Timeline for the Doctoral Program
The doctoral program requires a student to spend at least two whole academic years on campus in full-time study, normally those of the first two academic years of the program residence. Here is a typical timetable for students required to complete two years of PhD course work.
Typical two-year PhD Course Work Program
| Year | Months | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | September - May | Course work in progress |
| May | First modern language requirement met by the end of the academic year | |
| Year 2 | September - May | Course work in progress |
| May | Second modern language requirement met by the end of the academic year | |
| Year 3 | September - December | Comprehensive Examinations |
| February | Final version of Thesis Proposal submitted no later than 2 months following successful completion of General Examinations | |
| Years 4 & 5 | All | Thesis Preparation |
A Thesis Advisory Committee Assessment (report) must be submitted each year by May 30 to the Graduate Administrator.
Department policy requires that all the PhD program requirements, with the exception of the thesis, be completed by February of PhD Year 3. Failure to meet these requirements in a timely manner can result in termination of the program. All program requirements for the doctorate, including submission of the thesis, must be completed within five years.
If you have any questions please contact Michael Godwin, Graduate Administrator, at michael.godwin@utoronto.ca.