Doctoral schools (ED) are accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, following evaluation by the Haut conseil de l'évaluation de la recherche et de l'enseignement supérieur(Hcéres). They bring together research units and teams from one or more higher education and research establishments, recognized following evaluation by Hcéres or other bodies.

Aix-Marseille Université (AMU)'s EDs have their own internal regulations defining their role, missions and operations. Each ED is headed by a director (and may include a deputy director), assisted by an ED assistant and an ED council.