The PhD program in the School of Computing is entirely research-based, is typically completed within four years and is fully funded (i.e., students receive financial support and avoid accruing student debt).
Admission
Applicants should normally have completed an M.Sc. in Computing Science or a closely related field at an established university. They are admitted in accordance with the general regulations of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. Candidates normally enter the program at the beginning of the Fall term (September).
Students who are interested in pursuing a part-time Ph.D. should contact the School for further details.
Ph.D. Program Summary
Candidates pass through six stages of activity:
- finding a supervisor
- organizing a supervisory committee
- completing the breadth requirement
- completing the topic proposal
- completing the comprehensive exam
- working on their research and writing their thesis
Note: students admitted prior to September 2013 may complete the research proposal and depth requirement rather than a topic proposal and comprehensive exam.
Ph.D. Requirements
There are four formal requirements imposed by the School:
- a breadth requirement, which can be met through a combination of graduate courses, an MSc thesis, and work experience;
- a six-page topic proposal;
- a comprehensive examination, which includes a written research proposal and an oral defense; and
- a Ph.D. thesis.
Candidates who fail to complete any requirement within the time limit specified will be required to withdraw from the program. The Ph.D. program committee may approve extensions to time limits, subject to the rules of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, and will normally do so for part-time and inactive students.
Management of the Ph.D. Program
The Ph.D. program is managed by the Ph.D. program committee who are responsible for:
- maintaining consistency in the requirements for individual candidates;
- approving the candidate's progress through various milestones;
- handling disputes that may arise; and
- acting as chairs and examiners when needed.
The Ph.D. program committee is appointed by the School Director and reports annually to the Director on the progress of each Ph.D. student.
Ph.D. Thesis
A thesis presenting original research is submitted for approval by a thesis examining committee. The research described in the thesis should constitute a significant contribution to knowledge in an area of Computing Science. It must be original and of such quality as to warrant its publication in a recognized journal.
Candidates should consult the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs' Calendar for university regulations regarding Ph.D. theses. The thesis is examined in accordance with the general rules of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Requirement to Withdraw
Any of the following are grounds for requiring a candidate to withdraw. The list is illustrative rather than exhaustive.
- inadequate performance in a token;
- failure to have a research proposal approved within three years; and
- an unsatisfactory rating by the supervisory committee in two regular reviews.