Graduating around the globe
SUSANNE LAJOIE & PHIL WINNE
Canada
Completing a PhD in Canada typically takes 3-5 years depending on a few factors. For example, a student beginning a PhD with a master’s degree in Learning Sciences or a similar field can shorten the time to complete a program because they likely have completed some theory-based seminars and quantitative courses required in the core PhD program. Usually, the PhD is lighter on coursework than a master’s program and emphasizes more about research. PhD students commonly engage in research at the outset by collaborating with their faculty
supervisor(s) and members of research teams. PhD students are encouraged to develop research proposals for external funding early in their program to gain extra financial resources to accomplish their dissertation goals. Supervisors also encourage students to submit papers to conferences and for publication. There are 5 major parts to the PhD program: courses, comprehensive examination, doctoral proposal, dissertation, and doctoral defence.
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