Phase I – Preparation (if necessary, maximum 1 year)

Qualifying courses in the specialization (preparatory or introductory courses)

Phase II – Specialization (maximum 2 years)

1. Minimum course work of 7 PhD seminars
2. Comprehensive exam

Course work includes the following requirements:

Specialization seminars

Minimum 4 seminars

Or any other equivalent seminar offered by the joint program

Pedagogy seminar

1 seminar

Or any other equivalent seminar offered by the joint program

Responsible conduct of research seminar

1 seminar (uncredited compulsory)

Elective seminars

PhD seminars offered by the joint program or in other universities in accordance with the research interest of the student.

Phase III – Dissertation

1. Public presentation of the dissertation proposal
2. Writing of the dissertation
3. Defence

Phases II and III supervisory committees

The student is supervised by two committees. The Phase II committee validates the student’s coursework, supervises the scientific paper, if required, and administers the comprehensive exam. The Phase III committee (or dissertation committee) supervises the student’s dissertation research work.

These committees generally include at least three professors from the four universities participating in the joint program.