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Demystifying Retrospective PhDs by Publication: A Collective Approach

• First Online: 28 September 2022

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• Sally Brown 3  

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The Retrospective PhD by Publication provides an attractive alternative doctoral route for colleagues wishing to gain a PhD through a largely self-directed route, usually by building up a body of publications over a period of time then uniting them through a connecting narrative showing the golden thread that provides the coherence, originality and contribution of the oeuvre in a way that is equivalent to or better than traditional doctoral study approaches. This chapter describes my original, un-funded and creative approach to supporting around a dozen candidates for Retrospective PhD by publication over a nine-year period, informally and collectively alongside my husband (and co-author) Prof Phil Race domestically.

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Sally Brown

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Sin Wang Chong

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Questions used for the informal survey of participants:

What effect did coming for a 24 hour residential reasonably regularly have on your progress towards completion of your PhD?

What impact did it have on you that you were thereby meeting other people all working towards the same goal?

What impact did the weekends have on your motivation, confidence and belief that you could finish the task?

If you have not completed your PhD as a result of the weekends, what reasons would you give (e.g. deciding this was not a course of action you wanted to take right now)?

What has been the impact on you personally of achieving the PhD if indeed you have?

Any other comments on process?

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Brown, S. (2022). Demystifying Retrospective PhDs by Publication: A Collective Approach. In: Chong, S.W., Johnson, N. (eds) Landscapes and Narratives of PhD by Publication. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04895-1_9

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August 20th, 2018

A phd by publication is a great way to build your academic profile, but be mindful of its challenges.

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Peer-reviewed publications are the bread and butter of the academic world. The quantity and quality of papers a researcher publishes can influence job applications, grant applications, performance reviews, and promotions. Unfortunately, the craft of writing academic papers and facilitating their publication is not typically a focus of doctoral education.

To help better prepare candidates for the realities of academia, universities increasingly allow the option to complete a PhD by publication, a model which encourages candidates to publish during their candidature, and to include their publications as, or within, their final submission. Jørgen Carling has previously outlined the benefits of completing the PhD by publication. While we agree there are many advantages to adopting this model, there are also challenges that need to be considered to ensure success.

We understand many of these challenges, having both completed a PhD by publication in the past five years. In our field (education) and location (Australia), the traditional thesis dominates, and while that is slowly changing, we encountered a range of problems for which there was little advice or support available at the time. Here we anticipate some of the many questions candidates may ask, and offer possible answers based on our experiences and research.

How many papers should I publish?

There is no one correct answer! Regardless of the thesis mode, the goal of doctoral study is to make an original and significant contribution to a field. How many papers it will take to meet this goal will depend on many factors. We found that the average number of papers included in Australian theses was 4.5, but this ranged anywhere from one to 12 papers. Publishing in itself is not a guarantee of conferral of your degree, and quality may be more important than quantity.

Should I co-author with my supervisor?

Doctoral candidates often publish with their supervisors. Supervisors have always assisted their students in the development of their traditional thesis, to differing degrees, but in the past this has gone relatively unacknowledged. Most university guidelines will require candidates to declare each author’s contribution to a paper, and thus a higher level of authorial transparency is achieved. Co-authoring papers gives doctoral students an apprenticeship in writing journal articles, as well as experience in collaborative writing and working in research teams – a regular part of an academic’s job.

Early and frank communication is important. The three co-authored papers in Shannon’s thesis were written in the beginning stages of her candidature when more hands-on support in the process of writing and publishing was needed. She was then well-equipped to write the remaining four papers alone. Margaret’s thesis was unusual as all included papers were sole authored, which was only possible as she had already co-authored two peer-reviewed papers prior to candidature.

We strongly recommend establishing clear mutual expectations between candidate and supervisor as early as possible.

How can I publish everything in time?

The process of preparing a manuscript, submitting to a journal, waiting for reviews, attending to requests for revisions, copy editing, and final publication can be extensive in some fields. This can be very frustrating for candidates who are working to a doctoral submission deadline. It is important to check journal guidelines for their average turnaround times. Once a paper is under review, don’t be afraid to follow up politely once this time has passed.

It is also important to check your PhD-by-publication guidelines, because many universities allow the submission of papers at various stages of production, such as those still under review. This allowance is particularly helpful to ensure the inclusion of papers developed in the later stages of your candidature.

What if my paper gets rejected?

For doctoral candidates just developing their new identities as researchers, rejection can be difficult to take. The reality is that even experienced academics deal with rejection at some time, perhaps more often than they might like to admit! The important thing to remember is that rejection is a normal part of the process. The decision is not always about the quality of the paper, but its fit within that particular journal at that particular time. It is important to become familiar with any journal that you intend to submit to, including the theories and methods that are favoured, and the type of academic voice appropriate for that journal.

