The Dean may transfer a student from a research-based master’s program to the direct PhD track, provided that the following conditions are met:
The following guidelines for applying to the Direct PhD Track:
1. The student has an approved research topic, and a permanent advisor has been appointed.
2. The student has demonstrated talent and achievements that justify transfer to the direct track.
3. The graduate studies committee of the academic unit is convinced that the student is suitable for doctoral studies and that the research topic can be expanded to the scope required for a doctoral dissertation.
4. The committee has recommended the transfer to the Dean, accompanied by:
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- The advisor’s evaluation
- An evaluation from an additional recommender
- A concise summary of the master’s research completed to date
- And the proposed doctoral research plan
The Dean of the School requests that particular emphasis be placed on the letters of recommendation. In the recommendation letter, the advisor should specify whether the student has demonstrated, throughout the course of their research, the aptitude and achievements that justify such a transfer.
In addition, the Departmental Committee for Research Students/ Vice dean of Graduate Studies must provide written confirmation that the student is suitable for doctoral studies and that the research topic of the student’s master’s thesis can be expanded to the scope required for a doctoral dissertation.
After the transfer was approved by the Dean
- The student status will be change to that of a Doctoral student
- A student transferring to the Direct PhD Track will be awarded the “Master of Science” degree upon fulfilling the requirements for the master’s degree during the course of the doctoral studies, after successfully passing the candidacy examination and completing the required master’s degree credits.
- Failure to pass the candidacy examination will result in the student’s return to their previous Master status.
- Following approval of the application by the Dean of the Graduate School, the candidate must submit a research proposal to the Graduate School within 6 or maximum 24 months from the beginning of the master’s studies and take the candidacy examination one month after submitting the proposal.