Some Facts About Graduate Studies in Hacettepe University
Institutional Environment
How is doctoral education organised in Hacettepe University?
Hacettepe University has eleven faculties: Communications, Dentistry, Economics and Business Administration, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Law, Letters, Science, Medicine and Pharmacy. Doctoral education is organised on the graduate school model. There are five independent Graduate Schools (i.e., Institutes) authorized to award doctoral degrees at Hacettepe University. Three main graduate schools are Health Sciences, Pure & Applied Sciences, and Social Sciences & Humanities cover the general science, education, and arts fields. In addition, there are two other Graduate Schools devoted to studies of special interests: Atatürk and the Turkish Revolution Studies Institute and the Population Studies Institute. In the Turkish university system, graduate schools are organized on main study themes rather than on faculty-based programs. Therefore, one Graduate School is usually responsible for the administration of doctoral programs affiliated with more than one faculty. For example, the Graduate School for Health Sciences runs more than 80 programs derived from 3 faculties, 6 vocational schools and 4 research institutes. President of the University (i.e., Rector) appoints the Graduate School Directors for a renewable three-year term.
What are the degrees offered?
Degrees awarded by Hacettepe University: PhD, Medical speciality diploma and Proficiency in Art. The Ministry of Health have established medical speciality programs that are administered by the Faculty of Medicine. Medical specialties are considered equivalent of PhD degrees. Recently, a dual degree MD-PhD program has been started. Students are now allowed to enter PhD programs in participating basic medical sciences after finishing the first 4 years of medical education, before obtaining their MD degrees. PhD degrees awarded by the dual program are the same as their parent PhD programs. Details of the program can be found at
In fine and performing arts a special degree named "Proficiency in Art" has been introduced following the university reform in the 1980's. This is basically equivalent of PhD degree.
Is there any code of practice for doctoral studies?
The University has a "Code of Practice for Graduate Studies" which has been adopted by the University Senate. The code of practice is based on a general framework set by the Higher Education Council. A Turkish version can be found at
How does the University define the requirements for the doctorate in terms of entry standards?
In accordance with the national framework for graduate studies defining minimum entry standards, minimum requirements for applicants are determined with a regulation by the University Senate. Departments can also ask additional requirements with the approval of the graduate schools within the general framework. Admission to Doctoral programs is based on a three step evaluation which takes into account applicants' previous GPAs, LES (a nationwide graduate studies entrance exam administered by Higher Education Council, equivalent of GRE) or GRE or GMAT exam scores, foreign language proficiency levels and the results of interviews by the departments. The minimum LES score determined by the Senate has a weight of 50% in overall evaluation. GPA and interviews contribute 20% and 30% respectively. All graduate students must submit a certificate of foreign language proficiency before their comprehensive exams, in order to continue PhD thesis work. The University Senate determines what minimum scores should be attained in a number of standard language tests (e.g., TOEFL, KPDS, IELT).
What is expected from doctoral candidates?
Qualities of a model graduate student during the coursework period include:
positive commitment in departmental duties and courses;
good standing in courses (Passing note is B1 or 3.00/4.00 in credit courses)
assiduity;
regular attendance and adequate preparation for classes, tutorials or seminars and active contribution to their programme of study; (80 percent attendance is compulsory for all students of the University unless they have valid reasons such as illness or other reasonable excuses preventing their attendance.)
abiding by the rules and procedures of the university;
responsible behaviour towards his/her peers and tutors/faculty
integrity (scientific/moral)
During PhD thesis work a model graduate student should also be able:
to discuss in depth research issues with his/her supervisor and with others, such as members of the "thesis steering committee";
to develop necessary skills (generic and specific) to conduct research in his/her field;
to report regularly the progression of his/her PhD thesis work as described in the code of practice;
to keep accurate and updated records of his/her research;
to learn how to use appropriate materials and to work in the facilities in a responsible and safe manner;
to communicate using correct IT tools;
to comply with the rules stated in the PhD thesis preparation code;
to maintain high standards of academic conduct.
What are the responsibilities of doctoral supervisors?