What if my papers don’t flow as a thesis?

There are particular difficulties in developing a single submission based on multiple publications, each with their own focus, style, and format, and, as we recently explored , there are a number of favoured options for structure. Nikander and Piattoeva offer useful advice on how to use the integrating chapter to connect papers together.

There are also other issues that might arise from the transformational nature of doctoral study, where students learn while doing. For example, Margaret began to question her use of one of the informing concepts she had used in her early papers. In her subsequent work, she challenged her own simplistic use of this concept. Rather than become discouraged by the discovery of earlier flaws in our work, we understand that as researchers, we will continue to grow and cast a critical gaze over our past knowledge base. We both used the integrative chapter of our theses to highlight these limitations, but also to make explicit the evolution in our understanding; as such, it was a very enjoyable chapter to write!

We found that completing our thesis by publication offered rewards and challenges that were in many cases unique to this thesis mode. That we both emerged as advocates for this thesis type would suggest it is well worth undertaking for those candidates who want their findings to translate quickly and disseminate widely.

To see the authors’ research in this area, please go to their project page on ResearchGate: “ Publishing during PhD candidature ”.

Featured image credit: John-Mark Smith , via Unsplash (licensed under a  CC0 1.0  license).

Note: This article gives the views of the authors, and not the position of the LSE Impact Blog, nor of the London School of Economics. Please review our  comments policy  if you have any concerns on posting a comment below.

About the authors

Shannon Mason is Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Nagasaki University, Japan. Her research interests include teacher attrition and retention, and language education pedagogy and policy. Her experiences completing a PhD by publication in 2017 led to her recent interest in emerging approaches to doctoral education.

Margaret K. Merga currently works as a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University in Western Australia. Margaret primarily conducts literacy research that spans the early years to adulthood. She also explores issues on educational psychology, adult education, higher education and health workforce education. She is currently working on projects related to the role of teacher librarians in fostering literacy in primary and secondary schools.

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12 Comments

Readers may also be interested in our most recent paper, “Early career experiences of navigating journal article publication: Lessons learned using an autoethnographic approach”.

It is available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/leap.1192

IN VIEW OF COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION, IS ARTICLE COHERENCE THAT NECESSARY FOR PhD BY PUBLICATION?

I agree on practically all you had to say and I appreciate that you have not made emphasis on the need to develop a coherent narrative between the journal papers.

In my previous unanswered reply posts on three PhD blogs I wrote that with low coherence it might not be possible to develop an overarching hypothesis or a general research question covering a number of diverse studies. This however, does not mean that if you are presenting a list of widely varied articles (yet, with a common denominator eg. public health) you cannot show your assessors that you are capable of answering any research question through acceptance or rejection of the null hypothesis. On the contrary, you would probably have covered several hypotheses testing that you would not even know from where to start! After all, it still reflects great competency to be able to publish several loose papers.

I see no academic feat in having a strong element of connectedness between the papers especially if this comes to the detriment of:

(a) the quality or rate of journal submission acceptance in terms of originality. Candidates who successfully manage to achieve a PhD by publications in science normally present no more than three or four papers revolving on the same theme or repetitive methodology with one paper building on the other (there’s a limit on how much you can keep adding onto the previous study to produce a coherent narrative.

(b) the level of the student’s (author’s) widespread generation of new knowledge since the papers would be closely related to each other (strong coherent body).

and (c) the number of papers which can be kept being added (and repeated) onto previous studies.

I feel that the requirement for coherence is not the right way of defending the standards of a PhD by published works, whether retrospective (ie. by prior publications) or prospective (when you start publishing your studies with the university you have registered your application). One has to understand that the point of departure with a PhD by publications (sometimes called, article-based PhD) is totally different from when you decide to undertake a conventional or traditional PhD by monograph with only ideas or proposal in your hands.

So, whereas when you go for a monograph of a single specialised subject it is justified to have a coherent narrative, for a thesis by publication (involving a synthesis, commentary or integrative chapter), which is basically a form of compilation written independently by the student, it is a different story. To start with, you only need to prepare a 10-15,000 commentary constituting a summary of the appended papers, whereas with a one-topic monograph you can go up to 100,000 words and sometimes even more.

Needless to say, the PhD by publication student should clarify the actual contribution to knowledge, especially if the papers are written by several authors. What’s important is that the commentary should not provide new results, but should critique the papers and preferably offer new conclusions since the extent of the journal articles normally does not allow this kind of longer discussion.

In brief, I feel that coherence should not remain central and more weight should be directed on single-authorship, number of papers published, originality and widespread contribution to knowledge. In my opinion, these should be the distinct features of this relatively new type of PhD.

One may wish to contact me personally on [email protected]

Charles Micallef Author of: ‘Critical analysis: a vital element in healthcare research’.

