The final stage of the PhD Program is to produce a dissertation based on original research. An exceptional dissertation doesn't happen overnight, the process begins early in the first year in the theories and methodologies for Indigenous Studies course where students begin to explore relevant source materials and examine various methodologies used in the discipline. Students build on this work in the second year in the dissertation proposal course where they create the first draft of a dissertation proposal.
An important component of this process is to begin working with a dissertation supervisor in the first year so work done in courses is relevant for the dissertation proposal which is normally completed by the start of the third academic year. Candidates work very closely in the second year with their supervisor to develop and implement a high quality research plan that can be completed within the time frame of the program. Once candidates have defended a proposal and cleared the ethics process, they move on to the research and writing stage. Once a draft is completed the dissertation is then circulated to a committee for review. Once the committee has signed off on the draft, a dissertation defence is then scheduled.