The British literature and culture subprogramme structure follows the general pattern of two years' course work plus two years of research and writing. In the course work period, except for two "technical" courses (Presentation skills; Review Writing) Ph.D. students in the English literature and culture subprogramme are free to choose the courses from anything on offer within and even beyond the reach of the doctoral school. This policy helps them to make an individual selection of courses that is most advantageous for them in preparing for their dissertation.
The second two years are dedicated to research and writing.
The progress of the students are measured by several exams and defenses: the topic presentation at the end of the 2nd semester, the complex exam (which includes the hypothesis defense) at the end of the 4th semester, and two chapter defenses in the last two years - all four being preconditions for the "abszolutórium" (certificate of completion of doctoral course work).