Excellent Write up. I have throughly gone through the article and according to my personal observations, I think it is amazing.Being associated with writing profession, I must mention that https://academicwritingpro.com/research-paper-writing-services/ are quite helpful nowadays. Furthermore, quality is also an important aspect.

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Great write up! Here is one more tip regarding ‘How can I publish everything in time?’ If a PhD student has an R&R with minor revisions, it’s worth noting that in the thesis, especially if it is for a prestigious journal. So even if the student can’t publish in time, they can get credit for almost publishing in time.

Dear Mollie,

Thank you for your comment. Great point, totally agree.

I think it is good to remember that even though the TBP might be ‘packaged’ as a product, it really is more about the process of learning to be a researcher, and that really is never ending. Communicating the different phases at which a researcher is engaging is a great idea. Indeed, I included details of publication rejections that I experienced, and my different reactions to them (by way of emails to my supervisor) at different stages of the journey, an inclusion that my assessors commently highly on.

A PhD by publication is nonsense if the faculty prescribe the journals where your work must be published. who said every journal would like to publish every research? for the university with restricted academic freedom, they mistake some ridiculous rules for having higher bar of pursuing doctoral degrees when the Times Higher Education (THE) ranks far away from their pre-conceived opinions. I submit that PhD by publication is good where freedom to publish in alternative high quality journals exist. absence of that its a total mess!

Dear Peter,

Absolutely agree, and this is something that has been raised in an upcoming study. We absolutely advocate for doctoral researcher agency in selecting the outlets for their publications that are best suited to their study, field, and career stage.

Create an online publication or write a newspaper good writing skills is very important.

Dear All; Thank you very much for the quality article and feedback . It is very interesting topic. I think during Covid-19 the quarantine imposed on people including students, completing PhD using this approach can be very suitable. I have the following questions: – Has the PhD candidate to register in a University? and if so, can you please share the names of the Universities that can accept such type of PhD studies? Many thanks again and best regards Omar

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Dear Authors,

This is a great article. Is Phd by Publication equal merit to traditional route of Phd? What degree title a candidate will get in the route of Phd by Publication?

I think there is still discrimnation in academic field between one who hold phd by Publication and other Phd in Traditional route.

Regards, Yadam

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• PhD by Publication – Explained
• Types of Doctorates

Introduction

Obtaining a PhD by publication is relatively uncommon in higher education. It can, however, be especially useful for established researchers who have published work but don’t yet have a PhD. This article gives information on exactly what a PhD by publication is, how it works and what the advantages and disadvantages are. Read on to learn more.

What is a PhD by Publication?

A PhD by publication is a doctoral degree awarded to a person who has several peer-reviewed publications that have been put together as separate ‘chapters’, contributing to a unified research theme within a specific field.

This format typically consists of a significant introductory chapter, up to 10,000 words, similar to a traditional thesis, followed by around five published research papers and a final chapter to bring things to a conclusion. Although these papers will be separate bodies of work, it’s important that they’re connected along one research theme.

This route to PhD can be attractive to researchers that have published a lot in their academic career but have not followed the traditional PhD path. It helps them gain recognition for their contributions to their research field and recognition that the work they have done has been of a doctoral level without having to write a separate PhD thesis.

A PhD by publication is awarded following a  viva (also known as an oral examination) with examiners, similar to the process of a traditional PhD.

What are the Advantages?

A clear advantage of a PhD by publication is that you’re submitting a portfolio of work that has already gone through extensive peer review. This means that by the time you come to defend your work at a viva, it’s much easier. For example, the questions your examiners may ask you could be very similar to the questions you were asked by your reviewers during your paper publication phase and so you will already have prepared suitable responses to these.

Another advantage of this route is that it’s a much quicker way of obtaining a PhD degree; traditional PhD programmes take between three and four years from registration to completion whereas you can get a PhD by publication within one year of registration with the University, assuming that you enrol on this degree having already published all the papers that you will include in your portfolio of work. The shorter duration means that you often will only have to pay for one year of University fees, meaning that this approach is cheaper than a traditional method. It’s often possible that you can work any part-time job alongside preparing your publication portfolio for viva examination submission.

What are the Disadvantages?

Not all research fields or questions are suitable for a PhD by publication. In some cases, it may be necessary to design, set up and run a new PhD project in the field, recording the generation of further data. Additionally, it may be difficult to expand upon your previous publications and explore different research ideas as you put together your portfolio of papers. As this approach is a relatively uncommon way to get a PhD, some institutions may be unfamiliar or not set up to facilitate a PhD by publication. While the final viva examination will be the same as that in a traditional PhD, there is always the risk that some examiners may not see this publication route as being a ‘real’ PhD.

