This a research degree requiring approximately four years of study. The number of courses prescribed depends on the student's background in relation to the chosen field of study. The research and thesis will normally take up at least two thirds of the student's full-time study requirements. All doctoral students are required to take a two-part comprehensive examination within the first eighteen months of the program.

Admission Requirement

A Master’s degree is normally required for admission to the Ph.D. program although in certain circumstances direct admission to the Ph.D. program is possible.

Mini-Master's Examination

A student registered in the M.Sc. program in DBMS with an excellent academic record and exceptional ability to perform research, may be accelerated into a Ph.D. program upon recommendation of the Biomedical and Molecular Sciences program and following submission and defense of a 'mini-master's' thesis. This is an abbreviated write-up of the candidate's research carried out to date as well as a general plan to complete the Ph.D. research. It is recommended that a 'mini-master's' should be considered in the first 1.5 years of the program for students performing at excellent levels.