What are the requirements for a Phd. Program?

Answer 1

Admissions requirements:

Normally an applicant should have a masters degree, but some universities accept applicants who have good bachelor's degree (i.e 1st class, or second class upper, or CGPA of 3.75). To be admitted as a PhD student in UK universities, candidates should have some research exposure.

As a PhD student:
In the UK, some universities will initially place students under MPhil program (Master of Philosophy) for a year. If the student demonstrate satisfactory progress (preparing research proposal, presenting reports of prelim. work etc), he/she will be eligible for the proper PhD.

A PhD candidate is required to conduct a research (guided by at least a PhD supervisor). The research report, known as thesis, is the major component of PhD in the UK. The candidate has to demonstrate that his/her research is an original contribution to knowledge. After the completion of the research, the candidate is ready for an oral examination known as "viva" . Normally, the examination is conducted by at least 2 examiners: an external examiner (from another univ), and an internal examiner (from the univ where the candidate is studying). The supervisor is not an examiner though he/she may be present in the examination. If approved by the examiners, the candidate is awarded the degree of PhD. Normally, there would be corrections to the thesis.


In the USA, students are required to follow courses, then sit for exams (known as qualifying or comprehensive). This coursework part will usually take about 2 - 3 years. After passing the exams, the student is admitted as a PhD candidate. The research process as above starts. But in the USA, thesis or dissertation is a partial requirement for PhD. The candidate is guided by a dissertation committee, one of the members will act as the adviser, or chair. The oral examination process varies from univ to univ.; some universities make it "open" i.e other students, faculty members are allowed to attend; some make it "closed", no outsiders (i.e those who are not involved in the candidate's dissertation) are allowed to attend.

Normally, a PhD candidate needs about 3-4 years (some even more) to complete a PhD degree.

Answer 2

It depends on the Ph.D. program, of course, but do you mean what is required to get into a Ph.D. program, or what do you need to do to complete a Ph.D. program?

Answer 3

you have to finish you're bachelor then get
to finish your M.A. to go to get a Phd. program,
Master degree holder must finish their program to get a Ph D. dergree.