You’re also likely to miss out on some other aspects of PhD life by going down the publication route, including opportunities to teach or supervise undergraduate students and the experience of working within a research lab alongside other PhD students.

How Long Does a PhD by Publication Take?

You should expect a PhD by publication to take six months to one year to obtain from your point of registration with a UK University. This is on the basis that you have already published work for all the material that you would plan to include within your PhD portfolio, or that it is currently going through the review process. This approach is shorter than pursuing a traditional PhD, which typically takes between three and four years as a full-time student.

What is the Application Process?

You apply using the standard process required by the university to enrol, in the same way as the traditional route of a PhD. In addition, however, you will be asked to submit a portfolio of your prior publication track record and a supporting statement outlining the work of these existing publications, detailing how they tell a coherent story with the relevant subject area you’re applying to. You won’t need to submit a formal PhD research proposal as most, if not all, of the research should already have been completed.

Do you have Supervision?

Yes, in the same way that a traditional PhD student will have a primary supervisor to oversee your project. The role of the supervisor will be to help you establish a clear narrative for the theme you’re putting together of your publications, offering critical appraisal where necessary.

He or she will advise you on how to structure the introductory and concluding bodies of work that are required before you submit your portfolio for external examination and viva. Remember that the supervisor is there to advise and not tell you how to structure your dissertation; this is the same for any research student doing a standard PhD.

With this researcher-supervisor relationship, your options may be open in terms of whether you need to be based at the University in person or if you choose to work remotely as a distance learning student, communicating with your supervisor over email or video calls.

How does Assessment Work?

The body of work that you submit will be read and assessed by two examiners that are experts within your subject area of research. This will be followed by the viva examination with the two examiners, in line with the conventional PhD approach. To be awarded this research degree you will need to demonstrate that your work has made an original contribution to furthering the subject knowledge within your field.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Much Does It Cost?

As a PhD by publication usually takes about a year to complete, most universities typically charge a fee equivalent to one year of PhD study. The exact amount will vary depending on the University, but usually, the tuition fee will be around  £4,500  for one year for UK and EU students, and considerably more if you are an international student. It’s challenging to secure funding for these types of PhD degrees and you will find that you’re unlikely to be eligible for financial support from research councils or other routes of funding.

What Kind of Publications Can I use in my Portfolio?

Universities will have specific guidance about factors such as how many publications you can include in your portfolio and there may be some restrictions on when they should have been published. Typically, you will include 5 publications in your submission to your PhD examiners, but this can in some circumstances be as low as 3 or 4 or as high as 10 separate papers. Most often these will be in the form of  journal articles accepted by peer reviewed journals but can also include published book chapters, scientific or technical reports that have been published or other forms of publication that have gone through a level of peer review.

A PhD by publication is a good way for you to graduate with a doctorate if you enter this research programme having already published several academic papers on a single research theme. You need to demonstrate that you have made a significant contribution to your field through previous research. At this stage it is likely to be the cheapest and fastest route to gaining a PhD. However, applicants should be mindful when they apply that it may be challenging to secure funding for this.

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Doctor of philosophy by prior publication (r9q), overview  2024.

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Learning Outcomes

• 1 Graduates of a Doctor of Philosophy will have: • cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice • cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge • expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning • communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions • communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community • expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice Knowledge Graduates of a Doctor of Philosophy will be able to: • make an original and substantial contribution to knowledge of a subject within or across academic disciplines or areas of professional practice; • demonstrate a systemic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge of a subject within or across academic disciplines or areas of professional practice; and • demonstrate a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry. Skills Graduates of a Doctor of Philosophy will be independent researchers able to: • evaluate the appropriateness and usefulness of various perspectives, methods and processes in research projects; • independently and systematically develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice; • expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning; and • critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise new and complex ideas; • work collaboratively in a team, recognising the need for and value of complementary expertise/skill sets, and work productively with other people; and • communicate orally and in written form sufficient to publish and present their work, and communicate ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Application of Knowledge Graduates of a Doctor of Philosophy will have the knowledge and skills to be able to: • undertake research with autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar. • understand and apply the social and ethical implications of research and appropriate professional behaviour consistent with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and other relevant guidelines.

Course structure

The Degree period is a minimum of 9 months Equivalent Full Time (EFT) and maximum of 12 months EFT.

Publications for inclusion in the thesis or exegesis must have the candidate as the primary author, and (with few exceptions) have been published within six years immediately preceding the request to submit. The publications will form a cohesive body of knowledge arising from a program of research.

