The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at EIU-Paris is a research-intensive programme aimed at developing original contributions to knowledge. Unlike practitioner’s doctorates, which emphasize the application of knowledge in professional practice, the PhD is focused on theoretical inquiry, academic scholarship, and advancement of research within a specific discipline.
Module 1: RBL810 – Research Methodology: Quantitative and Qualitative Analyses (30 ECTS)
Credits: 30 ECTS
This foundational module equips PhD candidates with comprehensive research design and methodological skills essential for conducting rigorous academic research. It covers both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, including data collection techniques, advanced statistical and thematic analysis, research ethics, and scholarly research design.
The module culminates in the submission and defense of a detailed doctoral research proposal, which must be formally approved before proceeding to the full thesis phase. Upon approval, a doctoral research supervisor will be assigned to provide ongoing guidance throughout the research journey.
Module 2: RBL820 – Scholarly Conference / Seminar I (15 ECTS)
Credits: 15 ECTS
As part of the scholarly engagement component, PhD candidates are required to attend and/or present at a national or international academic conference, seminar, or workshop relevant to their field of research.
This module fosters engagement with the global academic community, encourages peer feedback, and supports the development of research dissemination skills.
Submission Requirements:
Following participation, candidates must submit a comprehensive report, including:
• Event details (name, date, organizer, and location).
• Summary of key insights and discussions.
• Reflection on how the event contributes to the candidate’s research and academic development.
• Proof of participation (certificate, program agenda, or presentation materials, if applicable).
Module 3: RBL830 – Scholarly Conference / Seminar II (15 ECTS)
Credits: 15 ECTS
Building on the previous module, candidates are required to attend or present at a second academic event. This experience enhances scholarly networking, fosters collaboration opportunities, and supports refinement of research in progress.
Submission Requirements:
A detailed report must be submitted post-event, including:
• Event details and organizers.
• Key takeaways and relevance to ongoing doctoral research.
• Documentation of participation.
Module 4: VIVA920 – Viva Voce (Oral Defense) (30 ECTS)
Credits: 30 ECTS
The Viva Voce is the formal oral examination of the PhD thesis. Candidates will defend their research before a panel of international academic experts.
The defense focuses on:
• Justifying research design and methodology.
• Presenting and defending key findings.
• Demonstrating theoretical contributions to the academic field.
• Responding to expert critique and questions.
Module 5: DSSR980 – Doctoral Thesis (150 ECTS)
Credits: 150 ECTS
The doctoral thesis represents an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s chosen discipline. It must demonstrate:
• A rigorous theoretical framework.
• Substantive research findings supported by empirical or conceptual analysis.
• Scholarly rigor and adherence to international academic standards.
The thesis should:
• Be a minimum of 60,000 words.
• Demonstrate original research, contributing new insights to the field.
• Be suitable for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals or equivalent scholarly outlets.
The thesis will undergo a formal review by the academic committee before the final viva voce defense and approval for graduation.
• The PhD emphasizes academic research and theoretical contributions to knowledge.
• Practitioner’s doctorates (DBA, DMan, EdD, PsyD) focus on applied research, seeking to address real-world challenges through practice-based inquiry.
