- After the end of the 2nd semester and the beginning of the 3rd semester, students must choose a thesis theme and a supervisor.

- The elaboration and (20 ECTS) and defense of the thesis project (20 ECTS) will take place during the 3rd and 4th semesters respectively, with the support of a research and debate seminar in each semester, summing a total of 20 ECTS. This seminar aims at introducing students to the most recent research and taking place in Portugal and abroad within the field of American Studies, thus strengthening the theoretical and methodological framework which will support the thesis projects, as well as preparing students for group discussion.

- The thesis project will be defended before the Programme's Supervision Panel, on the 4th semester.

- If the Programme's Supervision Panel approves the project, this will be followed by the thesis elaboration, to be delivered until the end of the 8th semester.

- If the project is not approved, there will be a deadline for reformulation, after which there will be a new evaluation. If it is again rejected, the student will be excluded from the programme.

- The following 2 years will focus on research and thesis elaboration, corresponding to a total of 80 ECTS, which will be accompanied by a pluriannual seminar for thesis supervision (40 ECTS).

- Seminar sessions of the 1st year will take place mostly on daytime, but there may be also evening classes. They will take place preferably on Friday.

- In order to obtain the PhD degree, students must achieve a total of 40 ECTS, by successfully fulfilling the curricular units (160 ECTS) and elaborating the thesis (80 ECTS).

FLUC/CES Doctoral Programs are ruled by the Academic Regulations of the University of Coimbra.