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The programme duration is 5 years and has two phases: coursework and thesis research.
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The first phase covers the first two years and includes the following components: (a) coursework (b) independent study (c) a summer research project at the end of the first academic year. Successful completion of the first phase requires passing the Comprehensive Examination (written and viva) at the end of the second academic year.
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The student then begins the second phase focused on the dissertation research. The dissertation work which takes roughly three years has milestones such as formation of Dissertation Advisory Committee, Dissertation Proposal Defense, Dissertation Submission, Dissertation Evaluation, and Public Defense of Dissertation.
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Doctoral students also work as a Research Assistants (RA) and Teaching Assistants (TA) periodically during various stages of the Doctoral Programme.
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Students are expected to graduate at the convocation at the end of their fifth year in the programme.
| Year |
Milestones |
| Year 1 |
Complete coursework (core and elective), complete independent study and research credits, summer research project |
| Year 2 |
Complete coursework (core and elective), complete independent study and research credits, |
| Year 3 |
Complete comprehensive exam in Term 1, form DAC by end of Term 2, continue dissertation work, undertake Teaching Assistantship |
| Year 4 |
Complete proposal defense by Term 2, continue dissertation work, continue Teaching Assistantship |
| Year 5 |
Submit Draft Dissertation by the end of Term 1, Submit dissertation to external examiners by end of Term 2, defend dissertation by end of Term 3. |