The PhD in comparative literature is 240 ECTS and takes four years based on full-time study. If a doctoral student studies part time, the programme may take up to six years. If the programme is not completed in the specified time-frame, a doctoral student may apply to the postgraduate study committee for an extension. Should such an extension be granted, this may be done on the condition that the doctoral student meet current requirements for doctoral study, despite having commenced the programme whilst other regulation applied. A doctoral committee is appointed, comprising the supervisor and two tenured instructors or recognised experts in the field. Members of the doctoral committee must have a PhD or equivalent. Doctoral students are guaranteed regular access to their supervisors. They shall be encouraged and supported to apply for grants from research funds. The postgraduate study committee may require a PhD student to complete certain courses in order to strengthen their foundational knowledge, for example Master's studies in English at the University of Iceland or a foreign university. The student's supervisor then proposes a plan for that part of the programme and presents it to the postgraduate study committee. No later than by the end of the first semester, the PhD student must present a precise plan regarding the research topic and speed of progression. Ideally, the student should take part of his studies abroad (attending courses, working meetings, symposiums, conferences) in consultation with the supervisor. A study plan shall be devised in consultation with the supervisor, to be approved by the postgraduate study committee. The PhD student shall also submit a prospectus for the planned research project to the postgraduate study committee and defend it in a seminar. The prospectus must outline the subject area, the questions which will be addressed, and the research methodology. A draft bibliography shall accompany the prospectus. At the end of the third and fifth semesters, the supervisor shall submit a progress report on the PhD programme to the postgraduate study committee. The progress report shall be discussed in a meeting with the student. If the student is not progressing as planned and there is no reasonable explanation, the postgraduate study committee may deregister the student from the programme. The student will then need to register again. If the supervisor's contribution is inadequate, the postgraduate study committee will speak to the supervisor. Efforts will be made to offer PhD students the opportunity to teach at the University of Iceland. They will be offered research and work facilities. PhD students shall actively participate in the academic community they have joined. They shall attend regular seminars in order to present their research projects to teaching staff and other postgraduates. PhD students shall have the option of attending academic conferences and presenting their projects there. Efforts will be made to acquire scholarships for PhD students. PhD students shall conclude their research by writing a thesis, a maximum of 75,000 words. A doctoral thesis must consist of research into a specific, coherent subject area, which is explored thoroughly using recognised academic methodology. Conclusions must be presented in a clear and accessible manner. A basic principle of scholarship is respect for sources and PhD students must cite their sources, without exception. Citations and the bibliography must comply with recognised rules. Doctoral theses must be defended before an audience. The theses shall be well publicised, published and made accessible to the international academic community. A doctorate in comparative literature, awarded on completion of a doctoral programme in accordance with this Regulation, confers the academic title of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD).

• CV
• Statement of purpose
• Research proposal
• Reference 1, Name and email
• Reference 2, Name and email
• Supervisor/supervising teacher at the University of Iceland
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts

• Proof of English proficiency

Further information on supporting documents can be found here.