UNIVERSITY ROAD

PHD Route (According to St Andrews University)



A typical PhD might progress as follows: 

Year One. Time is spent on in depth research into your chosen field of study. By the end of the year you will have completed at least one chapter of your thesis, participated in the annual postgraduate conference and study day, drafted a full plan for your thesis (chapter breakdown) and worked out your timetable for completion. This is a good year in which to hone language skills, and perhaps to take extended research trips overseas (including in the past, trips by former students to Hong Kong, Russia, Turkey, South Korea, etc). 
 
Year Two. Written at least two or three further chapters. Gained experience as a seminar tutor throughout the year. Participated in, and perhaps organised, the annual postgraduate conference and study days. Written book reviews. Delivered conference papers at other institutions, either nationally or internationally.

Year Three. Completed your first full draft of the thesis. Consolidated your teaching experience as a seminar tutor, perhaps also delivering some lectures. Participated in, and perhaps organised, the annual postgraduate conference and study days. Worked up a draft of a journal article for submission to a reputable refereed journal. Delivered conference papers at other institutions.

Year Four (writing up year). Completed and submitted final draft of thesis. Delivered full length, one hour paper on your research as part of the Centre for Film Studies Seminar Series. Continued work on publications, conferences and even applications for funding, as you enter the job market.