Upgrade to PhD from Masters ("Fast-track" to PhD)

1.  It is expected that such transfers will occur only when the student and referees can make a strong case that the student: a) is highly motivated to complete a PhD; b) has a very strong academic record; c) has proposed a project that is appropriately scoped for a PhD thesis.

2.  Students must have completed all course requirements, as well as the Master’s thesis proposal.

3.  It is expected that students wishing to upgrade, initiate the process in the third term, so that the upgrade is approved for the start of their fourth term.

4.  Students who transfer from a Master’s to a Doctoral program are eligible for financial support for 15 consecutive full-time terms of registration. This usually breaks down into 1 year (3 terms) at the master’s level and 4 years (12 terms) at the doctoral level. Therefore, to be within this funding window, a transfer should take place after the student has completed three terms of full-time registration in the Master’s program. Any transfer after year 1 would have financial implications.  For details, see the SGPS funding model (Section 5.03 Program Duration and Eligibility for Financial Support: https://grad.uwo.ca/resources/regulations/5.html).

5.  Students are required to take a minimum of two courses at the PhD level. 

6.  Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the faculty members of the Graduate Affairs Committee.

7.  All regulations of the PhD program will apply immediately upon transfer. Students must sit the Comprehensive and Proposal Examination within two terms of the transfer to the PhD.

8.  Requests for transfer will only be considered if they are supported by the student’s Advisory Committee.

9.  If the request is unsuccessful, the student continues to complete the Master's program.

1.  The process may be initiated by the student or supervisor.  The student must consult with their Masters Advisory Committee.

2.  The student writes to the Graduate Chair requesting the transfer, ensuring that the following documentation is sent to the Graduate Administrator:

• A letter from the student confirming the basis for the request and including a statement providing permission for the Graduate Advisory Committee to see the student's file including transcript.
• A minimum of two letters from the Advisory Committee - one from the supervisor(s) and one from another member - explaining in detail the reasons for supporting the request, including discussion and assessment of the proposed research.
• A short (5-10 pages) draft PhD thesis proposal. A key consideration is whether the proposed research is likely to be of sufficient scope and quality to meet the PhD requirements.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Any other information that may assist the Graduate Affairs Committee in making their decision. The application for transfer is reviewed, and approved or rejected, by the faculty members of the Graduate Affairs Committee. The Associate Vice-Provost in SGPS makes the final approval. The Committee may meet with the student and the Advisory Committee prior to making their decision.

3.  The application for transfer is reviewed, and approved or rejected, by the faculty members of the Graduate Affairs Committee. The Associate Vice-Provost in SGPS makes the final approval. The Committee may meet with the student and the Advisory Committee prior to making their decision.

4.  The Graduate Chair informs the student in writing of the decision, with copies to the Advisory Committee. GAC may make recommendations about next steps in the candidate's program (e.g., extra course work).  A successful request is forwarded by the Graduate Chair for approval by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

If, coursework or milestones in the program cannot be adequately completed (e.g., comprehensive exam) or the Supervisor and/ or Thesis Supervisory Committee recommend it, an upgraded student may request to 'down grade' from their PhD studies, to the Master's program.  The student must still meet the requirements of the Master's degree.