PROGRAMME AIMS:
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in a specialist area. You will develop an all-round knowledge of your discipline, and a broad range of transferable skills.
You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area. You will work under the guidance of your supervisors. To be awarded a PhD you will submit a thesis and successfully defend this thesis in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE:
The prescribed period of study for a part-time PhD is 72 months, and the thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the sixth year. The University regulations do allow a further 12 months study time for completion of the thesis but students are recommended to aim to complete within 6 years. Progress during the PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether students progress on the PhD.
YEAR 6:
Students are required to:
- Update Training Needs
- Submit a monthly activity report to the PG office summarising their PhD related activities each month.
- Plan for submission of thesis for examination.
- Successfully complete the annual review panel. In preparation for this, students must complete a self-assessment form, including information on training needs and provide supporting documents as directed by the supervisory team, e.g., completed, polished thesis chapters, articles prepared for publication
Students are encouraged to:
- Prepare final version of thesis for examination.
- Complete Intention to Submit form (approx. two months prior to submission)
- Prepare for viva examination. This may include a mock viva as part of the annual review.
- Publish research work in appropriate journals and other outlets, as agreed with their supervisors
- Present work at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to research field
- Apply for teaching opportunities within PPLS
- Attend the Philosophy Professional Development Seminars
- Complete relevant training courses from Institute of Academic Development (IAD), and the national graduate schools (Scottish Graduate School of Arts & Humanities), especially with a view to employment preparation
- Attend research seminars, reading groups and work in progress sessions in Philosophy and across the University as relevant
- Participate in the 3 Minute Thesis Competition