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:

Compulsory seminar

2 seminars

Block 1: Maximum 1 seminar

Block 2: Minimum 1 seminar

Pedagogy seminar

1 seminar

Or any other equivalent seminar offered by the joint program

Responsible conduct of research workshop

Uncredited compulsory

Elective seminars

Any course relevant for your research plan and approved by the Phase II committee.

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.