Many universities have recently introduced the lsquo phd by publication rsquo method of obtaining a phd, instead of the more conventional thesis. The availability of this option will vary from place to place, some won rsquo t offer it at all, whilst others may only offer it to staff who have yet to achieve a phd. So just how is a phd by publication awarded? well, it varies from country to country ndash for instance, scandinavian students will more commonly obtain a phd this way, so let rsquo s look specifically at getting a phd by publication in the uk. This method of gaining a phd is relatively new, even though getting published is important and hence, the requirements may vary from place to place. Generally, though, instead of submitting a thesis written specifically during three/four years study with the university, you are instead required to submit a number of published papers. In general, this method of gaining a phd is not offered as an alternative to the standard way ndash it is not aimed at those starting on an academic career.

It is usually offered to academics already in their career who have not yet completed a phd. This is usually confirmed by the fact that many universities require you either to be staff, or to have graduated at least seven years ago to be eligible. So just what sort of publications can be considered? any published book that has been published by a company, not a self published work! is eligible.

2 book chapters chapters written for anthologies or collections of essays are suited to being used in your portfolio. However, they are often not sufficient to stand alone, so you would need other works too. 3 research papers research papers that have been published in journals or other peer reviewed sources. 4 technical reports more for the science side of things ndash published peer reviewed technical reports are eligible. 5 other published media other published media can be included ndash things such as scholarly editions of books, or architectural plans ndash but this will be on a case by case basis. Often, with shorter works, it is necessary to submit multiple pieces ndash often five to seven ndash to complete an entire portfolio. Each of the works featured in the portfolio must be linked in some manner, and they must be consistent in theme.

In addition to the portfolio of published work, the candidate is expected to have a supporting statement. This statement must critically discuss the works featured in the portfolio ndash discussing how they fit together, discussing their methodologies and explaining why they chose these methods, and how they feel it worked. In addition, they must point out their original contribution to scholarship ndash this is one of the most vital parts of getting a phd, regardless of method. You may be asking yourself what role the university would play other than examining the portfolio. In this case, a supervisor will assist with the portfolio, assessing whether the works submitted are cohesive, consistent and most importantly, of a high enough standard to be entered. They will also help with the supporting statement ndash making sure all vital information is included. You will have to be prepared to defend any points made in the supporting statement.

Depending on how long ago works were published there is a time limit on when they are eligible you may want to re read them and ensure you are familiar both with your own work and the source material it draws on. In one sense, this may be more difficult than getting a phd in the conventional manner as the work is not as recent, but it may also be easier in that it has already been peer reviewed and you will be aware of many possible questions and arguments. Getting a phd in this manner is not without difficulty, no matter how good the publications while the submission of the portfolio and the oral examination may seem alright, the problem arises with finding a suitable place to apply. Due to the restrictions ndash some universities only opening to staff or alumni ndash you will be limited in options, and from those options, it may be more difficult than normal to find a supervisor. That said, for those who have been in academia for a while without a phd, it may be well worth your time ndash take a look at our blog on the pros and cons of a phd.

Reliable Sources for Research Papers

The award allows people who have not followed the traditional academic route towards a phd to obtain academic recognition for having undertaken and produced research, and developed their research skills and subject knowledge to doctoral level. This may include people entering higher education in mid career, especially in practice based disciplines. Critically investigated your area of research and made an independent and original contribution to knowledge. You might also be interested in downloading the regulations for the award of research degrees pdf.

phds by publication

introduction

relatively recently, many uk universities have introduced a new mode for awarding a phd by publication. The idea is, that a researcher who has published at least as much as would go in a conventional phd should be able to apply for the award of a phd. I have recently january 2003 acted as external examiner for two of these at two different universities, and naturally have also looked at my own university's regulations on this.