Qualifying Examination for PhD Students：为博士生资格考试.docVIP

PAGE PAGE 4 Updated August 2006 Qualifying Examination for PhD Students Admitted into the Department of Psychology from Academic Year 2004-2005 Introduction All graduate research students admitted from academic year 2004-2005 come under the new framework for graduate studies. Under the new structure, the Qualifying Examination (QE) of PhD students comprises: A comprehensive examination; and An oral defence of the PhD thesis proposal (about 30-50 pages) The comprehensive examinations (CE) test the general competence of the candidate in his/her discipline(s) or field(s), whereas the oral defence of the PhD thesis proposal ensures that the candidate is prepared to embark on his/her thesis research. The details of these QE components are set out in the following sections. The QE should be taken before the end of the second year of the PhD candidature. A second attempt may be taken no later than 6 months after the first, failed attempt. If the second attempt also ends in failure, a recommendation will be made to the Board of Graduate Studies to terminate the student’s candidature. The QE will be examined by the Thesis Committee which should consist of three experts (one of which being the candidate’s supervisor). All examiners must be available to conduct the examinations. Comprehensive Examinations (CE) Rationale and Aims A PhD graduate in Psychology would be expected to have in-depth knowledge of his/her chosen thesis research topic, and in addition to demonstrate competence in the broader research areas that relate to the thesis topic as well as the general sub-field of psychology that includes his/her thesis research topic. As a guideline, “broader research areas that relate to the thesis topic” refers to the narrower and more specialized research focus that is closely related to the thesis (e.g., cardiovascular, cognitive-behavioural therapy, working memory, group behaviour) whereas “sub-field of psychology” refers to the general subject area of the PhD thesis