DOCTORAL PROGRAM

FIELDS OF STUDY

Doctoral study programs aim to advance original academic research and to make a substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge in at least one (1) scientific field. These programs lead to the award of a doctoral degree upon the completion and successful defense of a doctoral thesis. They include the mandatory completion of a doctoral thesis in the following fields of study covered by the two Divisions of the Department of English Language and Literature:

• Linguistics: Research conducted in all areas of linguistics, including both theoretical and applied linguistics, as well as translation, with emphasis on topics related to the English language. Doctoral theses are expected to demonstrate a solid empirical and theoretical foundation and to be grounded in contemporary methodological approaches. Conducting doctoral research in Linguistics requires postgraduate-level knowledge (MA/MSc) in relevant academic fields.
• Anglophone literature and culture: This field includes the study and research of anglophone literature and culture, as well as the critical discourse embedded in anglophone literary texts and cultural practices. Doctoral research may combine traditional and contemporary literary and cultural theories to explore these fields. Postgraduate-level knowledge (MA/MSc) in relevant academic fields is required.
• The Department offers the opportunity for interdisciplinary research that draws upon both major fields of study, as well as related disciplines, provided that at least part of the doctoral thesis topic falls within the academic interests of the members of the Department.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, or Master of Science) awarded by a recognised university in Greece or abroad, or an integrated postgraduate-level qualification in the specialization of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, Translation, Anglophone Literature and Culture or other closely related academic disciplines. Preference is given to applicants whose research interests fall within the fields of study supported by the academic Division relevant to their chosen specialization.

Prospective applicants are required to consult the Department’s website before submitting their application, in order to ensure that the topic of their proposed doctoral thesis aligns with the academic interests of the Department members. Depending on the specific field of the proposed thesis, applicants must ensure that there are Department members with relevant expertise who are willing and able to supervise the proposed thesis. 

The requirements, terms, deadlines and procedures for application submission and the selection of PhD candidates, along with any additional obligations, conditions, deliverables and time limits for the completion of doctoral theses, are clearly specified in the relevant calls for applications and official announcements.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS AND APPLICANT SELECTION PROCESS

The application period for undertaking a doctoral thesis is announced each year in the Call for Doctoral Studies, issued each February. Calls for applications are posted on the Department and University websites. Applicants are given a two-month deadline to submit their application file, including all supporting documents (as outlined below).

Applicants may be admitted to the Doctoral Program provided they hold at least one postgraduate degree (MA/MSc) in a field relevant to their proposed doctoral research, awarded by a recognised higher education institution in Greece or abroad.

Required Documents

• Completed application form (available at: www.enl.uoa.gr/didaktorikes_spoydes/proypotheseis_symmetochis/), which includes the following:
  • Proposed title of the doctoral thesis,
  • Short research proposal (500–800 words) in English, outlining the topic of the thesis, to be submitted in both print and digital format,
  • Language of the doctoral thesis,
  • Proposed supervisor,
  • Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) - (Refer to https://www.enl.uoa.gr/didaktorikes_spoydes/proypotheseis_symmetochis/).
• The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
  • A clear scanned copy of the postgraduate degree.
  • Scanned copies of other postgraduate degrees in relevant fields (if any).
  • A scanned copy of the Master’s Dissertation (if the Master’s program required it).
  • Transcript of grades of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
  • Official recognition of foreign university degrees by DOATAP (for applicants who hold degrees from foreign universities). If not yet available, recognition will be subject to current national legislation concerning Bachelor’s degree equivalence.
  • Two letters of recommendation using the Department’s official form (https://www.enl.uoa.gr/didaktorikes_spoydes/proypotheseis_symmetochis/))
  • Certification of English Language Competence (Proficient - C2 level) for applicants who do not hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from an English Language and Literature Department in Greece or abroad.
  • Certification of Greek Language Competence for foreign applicants at B2 level.
  • Copies of certificates of other language competence.
  • Evidence of relevant academic or research activity.

If pre-selected, candidates must submit an extended research proposal (2,000-2,500 words in both print and digital format) for the preparation of a doctoral thesis, in English, within twenty (20) days. This must include the following:

• the subject, aim and originality of research.
• the gaps in the relevant scientific field that led to the selection of the topic. 
• the main research hypothesis or research questions. 
• the research methodology. 
• the possible implications of the research. 
• the main bibliography (not included in the 2,000-2,500-word count).

SUPERVISION
Once a doctoral student is admitted into the programme, the Department assigns them an advisory committee consisting of a supervisor and two advisors. Once a year, doctoral students submit a progress report approved by their advisory committee to the Department’s General Assembly.

DURATION OF STUDIES
Doctoral students are required to complete their thesis within a period of 3 years minimum, and 6 years maximum.
Doctoral students are expected to take an active part in the life of the Department and the University at large by presenting their research to other postgraduate students and faculty, offering administrative support when necessary, and delivering talks at symposia and conferences.

VIVA
For the final evaluation of the Ph.D. dissertation, the Department appoints a seven-member examination committee that is responsible for conducting the viva.
The examination committee consists of the advisory committee, as well as four other academics who are specialists in one or more of the areas the dissertation.
Doctoral students defend their thesis publicly. In passing the viva, they are granted the title of Doctor of Philosophy in an open ceremony. If they do not pass, they have an opportunity to revise and resubmit at a predetermined later date.
For further information about the selection process and the PhD program, please consult the PhD Study Guide.