A three-phase trajectory
The requirements for the PhD degree in IDSR are the following:
1. Foundations phase:
• Three mandatory core courses: IDSR 6010H (A), IDSR 6020H (B), and IDSR 6060H
• Two elective 0.5 courses at the 5000 or 6000 level, usually drawn from the Trent University graduate calendar, including but not limited to IDSR 6030H, 6040H, and 6050H:
A) 0.5 credit advanced theory and concepts elective (advancing theoretical and conceptual understandings developed in IDSR-6010H);
B) 0.5 credit advanced research methods elective (advancing research methods knowledge and competencies developed in IDSR-6020H).
The elective courses must be approved by the student’s Supervisor and Program Director.
2. Qualifying Exam phase (IDSR 6100H)
• Development of a three-part qualifying examination dossier (QED) in consultation with the supervisor with the following three components:
1. Interdisciplinary Scholarship: a 7000-8000 word synthesis relevant to the proposed dissertation research, including tables and references;
2. Research to Action: an application, translation, and/or accessible communication of relevant scholarship or a plan to translate dissertation research to relevant public audiences/ stakeholders;
3. Dissertation Research Proposal: a 10,000-13,000 word research design, including tables, instruments and tools, and references.
The successful completion of an oral QED defence signals the conclusion of the Qualifying Phase.
Students should also seek approval of the Research Ethics Board for their dissertation research. Please see trentu.ca/idsr/experience/resources-current-students for more information.
3. Research phase
• Implementing the approved research proposal;
• Writing and defending a dissertation that contributes to knowledge across two or more social science or professional disciplines;
Students are required to give a 30-minute public talk on their dissertation research within two months prior to their scheduled dissertation defence.
The expected time of completion of the degree is four years for full-time (and up to eight years for part-time) students. The degree is granted once the IDSR Program confirms that all requirements have been met and the dissertation is formally approved by the School of Graduate Studies.