Where publications have multiple co-authors, publications must be accompanied by a statement of co-authorship that clearly shows the candidate was the major (50% or more) contributor to the work (conception and design of the project, analysis and interpretation of research data, drafting significant parts of the work or critically revising it so as to contribute to the interpretation). All research projects referred to in the publications must have been approved by the relevant University of Tasmania

Committee/s responsible for ensuring research integrity and ethics, and been produced from research conducted in accordance with the University’s Responsible Research Framework. Only publications that contribute to the university’s HERDC submission are eligible for inclusion. Publications submitted for the degree must not have been submitted as part of, or arisen directly from, the research work performed within another award.

The publications will be bookended by: a) a comprehensive yet concise and critical introduction to the work showing how the individual publications are linked by a common theme, b) a substantial literature review (which may be a recent published narrative or systematic review by the candidate), c) a general discussion/conclusions chapter.

In all other respects, the thesis or exegesis will conform in length, format and structure as defined in the Guidelines for Incorporating Publications into a Higher Degree by Research Thesis. The thesis will be subject to normal examination processes as per the Higher Degree by Research Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination Policy.

Confirmation of candidature occurs at admission to candidature. In lieu of an annual review of progress, candidate progress will be reviewed by the full supervision team and GRC every 3 months.

Candidates enrolled in a PhD by Prior Publication are not required to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Research.

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Entry requirements, for domestic students.

In addition to the standard requirements for entry to a Doctoral Degree as defined in the Higher Degree by Research Admissions Policy, in the case of application for admission into a PhD by Prior Publication applicants must also: • present a coherent body of work comprised of pre-existing peer-reviewed outputs of recognised academic excellence that meets or exceeds the requirement for the award of Doctor of Philosophy as defined in Rule 4 • have been employed by, or associated with, the University for normally at least five years on a continuous basis, and be a staff member or adjunct/clinical title holder at the time of submission of the thesis for examination, and • provide evidence of ongoing mentoring (ie. supervision) or peer collaboration and review by a University of Tasmania research academic (or academics) with PhD qualifications during the period that the publications were produced. This requirement could be demonstrated by co-authorship of publications with research academics.

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Thank you. payment completed., you will receive an email from us to confirm your registration, please click the link in the email to activate your account., there was error during payment, orcid profile found in public registry, download history, understanding and preparing a ‘phd by publication’.

• Charlesworth Author Services
• 12 April, 2022

Understanding and preparing a ‘PhD by Publication’

The importance of publication for the academic.

The reality is that to “survive” academia, publications are a must . Employers and funding bodies will review your publication history to factor into their decision-making. To better prepare for this reality, an increasing number of institutions are beginning to allow PhD students to submit their body of published literature that they have created during their PhD programme as the thesis that they would need to produce for earning their degree.

‘PhD by publication’ explained

A PhD by publication (also known as a paper-based thesis ) does what it says on the tin: it’s a mode of submission that allows the candidate to submit their body of published work created during their PhD as a thesis. The idea is to help graduates hit the ground running with a publication history that will help them on their next steps as researchers. While not universally accepted at the time of writing/publishing this article, it is an emerging model that has become more popular in certain disciplines and institutions.

Note: PhDs don’t typically focus on publications

During your PhD, while you are encouraged to actively engage with the publication process, it isn’t usually the focus. There will be a long and arduous learning curve , most likely for the first half of your PhD, where you improve your skills to take on the bulk of the PhD work. In fact, many PhD students report that the bulk of the content for their thesis was created in the final year of their degree.

Getting started with a PhD by publication

That said, if you are considering or have been advised to do a PhD by publication, then the best time to translate this into action is as early as possible. Here’s what you’ll need to think about:

• Find out i f your institution allows PhD by publication (if it’s something you’ve thought of rather than something you were advised to do).
• Identify the stage a publication needs to be at to qualify as submission for examination for your doctoral qualification. For example, some institutions do not require that the PhD candidates have actually had their papers accepted and published, but just that the papers are prepared to a sufficient standard that is ready for submission .

Considerations and challenges in preparing a PhD by publication

A. deciding on the number of papers.

While there is no set number of publications you’ll need to publish, you’ll want to think about how many papers you’ll need to prepare to adequately communicate the full extent of your research to your examiners, and think about timing accordingly . If you are in a STEM discipline, you’ll also want to factor in time for extra experimentation, if required.

b. Considering co-authorship

Make sure you also consider co-authorship as a reflection of your contribution to the research. Don’t feel the need to publish by yourself and do all of the work alone. It is not uncommon to co-author papers, particularly if you are doing your PhD as part of a larger research project and group, and so these collaboratively written papers may still be accepted as part of your submission. However, consider the contribution you made to the piece, and consult with your institution to make sure that whatever you plan to produce would be acceptable.

c. Undergoing peer review

Finally, a common thought to this mode of submission will likely be:

What if I don’t pass peer review?

