Complete a PhD
208 weeks · 0 milestones
Earn a Doctor of Philosophy from an accredited institution through original research. Degree conferral letter as proof.
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Milestone map
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Current milestone
Pass your PhD confirmation review
9–15 months (first-year confirmation typical timeline)
A PhD is structured around milestones that confirm research viability and academic readiness. The confirmation of candidature (or transfer viva, upgrade, or first-year review — terminology varies by institution) is the first formal gate. It requires: a detailed research proposal (10–20 pages), a literature review demonstrating command of the field, a preliminary methodology, a feasibility argument for completing the research in the programme's time frame, and an oral examination with an independent panel. Prepare a 15-page confirmation document and complete your institution's confirmation review.
Proof required
Submit your confirmation document (title page and introduction only — full document is confidential) and your written feedback from the confirmation review panel, confirming you have passed with the panel's recommendations for development.
What gets checked
- Confirmation panel included at least one assessor external to your supervisory team — this is the standard for independent review.
- Panel feedback is written and specific — not a verbal 'you passed' but a document with recommendations.
- Research question is specific enough to be completable in the programme's time frame — a question requiring 20 years of longitudinal data is not a viable PhD question.
Complete data collection and produce a chapter
Submit thesis and pass viva voce
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