4TU.Ethics Graduate School Exemption Policy
Updated in March 2026
The 4TU.Ethics Graduate School recognizes that due to various circumstances, a PhD candidate might not be able to complete both CC1 and CC2 as is required for the 4TU.Ethics Graduate School Programme. While we hope that both courses can be followed, we wish to have some leniency for reasons of equity and hence have formulated this exemption policy.
A student not able to follow either CC1 or CC2 can send a letter (or email) to the Graduate School Director and the 4TU Coordinator explaining the circumstances. The letter or email should include the approval of their PhD supervisor or promotor for the request. It is preferable to ask for an exemption as soon as it becomes clear that it may be required.
Grounds for approval will include travel and time limitations due to family or other serious commitments, or illness and medical conditions. The request should not contain private information but rather generally explain the circumstances and indicate what other course will be followed within 4TU or OZSW offerings to make up for the missed core course.
For CC1, exemptions based on prior knowledge or other courses taken will not be granted. In consultation with the MT and course coordinators, we have agreed that revisiting certain readings together with peers is a reasonable expectation for a PhD level programme.