KARACHI: The University of Karachi and the Higher Education Commission appear to have sorted out the issues related to the MPhil-leading-to-PhD programme during a recent meeting. The meeting of the university`s Board of Advanced Studies and Research with an HEC delegation was chaired by the KU vice chancellor.

According to a KU press release issued on Wednesday, it has been agreed that those students, who were enrolled in the MPhil-leading-to-PhD programme up to year 2015 andhave already converted their studies into PhD phase, would continue their education with the same indigenous programme and their degrees would be verified by the HEC.

For this `they have to fulfil the HEC criteria for submitting relevant documents,` it said.

It was also decided that students,whowereenrolled in the MPhil-leading-toPhD programme up to year 2015 but have not yet converted their studies into the PhD phase, could opt for the PhD after they secure minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0, completion of 30 credit hours of course workor 24 credit hours of course work along with six credit hours thesis work or equivalent. In addition, they have to pass subject admission test and complete 18 credit hours of 800-level courses and submit their thesis.

Their PhD degree will be awarded after they fulfil these requirements.

`Students who were enrolled last year and onwards will also be allowed to select an option to convert their degree from MPhil to PhD after receipt of MPhil/ MS/equivalent degree on the above-mentioned requirements. All these decisions were also approved by the HEC competent authority,` the press release said.