Extract from University Regulations on Criteria for PhD

(Red text marks key differences from MPhil)

4.1.1 The scope of the thesis shall be what might reasonably be expected after three or at most four years of full-time study.

4.1.2 The thesis shall:

(a) consist of the candidate's own account of his/her investigations, the greater proportion of which shall have been undertaken during the period of registration under supervision for the degree;…

 

(b) and form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality by the discovery of new facts and/or by the exercise of independent critical power;

 

(c) and be an integrated whole and present a coherent argument;

 

(d) and give a critical assessment of the relevant literature, describe the method of research and its findings, include discussion on those findings and indicate in what respects they appear to the candidate to advance the study of the subject; and, in so doing, demonstrate a deep and synoptic understanding of the field of study, (the candidate being able to place the thesis in a wider context), objectivity and the capacity for judgment in complex situations and autonomous work in that field;

 

(e) and be written in English and the literary presentation shall be satisfactory …

 

(f) and not exceed 100,000 words; … [The IoE requires an application to be made to the Head of the Doctoral School if the thesis is to exceed 80,000 words.]

 

(g) and include a full bibliography and references;

 

(h) and demonstrate research skills relevant to the thesis being presented;

 

(i) and be of a standard to merit publication in whole or in part or in a revised form (for example, as a monograph or as a number of articles in learned journals).