Half term exam (HTE)

All PhD students in IOB must complete an examination at the mid-point of their PhD studies, to mark their progression toward an independent researcher. The mid-point of PhD studies is defined as two full years of research study, at which point the student should have completed 20 HP of course work. The student should also have produced a substantial body of research and demonstrated the ability to interpret and present their work in the form of a seminar and a thesis, the latter including at least one publication-quality manuscript or published paper or, if appropriate, an abbreviated monograph.

The mid-point examination can take the form of either a formal licentiate or a more informal half-term exam (HTE). The main difference between the two is that the HTE thesis is not published, and completing the HTE does not confer a formal qualification. In all other ways, the rules for the HTE follow those of the licentiate as defined by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (Annex 2, Third Cycle Qualifications, pages 91-92). Specifically, both the HTE and licentiate require that the student has completed 50% of their course work, prepared a written thesis, and presented their work in a public seminar attended by an external examiner and examination committee.