China's education authorities are to carry out a nationwide review of doctoral studies in order to improve post-graduate education.

The survey, launched by the Academic Degree Committee of the State Council, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Personnel, requires all institutions of higher learning to submit appraisal reports before Nov. 30.

A Ministry of Education notice says this will help acquire a full picture of doctorate education so authorities can analyse factors affecting its quality, and summarize the advantages and shortcomings.

The notice requires all education organizations to review doctoral theses, question tutors, doctoral students and administrative staff, and finally submit a quality analysis.

All the statistics and reports will be submitted to the Graduate School of Education of Peking University.

The number of Chinese students seeking doctorates was 208,000 in 2006, compared with 67,300 in 2000.

However, some experts claim the rise has led to a decline in quality.

(Xinhua News Agency October 9, 2007)