IS PhD Programme structure

Programme structure

The MPhil/PhD programme aims to produce high quality research in the social study of information and communication technologies.

All students are expected to attend the IS554 PhD Seminar Series and present at least once a year.

In addition, all first year students would normally be expected to take the following courses:

Foundations of Social Research in Information Systems: Paradigms and Traditions (H)
2. IS493	Qualitative Research Methods in Information Systems (H)
3. IS481	Interpretations of Information (H)
4.	A half unit module from DOM or another Department, subject to approval from the student's class supervisor and the Research Chair. The option would normally be an advanced level class postgraduate module in an area that would contribute to their understanding or approach to their thesis topic. Methodological Training: The required methodological training is provided in the first year of study. Progress Reviews and Upgrading to PhD: During the programme students are required to pass an MPhil/PhD upgrade examination. This involves a presentation at the IS554 Seminar series, submission of a research proposal for formal assessment by the faculty, response document to assessor feedback followed by an oral exam in the early Michaelmas term of year two, attended by a panel of faculty members and an external moderator. Students would normally be required to pass all four of their first year courses with Merit in order to be upgraded. Targets for Progress: Year 1 –Upgrade, pass with Merit IS492, IS493, IS481 and optional module Year 2 - Presenting at IS554 Year 3 - Presenting at IS554/Submission of draft chapters Targets for Completion: The School's policy is that PhDs should be completed within a 3-4 year timescale. page last updated 05 February, 2010