1. Preliminary Discussion

The candidate has a first initial visit or other type of interview (even by means of e-mail) during which an informal discussion takes place, exploring a few basic points:

• general intentions & expectations (of the faculty and the candidate)
• current qualifications
• experience in the specific academic field
• process of studies (this document)

2. Candidate Portfolio

A set of documents must be handed in (or sent by certified mail) which contain the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (2 to 3 pages)
• copy of qualification certificates (only the highest and relevant ones)
• copy of transcripts indicating subjects taken for bachelor and honours)
• description of experience in the academic field (one page max)
• motivation of intention (unstructured one/two page document)

3. Follow-up Discussion

A second meeting will be held when the candidate has supplied these required documents in an organized way in order to finalize acceptance:

• questions about the portfolio if any
• discussion of the motivation of intention (the most important part of preliminary discussions — this may take a while, candidate should be prepared)
• placement in faculty, for qualification/endorsement and study leader

4. Registration

The candidate now officially becomes a Calvary University student for the purpose of a post-graduate qualification: M- or D- (or may not be accepted)

• complete registration forms and pay the $85 registration fee
• receive CU student number (or keeps previous CU number)
• receives invoice for tuition fees and arranges for a payment schedule
• arrangements are made as to where candidate may attend a study group and who will be the academic tutor if the candidate lives far from the study leader (someone with a doctorate or masters to support the candidate in studies and research but who is not the study leader)

5. Research Proposal

A formal document must be compiled in preparation to writing the dissertation (M) or thesis (D) — (in the USA these terms are reversed)

• Motivation for the research study — (the formal format of what was submitted)
• Formulation of the problem — (the background description for the thesis)
• Aims of the research
• The "Thesis" or hypothesis and antithesis (a sentence stating what you want to prove. This is the most difficult part and may change as you do research)
• Scope of: Data sampling or Literature study (what you will include in your research)
• Method of data collection — (this depends on the type of research you will do)
• Methods of research
• Methods of data analysis — (this could include statistical analysis)
• Limitation or delineation of the study (an outline, a planning or descriptive index)
• Collection of information
• Method and terms of reference — (how you will refer to your resources _ citation)
• Terminology — (any specific set of terms you will be using)
• Contents of the dissertation

6. Commencing Research

The candidate now uses scientific sources that are academically acceptable:

• published
• academically criticised and stood the test

7. Required Reading & Oral Examination

The study leader, having insight into the portfolio of the candidates prior learning and life experience, now determines, in the light of the candidates proposal, which books and other documents the candidate must read. An informal oral exam with the study leader or tutor will follow on the reading of these books to ensure the candidates intimate knowledge of them.

• selection of required reading — (dependent on the candidate's selection of the thesis)
• oral exam

8. Writing the Dissertation — Review, Editing

This is the hard, precise and lengthy part of the study   (see Dissertation 1, 2, 3, FAQ, FAQ2)

• writing
• using correct citation to refer to research
• checking grammar
• review by own proofreaders
• editing to improve style
• handing in chapter by chapter for review
• rewriting, editing and re-submission

9. Copies of Proofs for Review to Committee

The dissertation must be given to all the members who will take part in the defence of the thesis. This defence may actually change some aspects of the approach the candidate has taken to prove the thesis. Give copies to:

• the study leader
• members of the Review Committee

10. Defence: Colloquium Doctum — Approval

The duration of this rigorous examination will be determined by the study leader in collaboration with the other committee members. The agenda may vary:

• Introduction of the thesis by the candidate
• Present an article on the outcomes of your research
• The candidate is challenged by the committee members on the findings
• The committee meets in private and grants/refuses approval

11. Final Binding of Thesis Copies

The candidate should make any adjustments needed after the defence in consultation with the study leader. Copies should then be prepared for:

• the CU archive
• the local study group library
• the study leader
• candidate's own copy(ies)

12. Graduation

The certificate of qualification _ admission to status of Master or Doctor of the field _ will be issued and submitted to the candidate without delay by CU. The candidate has the option to attend one of the graduation ceremonies arranged by local study groups on a yearly/semester basis.

Note: This is a guideline only. CU has the right to amend this outline at any time. Each study leader will follow his/her own order or interpret the stages in different ways. The candidate is obliged to follow the directions of the appointed study leader. A study leader may decide wether any of the stages is applicable to a specific student in view of the chosen research question or the candidate's prior experience as documented in the provided portfolio.

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