PHD TRAINING AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN KHERSON UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze trends and effectiveness of the training of PhD at higher education institutionsin Kherson during the period of martial law. To achieve the set goal, theoretical sources and regulatory documents were analyzed, and descriptive and statistical methods, as well as generalization, were applied. The analysis is based on datafrom the NAQA.svr Information System regarding 5 higher education institutions in Kherson.Results. The risks caused by wartime circumstances that may adversely affect the mastery of the educationaland scientific program and the preparation of a qualitative study are outlined, and attention is paid to regulatorychanges that have made adjustments to the formation and implementation of the individual plan of applicantsfor the PhD degree. The number of dissertations submitted for defense at higher education institutionsin Kherson by year and specialty is determined. It was found that from 2022 to the first half of 2025, 47one-time specialized academic councils were established. It is noteworthy that the number of defenses isincreasing annually, which indicates adaptation to current conditions and is also due to the possibilityof PhD students of previous years returning to defend their dissertations and compliance by applicants withthe current requirements for graduation by public dissertation defense. During the outlined period, among the16 specialties, the largest number of defenses held and planned were in specialties 011 Educational, PedagogicalSciences (7 defenses), 201 Agronomy (6 defenses), 053 Psychology, and 122 Computer Sciences (4 defenseseach). A trend towards an increase in the number of one-time specialized academic councils with three officialopponents was identified. In total, during the analyzed period, councils with two official opponents accountedfor 74.5%, and with three, 25.5%.Conclusions. At higher education institutions of Kherson, the training of applicants for the third (educationaland research) level of higher education continues and is yielding results, despite the risks and challengescaused by the conditions of martial law. Gradual adaptation to current circumstances and new requirementshas resulted in an annual increase in PhD dissertation defenses. Among the main issues that require furtherattention are PhD training under current educational and scientific programs, in which no defenses took placeduring the study period, and the formation of one-time specialized academic councils by current requirements.