All student are required to submit a research proposal as part of their application. This will enable a proper placement within faculty expertise. Each student needs to select his/her Principal Supervisor on application to the programme with the approval by the PhD Programme Director and Dean CIS. It is strongly advised that prospective students get in touch with their prospective supervisor before they submit their application. The Principal Supervisor must be a full-time faculty member from CIS and have prior supervisory experience and research interests that complement the research areas proposed by the candidate. In addition, the student will select a Co-supervisor in discussion with the Principal Supervisor and PhD Programme Director during Year 1. The Co-supervisor will likely be a mid-career or junior CIS faculty member with research interests that complement the research areas proposed by the candidate. The Co-supervisor will take an active part in supervision sessions and supervision support.
Dissertation Committee
Minimum of four members
- Principal Supervisor (Dissertation Chair): Full-time SMU tenure-track faculty from CIS
- Co-supervisor (Co-chair): Full-time SMU faculty from either CIS or another School
- Member: Full-time SMU faculty
- External Member: Faculty from non-CIS School or outside of SMU, including industry professionals holding a PhD degree.