Doctoral research represents a unique, individual contribution to a discipline, so each student’s work is different. It provides an opportunity for you to chase ideas, seek new knowledge and turn your ideas into reality.

A doctoral candidate must complete a prescribed set of courses before proceeding to the Doctoral Qualifying Examination (QE). The QE comprises a comprehensive written examination (CQE) followed by an Oral Qualifying Examination (OQE) of the PhD thesis proposal. The CQE is to test the general competence of the candidate in his/her discipline(s), while the OQE ensures that the candidate is prepared to embark on his/her thesis research. The QE should usually be taken 18 to 24 months from the start of the doctoral candidature. The research work, which forms the largest single component, culminate in a thesis that will be examined both orally and in writing. Click here for programme structure.