Redefining Ph.D. Education in Iran: a Systematic Review of Literature

Reviewing the scientific literature concerning the analysis of different aspects of PhD education systems can help improve the knowledge promotion system in Iran. Different PhD training models around the world and their advantages and disadvantages have been investigated. The study explored the published papers using a systematic approach. Promotion plans in other countries were also investigated. Main databanks between 1998 and 2008 were systematically reviewed using ten standard and sensitive keywords. In the next step, the contents of eligible papers were analyzed and classified. Thirty-two eligible papers were included in the final analysis. The main themes in these papers were about the student admission, supervision of PhD students and evaluation methods. In addition, these papers discussed how universities might improve the links between their PhD students and the community and industry. Moreover, we found information about the variety of training method between different countries, the trends in the number of PhD students and their age, sex and ethnic compositions. Major challenges for Ph.D education include: discipline, law and order in Ph.D programs, quality of supervision, completion time, drop-out rates, increasing number of students, preparation for employment, labor market qualifications and skills, cost of education, inter- university student exchange programs and foreign students admission. Based on our findings, we need to pay more attention to diversify PhD training schemes particularly research-based PhD and professional PhD and to provide PhD education systems appropriate to the present and future needs of our society.