While a valid concern, it’s important to remember that rejection is a part of the publication process , and d oes not necessarily reflect the quality of your work . Also bear in mind that you don’t usually need to decide on whether you would prefer to opt for a ‘PhD by publication’ at the commencement of your PhD programme. So, you will still be able to submit a more traditional thesis should your publication plans not pan out.

A thesis by publication can be a worthy undertaking to add additional challenge to your PhD journey. It will teach you to go through the motions of what researchers rely on for their next project: publications. So, if you feel up for the challenge and your institution allows it, then go for it! Just remember the key points discussed in this article and ensure that you prepare your submission according to the specific requirements of your institution .

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PhD by published work

The PhD by published work route is intended primarily for mid-career research-active academics who, for one reason or another, haven’t had the opportunity to undertake a research programme leading to a PhD.

Submissions for this award will consist of a coherent body of work which is of the same quality, rigour and volume as required of a standard PhD in your field and which constitutes an original contribution to knowledge.

We welcome applications from Westminster staff and from outside the University. Applications are considered on their merits within the relevant colleges and applicants are advised to approach the relevant members of academic staff for an informal discussion before applying.

If your application is successful, you will be assigned one or more supervisors who will advise on which of your publications should form your final submission to be examined and how your commentary should be written. The commentary (15,000 words) describes the aims of the research you’ve undertaken to produce your publications, incorporates an analytical discussion of the main results and puts the total work submitted in context.

What kind of publications are considered to be appropriate for a submission via this route?

• books and book chapters
• refereed journal papers
• Other media/other public output (eg architectural or engineering designs)
• The submission of a single book, work or artefact is also possible
• The body of work may not include any material produced more than ten years before the date of submission

How do I apply?

You should first make contact with the relevant academic or  relevant College  for an informal discussion of your publications and how they might be considered for a PhD by Published Work. If you decide to apply, you will make an application in the normal way.

What should my application consist of?

In addition to the standard application process, your application should also include a portfolio of publications, accompanied by a proposal not exceeding 2,000 words in length, which contextualises the selected publications, demonstrates their coherence and outlines the intended contribution to knowledge.

View the guidance on  how to write your PhD by published work research proposal .

What happens after I’ve applied?

Your application will be considered by a College panel, which will assess the quality and the coherence of your publications and your proposal, and if the panel wishes to take your application further, it will invite you to interview, following which you will receive a decision.

How long will it take from initial enrolment to final submission of the work for examination?

This is a part-time programme which takes a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 24 months.

What should I do next?

• Check that you meet the entry requirements and review your options for funding your programme
• Find out if we cover your proposed area of research and if there is a supervisory team available

If you decide to proceed, you can find links to apply and all the information you need on our Research area pages .

Related pages

Fees and funding.

How much will it cost to study a research degree?

Entry requirements

Find out if you can apply for a Research Degree at the University of Westminster.

Research degree by distance learning

Find out about Research Degree distance learning options at the University of Westminster.

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PhD by Prior Publication

Apply for a PhD by Prior Publication at the University of Surrey.

The PhD by Prior Publication provides a fast-track route to the PhD for people who have built up a portfolio of publications through their professional practice and who are already experienced in undertaking and delivering research projects.

This PhD option is particularly well suited to professionals who have been developing a research career and whose research skills and academic expertise are already at doctoral level. It gives you the opportunity to obtain academic recognition for your work and to benefit from the vibrant, multi-disciplinary research community at Surrey whilst you prepare your thesis with us.

Availability

The PhD by Prior Publication option is available across all subject areas offered by the University. You can find out more about research themes, potential supervisors of your thesis, and facilities by looking on our research programmes list .

Research support

As a PhD candidate at the University, you will have access to the professional development programme provided by the  Doctoral College . You will be able to access training in essential skills through our programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will also help you with preparing the next steps in your career after the completion of your PhD.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the PhD by Prior Publication will be either members of staff of the University of Surrey or employed by organisations with an established teaching and/or research collaboration with the University of Surrey.

Applicants must already have had publications accepted or published in reputable outlets before applying for the programme. There is no minimum requirement for the number of publications required but the quantity should be commensurate with the expectations in the discipline. 

English language requirements

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent). View the exemptions to this requirement.

How to apply

We recommend having an initial conversation with a potential supervisor to discuss your PhD plans before submitting an application. You can browse our academic departments  to find the contact details of academics in your area of interest.

For any questions relating to your application, contact [email protected] .

When you are ready to submit a formal application, you can do so using our  online application form.

Application requirements

Applications for the PhD by Prior Publication must include:

• A list of the publications on which the application is based
• The area(s) in which you have been working
• A brief description of the research undertaken
• A brief statement about when and where the research was undertaken
• For any co-authored works, a statement about your contribution to the publication
• A declaration about whether any of the publications on which this application is based have formed part of the submission for any other degree awarded to you. Works submitted for any other award will not be accepted as part of your application.
• An academic reference from a referee who knows you in a professional capacity.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants meeting the expected entry requirements, assessment of the application, successful interview, and satisfactory reference

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.

