Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme at Institut Brittany d’Enseignement Supérieur (IBES), France is a premier research degree designed to develop advanced intellectual, methodological, and analytical capabilities. Aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF Level 8), it equips scholars to conduct high-level independent research and produce original contributions to their fields. The curriculum is grounded in structured doctoral training supported by expert-led supervision, with candidates receiving systematic guidance in mastering the core pillars of advanced research: problem conceptualization, methodological rigor, and original contribution.
Award to be Conferred
Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Single Award by Institut Brittany d’Enseignement Supérieur (IBES), France (Cycle 3). The programme is also accredited by Qualiopi and BAC, ensuring global recognition. The degree is awarded only after a minimum of 36 months from commencement.
Programme Aims
The programme aims to:
* Advance frontier-level disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge, enabling candidates to engage critically with complex issues and generate original insights within their field.
* Develop rigorous research capability, including mastery of advanced methodologies, analytical techniques, and scholarly reasoning appropriate for doctoral-level inquiry.
* Foster critical and innovative thinking to address real-world challenges within the relevant research domains, integrating both theoretical insight and applied problem-solving where relevant.
* Strengthen ethical, responsible, and reflexive research practice.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
K1: Demonstrate systematic, comprehensive, and frontier-level understanding of their field of study, including theoretical foundations, research debates, and emerging developments.
K2: Critically evaluate, integrate, and extend knowledge across disciplinary and methodological boundaries to advance conceptual and theoretical perspectives.
Skills:
S1: Design, implement, and justify rigorous and innovative research methodologies, selecting appropriate qualitative, quantitative, mixed, digital, or experimental approaches.
S2: Conduct advanced data analysis, interpretation, and synthesis, producing valid, reliable, and original findings that contribute new knowledge.
S3: Communicate complex research ideas effectively through scholarly writing, publications, oral defense, and professional dissemination.
S4: Apply critical problem-solving and analytical skills to address complex, unpredictable, and emerging challenges within their research area.
Autonomy & Responsibility:
A1: Demonstrate full autonomy and responsibility in planning, managing, and executing a substantial programme of research, meeting doctoral standards of originality and rigor.
R1: Operate with high levels of research integrity, ethical sensitivity, and professional responsibility.
R2: Provide academic or professional leadership within their field.
R3: Reflect critically on the societal, professional, and global implications of their research.
Assessments
Formative Assessment: The three preparatory modules (Advanced Research Methodology, Undertaking and Writing a Critical Literature Review, Academic Research Writing) are not assessed.
Summative Assessment:
Thesis Proposal: Submission of a full doctoral thesis proposal (5,000-6,000 words) followed by an oral confirmation panel.
Thesis: Submission of a thesis between 60,000 to 70,000 words, which constitutes 100% of the total marks.
Journal Article: Submission of at least one publishable journal article (7,000-8,000 words) based on the completed thesis.
Oral Defense (Viva Voce): Mandatory oral defense where the candidate presents and defends their research before an examination panel.
Referrals and Failure: Candidates who fail the thesis may be permitted to resubmit (one resit only) within 2 months. Failure to submit on time may result in a zero mark.
Entry Requirements
General Criteria: Evidence suggesting the applicant will be able to fulfil and benefit from the programme’s objectives.
Academic: A Master’s degree (EQF Level 7 or equivalent) in a relevant field.
English Language Proficiency (for non-native speakers or those without a degree taught in English):
CEFR Level: Minimum C1 (Advanced) overall.
IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0, with no component below 6.5.
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 95 (with writing ≥24).
Alternative: Evidence of a prior degree taught in English (subject to institutional approval).
APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)**: Where previous experience in research is deemed satisfactory, the prescribed period of study may be reduced.
Advanced Standing/Exemptions/Credits Transfer (APL)
The document mentions APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) as a criterion for admission, but does not specify advanced standing, exemptions, or credit transfer policies for this programme.
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in three stages, totaling 180 ECTS:
Stage 1: Research Preparation (30 ECTS)**: 6 months, 750 notional hours. Includes three modules: Advanced Research Methodology, Undertaking and Writing a Critical Literature Review, and Academic Research Writing. This stage culminates in the submission and oral confirmation of the thesis proposal.
Stage 2: Thesis Research & Writing (140 ECTS): 30 months, 3,500 notional hours. Involves advanced literature review, fieldwork/data collection, data analysis, thesis writing, and dissemination (including a publishable journal article).
Stage 3: Submission & Oral Defense (10 ECTS): 6 months, 250 notional hours. Involves the submission of the final thesis and the viva voce examination.
The minimum duration for completion is 36 months, with a maximum of 60 months.
Mode of Delivery
The programme is delivered fully online or through blended learning.
Notional Hours
The total notional hours for the programme are 4,500 hours, broken down as follows:
Stage 1 (Research Preparation): 750 hours
Stage 2 (Thesis Research & Writing): 3,500 hours
Stage 3 (Submission & Oral Defense): 250 hours
