Last year, the issue of transitioning doctoral education, which is the third stage of higher education, to a single-stage model was discussed in the Milli Majlis. During the discussions, it was stated that this model is significant in terms of adapting to international practice and increasing the efficiency of scientific research. However, no concrete information has been disclosed yet regarding when and on what mechanisms these changes will be implemented.
Has the implementation date for the decision to transition the doctoral education stage to a single-stage model been determined? What amendments are planned in the legislation for the implementation of these changes?
Commenting on the topic to AzEdu.az, Elnara Akimova, a member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, noted that the discussions held last year in the Milli Majlis regarding the transition of doctoral education, which is the third stage of higher education, to a single-stage model, generated significant interest in the scientific community:
"During these discussions, it was emphasized that the existing two-stage system – the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Sciences degrees – is primarily a structure inherited from the Soviet era and does not fully meet the requirements of the modern international academic environment. The transition to a single-stage model, however, has been assessed as an important step in terms of organizing doctoral education in a more flexible, research-oriented, and internationally compliant manner. Nevertheless, no official decision or precise roadmap has been announced yet regarding when and on what mechanisms these changes will be specifically implemented.
At the current stage, the implementation date for the transition of doctoral education to a single-stage model has not been determined. Although the issue has been discussed at a conceptual level, from a legal perspective, it is necessary to fully establish the regulatory framework for the implementation of this reform. This primarily requires making appropriate amendments to the “Law on Education,” as well as other normative acts regulating higher education and the awarding of scientific degrees.
Provisions in the legislation regarding the structure, duration, content of doctoral studies, the procedure for awarding scientific degrees, and the future status of existing scientific degrees must be revised. In particular, the fate of the Doctor of Sciences degree, the rights of current doctoral students during the transition period, and adaptation mechanisms to the new system must be clearly defined. Without the adoption of these changes by the Milli Majlis and the approval of relevant implementation mechanisms, it is not possible for the reform to proceed to the practical stage".
"One of the main goals during the implementation of the new model is to enhance the quality of scientific research and strengthen the international recognition of the Azerbaijani PhD degree," the deputy added:
"Within the framework of the single-stage doctoral model, research activity should be placed at the center of the educational process; the doctoral student's scientific work should be systematically planned from the initial stage of education and accompanied by phased evaluation mechanisms. The strengthening of the scientific supervision institution, increasing the relevance and practical significance of dissertation topics, as well as the development of doctoral students' methodological and academic writing skills, are of particular importance in this regard.
Ensuring international recognition is directly linked to the adaptation of doctoral programs to the requirements of the European Higher Education Area, the strengthening of quality assurance mechanisms, and the increase in the visibility of scientific results in the international academic environment. Publications in internationally indexed journals, collaborative research with foreign scientific centers, and the participation of doctoral students in international scientific conferences and programs should be considered as key components of the new model. This approach will both elevate the level of scientific research and facilitate the recognition of the Azerbaijani PhD degree abroad.
Although the idea of transitioning doctoral education to a single-stage model is considered a strategically important and necessary reform, there is currently no concrete date for the implementation of this decision. For the successful implementation of the process, the improvement of the legislative framework, the formation of institutional mechanisms, and the establishment of a quality assurance system in line with international standards will play a decisive role. Once these issues are fully resolved, the doctoral reforms can be expected to move to the practical stage, and clearer perspectives for the academic environment can emerge".
