A Comprehensive Guide to Doctoral Research Committees (DRCs) and Research Degree Committees (RDCs)

An important part of a PhD scholar’s journey is the Doctoral Research Committee (DRC), also known as the Research Degree Committee (RDC). This committee is responsible for evaluating research proposals, assisting researchers throughout their studies, and ensuring academic quality. At various points during the PhD process, universities hold DRC/RDC meetings to evaluate progress and provide feedback.

1. The Significance of DRC/RDC

The Doctoral Research Committee (DRC) or Research Degree Committee (RDC) is a team of experts who play a crucial role in a scholar’s research journey. Their primary responsibilities include:

  • Approval of the Research Proposal: The committee reviews and approves the PhD research proposal before the candidate begins working on their thesis.
  • Mentorship: They provide guidance and support at every stage of the research process.
  • Progress Evaluation: They assess the research progress at various stages of the PhD.
  • Quality Control: The committee ensures the quality and originality of the research.
  • Recommendations for Improvement: They offer suggestions for refining and enhancing the research.

2. The Approval Process for DRC/RDC

The process of getting approval for a research project includes the following stages:

a) Submission of Research Proposals

  • The candidate submits a detailed research proposal to the DRC/RDC.
  • The proposal includes the research objectives, methodology, literature review, and expected outcomes.

b) Presenting the Research Proposal

  • The candidate presents their research proposal to the DRC/RDC.
  • The committee provides feedback, asks questions, and may suggest revisions to improve the proposal.

c) Approval or Revision of Proposal

  • If the proposal meets the committee’s standards, it is approved.
  • If revisions are needed, the scholar is asked to modify the proposal and resubmit it.

3. Progress Reports & DRC/RDC Meetings

PhD candidates are required to regularly update the DRC/RDC on their research progress through meetings and reports.

a) Submission of Progress Reports

  • Candidates submit periodic reports that outline their research progress.
  • These reports include tasks completed, challenges faced, and future research plans.

b) Research Review Meetings

  • The candidate attends meetings where they present their progress.
  • The DRC/RDC provides constructive feedback and recommendations for improvement.

c) Acceptance of Pre-Thesis Submission

  • Once significant progress has been made, the candidate submits a pre-thesis for review.
  • The committee evaluates the work and provides feedback before moving on to the final thesis phase.

4. Submission of the Final Thesis and Approval of the Viva

The final stages of the PhD process require DRC/RDC involvement:

a) Submission of Pre-Thesis

  • The candidate submits a draft of the thesis for preliminary evaluation.
  • The committee assesses the thesis for originality, quality, and compliance with university guidelines.

b) Submission of the Final Thesis and Approval of the Viva-Voce

  • After making necessary revisions, the candidate submits the completed thesis.
  • Upon approval, the DRC/RDC grants permission for the candidate to attend the viva-voce (final defense).

5. DRC/RDC’s Role in Maintaining Research Quality

The DRC/RDC ensures the following:

  • Ethical Standards: The research adheres to ethical guidelines, and plagiarism is avoided.
  • Scientific Rigor: The methodology and data analysis are scientifically sound.
  • Contribution to Knowledge: The research makes a significant contribution to the field.
  • Academic Standards: The thesis meets the university’s academic requirements and is well-organized.

6. Finalization & Next Steps

Once the final thesis and viva-voce are approved, the DRC/RDC recommends the candidate for the award of the PhD degree. This marks the successful completion of the PhD process.