A  Postgraduate Doctoral Loan  can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

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The PhD by Publication is an accelerated, part-time PhD award intended for those who have carried out extensive research over a significant period of time and have a number of publications arising from this work which have already been published in high-quality journals.

This should not be confused with the standard PhD (3-4 years full-time).

If you have any questions about the PhD by Publication degree which are not answered on this page, please email us  or call us .

What should the word length of the submitted publications be?

Where written publications are being submitted as evidence in the application for admission to the PhD by Publication, the total word length of publications when combined with the critical analysis (15,000 words) should be broadly comparable to that of a submission for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, which is typically between 80,000 and 100,000 words. The quality of the journals within which publications have been published will be assessed as part of the application procedure.

Can only standard academic publications be considered?

As well as standard academic or creative publications, for Schools in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, ‘published work’ may include performance, exhibition, installation, media of various kinds as defined in the University’s Award Regulations, provided that it is made available in an appropriate digital or other recorded format.

How is the PhD by Publication assessed?

As well as submitting the published work, candidates for the PhD by Publication need to prepare a critical analysis of around 15,000 words and to undertake an oral examination (viva) on the critical analysis and the published work. The University provides supervisory support for this.

Can it be done in every subject?

UEA currently offer the PhD by Publication within all Schools and Institutes, except for the following:

• The School of Education and Lifelong Learning only accept PhD by Publication applications from current members of UEA staff subject also to further conditions listed on the Course Catalogue  page, in the Entry Requirements section.
• The School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing is not currently accepting any PhD by Publication applications.

How long does it take?

The period of study is six months part-time (0.5FTE), extendable at the discretion of the School or Institute to a maximum of twelve months part-time study.

Who is the PhD by Publication suitable for?

The PhD by Publication may be appropriate for you if:

You have been carrying out research over a long period of time (at least seven years)

This work is already published in high-quality journals (or equivalent as above), forms a coherent programme of research and represents a significant contribution to understanding

You want to seek academic recognition for this work by a doctoral award.

What are the academic requirements of the programme?

The minimum University academic requirement for a PhD by Publication degree is the same as that required for a PhD: you need the equivalent of a 2:1 in a UK Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study. However, depending on which School you are studying in, some may set a higher or more specific entry requirement. If English is not your first language, you may also be asked to provide evidence of proficiency in English language. This will be listed as a condition on your offer letter.

What should I do if I want to apply?

To apply for a PhD by Publication degree, we advise that you take a look at the research areas UEA offers  and then contact at least one potential academic supervisor you would be interested in working with, stating your interest. At this point it would be a good idea to read up on your potential supervisor’s research papers that are related to your interests. You will then be able to fill in an application form which needs to contain your formal research proposal. Take a look at our guidance on how to write a research degree proposal .

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Study a Higher Degree by Research.

Alex canty, phd candidate and research assistant.

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Make a difference with research that matters.

Whether you want to explore a topic that interests you in-depth, create new knowledge or become an expert in your field, a Higher Degree by Research at Flinders will help you to make a difference.

At Flinders you’ll be supported and mentored by specialist supervisors as you undertake your nominated research project. With the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Masters by Research, you can choose the one that best suits your needs, and eligibility.

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A range of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarships are awarded on academic merit and research potential.

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You can enrol in a Higher Degree by Research at any time. Follow our six simple steps to prepare your application.

Higher Degree by Research courses

Doctor of philosophy (phd).

The expected duration for a ‘standard’ PhD is three years full-time equivalent, during which time you will receive expert supervision and submit a thesis for examination. The thesis must make a significant original contribution to knowledge in the particular field of research, such as, the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories, or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas.

Research areas

Biological Sciences

Chemical or Physical Sciences

Clinical Psychology

Computing, Information Technology or Mathematics

Creative and Performing Arts

Criminology

Disability and Community Inclusion

Engineering

Environmental Sciences

Government and International Relations

Healthy Ageing and Aged Care

Health Emergencies and Health Security

Health Sciences and Allied Health

History, Archaeology, Geography, and Indigenous Studies

Language, Literature and Culture

Medical Biosciences

Nursing and Midwifery

Palliative Care and End of Life

Public Health and Rural and Remote Health

Social Sciences

Social Work

This 6-12 month degree is available to individuals who have  already generated a range of high-quality publications that form a substantial contribution to knowledge , that is, publications completed prior to the commencement of the degree. As a general guide, this would be at least six to eight clustered first-author publications, as a minimum.

Applicants must have spent at least three years following conferral of their  PhD entry qualification  substantially engaged in the practice and study of the discipline or related discipline.

