A three-phase trajectory
The requirements for the PhD degree in IDSR are the following:
1. Foundations
1a) Three mandatory core courses:
- First-year: IDSR 6010H, IDSR 6020H;
- Second-year: IDSR 6060H.
1b) Two elective 0.5 courses at the 5000 or 6000 level, usually drawn from the Trent University graduate calendar, including but not limited to IDSR 6030H, 6040H, and 6050H. The elective courses must be approved by the student’s supervisor and the Program Director, and must consist of:
- 0.5 credit advanced theory and concepts elective (to advance theoretical and conceptual understandings developed in IDSR-6010H);
- 0.5 credit advanced research methods elective (to advance research methods knowledge and competencies developed in IDSR-6020H).
1c) Formalizing the Supervisory Committee and submission of a Learning Plan approved by Committee members and Supervisor.
2. Qualifying Exam
2a) Development of a three-part Qualifying Examination Dossier (QED) in consultation with the supervisor with the following three components:
- Interdisciplinary Scholarship: a 7000-8000 word synthesis relevant to the proposed dissertation research, including tables and references;
- Research Into Action: an application, translation, and/or accessible communication of relevant scholarship or a plan to translate dissertation research to relevant public audiences/ stakeholders;
- Dissertation Proposal: a 10,000-13,000 word research design, including tables, instruments and tools, and references.
2b) A successfully completed oral QED defence with the Supervisory Committee and the Program Director (IDSR 6100H).
3. Research
- Apply for approval from the Research Ethics Board;
- Implement the approved research proposal as outlined in the QED;
- Write and defend a dissertation that contributes to knowledge across two or more social science or professional disciplines;
- Give a 30-minute public talk on their dissertation research within two months prior to their scheduled dissertation defence (arranged with the IDSR Program Office).
The expected time of completion of the degree is four years for full-time (and up to eight years for part-time) students. The degree is granted once the IDSR Program confirms that all requirements have been met and the dissertation is formally approved by the School of Graduate Studies.