2025)

130 thesis defended  (in average, each year)

Students wishing to enroll in a PhD program at the Université Lumière Lyon 2 must contact the Research and Doctoral Schools Department. You can find all the contact details below.
An advisor is at your disposal to help you build your thesis project at our university and find funding.

  Each doctoral school (École Doctorale) defines the prerequisites for doctoral enrolment (e.g. minimum grades obtained in Master 2). The application documents to be submitted and the dates of the commissions that examine candidates' files are also specific to each doctoral school (ED). These details are available on the doctoral school websites. Commissions meet to examine applications between September and November. In some cases, applications may be submitted outside this period, but it is essential to contact the doctoral school to ensure that the application can be examined by a committee. Doctoral candidates can contact the doctoral center administrative staff if they need guidance or advice.