During candidature, the student will undertake a short program of work culminating in a thesis comprising a contextual statement and including the body of published work accumulated prior to acceptance into candidature.

More information

Add an international perspective to your PhD experience, enhance collaboration and access world-leading research through a cotutelle doctoral degree. This course is undertaken jointly at Flinders University and an international higher education institution, spending a minimum of 12 months at each. Experience:

• exposure to different educational environments
• increased networks, personally and professionally
• enhanced career opportunities
• access to different research expertise, equipment and perspectives, and
• the ability to increase the global impact of their research.

This degree is up to two years of full-time study. You undertake a supervised research project, culminating in the submission of a thesis for examination. The thesis must make a significant contribution to knowledge in the particular field of research.

Master of Arts

Master of Business

Master of Clinical Education by Research (includes coursework)

Master of Engineering

Master of Health and Clinical Research (includes coursework)

Master of Laws

Master of Science

Master of Surgery

Higher Doctorate

Three higher doctorates are available at Flinders University:

• Doctor of Laws
• Doctor of Letters
• Doctor of Science

Application for a Higher Doctorate is available to individuals who have published a substantial body of work after the conferral of their doctoral degree that demonstrates a significant advance in knowledge in the relevant field or inter-disciplinary scholarship. 

This 3-6 month degree is available only for full-time, online study.

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Frequently asked questions

Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers, search our frequently asked questions or browse the categories from our knowledge base.

To apply for HDR entry you need a university degree including a postgraduate qualification equivalent at least to AQF 8 or 9 with a significant research component. However, entry criteria vary between HDR courses so you must review the specific admission requirements for your chosen HDR.

• Graduate Diploma in Research Methods exclusive to Flinders University
• Coursework Masters with a research component of at least one full semester achieving an average grade of Distinction (75%) or better for the research component, or significant research publications. Please note some Coursework Masters are full-fee paying.
• The  Master of Health and Clinical Research  is a pathway to PhD study in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

The projects for HDR ‘research only’ study are often flexible in terms of when you can start but your approved supervisor will confirm the start date. For international students, study can start any time during the year in which your application has been successful, provided your visa has been arranged. 

When to apply

Australian Government or Flinders University Research Scholarship applicants must submit your applications for both admission and scholarship by the closing date to begin the following year.

Check scholarships opportunities

External study means that your usual study location is outside of South Australia. To determine if you can study externally, you will need to discuss details of your proposal with your potential supervisor. At the time of the assessment of your HDR application, your potential supervisor will also need to complete a HDR Application for External Status form.

NB International students intending to come on-shore after international travel restrictions are lifted must choose ‘internal’ not ‘external’ in your application.

Yes, it is possible to undertake a HDR on a part-time basis for domestic or external international students. You are required to select that option in your application. As a part-time student you are expected to study for 18–20 hours per week (that is half of the full-time expectation). If you are also working full-time, you may be asked for confirmation from your employer that study release will be made available to you.

You will need to lodge an application. Visit the How to Apply page for more information. When lodging your application, please also include the following information:

• Evidence of work completed to date and a ‘completion plan’
• A statement from your current university of your enrolment details and progress/ milestones completed, including EFTSL (Equivalent Full-time Student Load) consumed;
• Details of any scholarship held.

If you are a domestic student, please be aware that Flinders University will liaise with your current institution about your Research Training Program fee offset entitlements.

View more HDR faqs

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Enquire now.

Review answers to regularly asked questions about applying for a higher degree by research (FAQs).

After reviewing the Study HDR web pages and FAQs above, if you still have questions that have not been answered, complete the form. You must provide details about the Reason for your enquiry in the text box 'Ask a question here’.  

For queries relating specifically to a project, direct your enquiry to the  College where you plan to study.

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What is the PhD by Prior Published Work and am I eligible?

The Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Published Work is only available to individuals who have already generated a range, as a general guide, at least six to eight clustered first-author publications, as a minimum, of high-quality publications that form a substantial contribution to knowledge - that is, publications completed prior to the commencement of the degree.

The PhD by Prior Published Work has very strict parameters and commencing postgraduates will not qualify.

In a Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Published Work, the student will undertake a short program of work culminating in a thesis comprising a contextual statement and a body of published work accumulated prior to acceptance into candidature.

Applicants must have completed their PhD qualifying program at least three years before their application for candidature for this degree, and spent at least three years following conferral of the qualifying award substantially engaged in the practice and study of the discipline or related discipline. They must also satisfy the University that there is a prima facie case that their prior published work meets the requirement for admission to the award.

Please refer to the PhD  course rules  for specific information about the requirements for the PhD by Prior Published Work

For more information about the format of a PhD by Prior Published Work please contact HDR Examinations Team in the Office of Graduate Research.