Actually, there have been a reform of the doctoral studies in France, which means that the old system with two different kinds of doctorates (thesis (min 5 years)+state doctorate (as long as you can or will, but almost never less than 7 years)) is now existing under this new mode: Doctorate (min. 3 years/max 7 years if you're teaching/working) and what is called habilitation, which allows you to become research advisor/director (5/7years). ...Which means that I'm in my last year, anyway or anyhow!
Bertrand > No there are most certainly no Phd programs that take two years (most take between 5 and 10 years) - what might be a confusion is that you can complete most if not all of your course work in about two years but then you have a year to study and take > your general exams and two to three years to do your research and write the dissertation, and this is for the US system - Bertrand, didn't you tell me that in France it can take up to 15 years to complete a Phd, with all of its teaching > requirements? > > Owen >
