How long is the Ph.D. program?
The program can be completed in five to six years, though some students may choose to spend more time researching and writing their dissertation. All full-time students begin their studies with four years of Scholastic Residence (SR) during which they normally complete their course work and most of their degree requirements. Following Scholastic Residence, all full-time students progress to Advanced Residence (AR), the stage in which students complete their degree requirements, including writing the dissertation. For a full description of the program requirements, please click here.
Time to degree in interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in the humanities and social sciences varies but is rarely less than 5 and often more than 7 years. If a student makes the most efficient progress through the program, the required courses and qualifying examination leading to advancement to candidacy could take 3 academic years. Thereafter, dissertation research and writing could take from one year (that would be unusually swift) to any number of further years (usually 2-4). Check the UCD Graduate Studies website for further information on “normative time.
