Course structure
Course Structure
Information about the course structure
Information about the course structure for students who started their studies in 2019 or before
In order to fulfil the requirements for obtaining the PhD degree, candidates have to complete their coursework, do independent research, publish their work, take the comprehensive doctoral examination, and write and defend their dissertation (within the framework of an in-house defence first and an official defence after the final submission). This page provides information on the structure of the courses to be taken and scheduling the courses and research activities.
Course Structure
The Doctoral Training consists of the completion of 240 credits made up of the required coursework (120 credits) and of being engaged in research work and teaching courses in tertiary education (120 credits). The coursework consists of 12 courses to be taken in semesters 1-4. Seven compulsory and five elective courses have to be completed. The compulsory courses are as follows:
Focus on language pedagogy and English applied linguistics 1.
Focus on language pedagogy and English applied linguistics 2.
Research design and statistics in language pedagogy and applied linguistics
Research Seminars 1-4
Scheduling the courses and research activities
A typical schedule of course and research work leading to the completion of the PhD might look as follows:
Educational and research module
| Semesters | Courses |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 |
|
| Semester 2 |
|
| Semester 3 |
|
| Semester 4 |
|
Research and dissertation module
| Semesters | Courses |
|---|---|
| Semester 5 |
|
| Semester 6 |
|
| Semester 7 |
|
| Semester 8 |
|
Please note that in order to have a valid semester, students on a scholarship must have a minimum of 20 credits.
Working with a supervisor
Programme participants are required to be engaged in guided individual research throughout their studies. With no more classes to take, the focus of semesters 5–8 is working on one's dissertation research. Guidance is provided by the supervisor throughout the training, and tutorial seminars (aka individual consultations, BTKD-NY-NPAN-13-16) are offered for structured and regular consultation. Tutorial Seminars involve regular meetings with the PhD supervisor leading to the completion of the dissertation. A minimum of four consultations must be held (in person or online) in order to qualify for the 10 credits.
A supervisor is sought for by the applicants during their application process to the PhD programme and is assigned to all admitted participants – based on their mutual agreement – on beginning the programme. However, if the programme participant wishes to engage in a different topic than the one indicated in their application to the programme, or if any difficulties arise, it is possible to request a new supervisor. It is also possible to have two supervisors (i.e., co-supervision) if the topic or method of research requires so. Supervisors can be chosen from the list of accredited consultants of the Doctoral School. The Programme Director or the Director of Studies can give advice on choosing and contacting supervisors. Both the old and new supervisor have to be involved in the process of changing supervisors and they have to endorse the request. Requests have to be submitted to the Programme Director.
The supervisor is responsible for overseeing their student's research. Consultations can happen face to face or online. In working with the supervisor it is important to understand that while the supervisor provides help in designing the research both as far as research methods, content and the writing up go, they must make sure that the dissertation is the student's own work, and it is not their responsibility to proofread the dissertation for language use either. It is always the student's responsibility to seek assistance and supervision by making appointments for personal consultation or by initiating online contact.