The Ph.D. program for master’s degree holders at the Department of English Language and Literature is designed to prepare students for independent work as scholars, critics of literature and as competent and objective academics in the advanced study of literatures in English. The normal duration of the program is 3 academic years consisting of 6 semesters. The program which is based on a master’s degree in a relevant field requires the successful completion of 180 ECTS with 60 ECTS course work and 120 ECTS thesis work. One ECTS is equal to 25.5 hours of student workload per semester . The course plan must consist of at least 7 courses with 21 local credits (equivalent to 60 ECTS). The institute may require the prospective students to take additional courses upon the request of the program director if the educational background of the applicant is not seen appropriate to follow the normal program.