To progress towards degree-granting, students have to:
- Pass each course with at least a B-,
- Complete the course-work requirements (90 ECTS), including retaking any failed discipline core courses in three semesters,
- Submit a research proposal, present it orally, and have it approved before the end of the third semester in the program, and
- Complete and submit the research thesis (30 ECTS) to the thesis committee and defend the thesis before the end of the fourth semester.
Extension of the coursework period beyond three semesters and extension of the enrollment period beyond four semesters shall require approval from the Department, SSH, and NU's graduate committee.