At the start of the program of study, a tutor is assigned to each candidate to provide guidance and help during the course taking period. When the students complete the course and credit requirements, they take a comprehensive exam. Following the successful completion of this exam and with the recommendation of department head and the approval of the Graduate School Board, a thesis (dissertation) supervisor is assigned to the candidate. The supervisor can also be changed in certain circumstances with a written request from the student with the approval of the department head and the Graduate School Board. The supervisor has to be a member of academic staff holding a PhD degree and having expertise in the research area of the candidate or a related area of study. The supervisor or tutor provides a personal link between the student and the department and graduate school. The main roles of supervisors and tutors are as follows:
To provide guidance and support for the candidates during the research subject determination and the research proposal process;
To provide support and advice about their studies and to give them an opportunity to discuss their academic progress;
To set out a timetable to meet with the student on a regular basis;
To evaluate the candidate's study on a semester basis and report it to the graduate school;
To offer guidance if they have any problems affecting their studies (e.g. illness).
What are the standards of a PhD thesis?
The purpose of a doctoral study is to acquire necessary skills to embark on an independent scientific research activity, to research scientific issues in depth and to reach new creative or higher levels in scientific understanding. A PhD thesis should have at least one of the following specifications:
Introducing an innovation in a scientific/scholarly field;
Development of a new scientific/scholarly method;
Application of a known method to a new field or to a new situation.
How the thesis is examined?
Coursework and credit requirements Initially students have to attend certain required and elective courses and gain a minimum number of credits in the subject area. Graduate courses are organized on a 14 week semester basis. Depending on educational background of the candidates, they can be required to take some preparatory courses before starting main subject courses. They have to attend regularly and prepare adequately for classes or seminars and to contribute actively to their programme of study. During the coursework period that lasts 4 semesters, students are usually required to take mid-term exams and/or hand-in homework assignments. In addition, at the end of the semester there is either a final exam and/or a small project for overall course evaluation. The course instructor may give various assignments to students such as a written paper, seminar preparation and presentation, some theoretical and practical word depending on the subject areas instead of examinations. The instructor gives the final grade by taking into account mid-term and final exam results, evaluations of assignments, portfolios, class participation and contribution, and attendance records. The students must attain a minimum 75 out of 100 (B1) from their studies. When a student successfully completes the coursework period, s/he has to pass a comprehensive exam (i.e., Doctoral Qualifying Exam - DQE) to pursue PhD thesis work. Generally, one semester is allocated to students for exam preparations. Candidates' names are submitted to the Graduate School that is responsible for the formation of a panel of five faculty members for the administration of the exam. Although departments are free to choose the exam method, usually DQE's consist of oral, practical and written phases to evaluate students' skills and knowledge in the subject area. The panel gives its final decision by voting. The decision is sent to the Graduate School in written report format within the next three days at the latest. A "thesis steering committee" is appointed on the recommendation of the department and approval of the executive body of the graduate school within one month following the DQE. The committee consists of three faculty members including the supervisor. The thesis steering committee is responsible for the proper implementation of the thesis proposal. The candidate prepares a research proposal with the guidance of her /his supervisor within six months, presents, and defends the proposal orally to the committee. The committee evaluates the proposal in terms of subject matter, methodology, authenticity, availability of research sources/material,etc. The committee has to send interim reports at six month intervals about the progression of the thesis work to the Graduate School. The Graduate School Executive Body examines the reports and decides whether the progress is sufficient or not. If the student is not successful for two semesters (one after the other or any three semesters) s/he is dismissed from the program. Submission of the Dissertation and Defence of the Thesis Students are required to submit their dissertation in the format specified by the Hacettepe University senate and to defend the thesis orally before an examining panel. The Graduate School Administrative Board, upon the recommendation of the department, appoints the members of the examining panel. The panel consists of five members, three of which will be the members of the student's dissertation steering committee, and at least one member from a different university. Following the thesis defence, the panel decides by absolute majority whether or not to accept, reject, or require revision of the dissertation. A student whose thesis is rejected by the examining panel will be dismissed from the program.
How is doctoral education organised in Hacettepe University?
