DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2025/2026

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 full-time PhD is 36 months, and the thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the third 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 3 years. Progress during the PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether students progress on the PhD.



YEAR 1:

Students are required to:

- Attend the induction for PhD students
- Assess Training Needs
- Meet with supervisors regularly to develop the research proposal which will be the basis for the thesis
- Submit a monthly activity report to the PG office summarising their PhD related activities each month.
- Attend the Philosophy Proseminar course
- Complete a six-month review
- Successfully complete the first-year 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 (typically: an updated project plan and one draft thesis chapter)


Students are encouraged to:

- Complete relevant training courses from Institute of Academic Development (IAD) and the national graduate schools (Scottish Graduate School of Arts & Humanities or Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences)
- Attend research seminars, reading groups and work in progress sessions in Philosophy
- Present work at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to research field
- Attend conferences or workshops, as appropriate to research field

PROGRAMME AIMS AND STRUCTURE:
See Year 1 for details.

YEAR 2:

Students are required to:

- Update Training Needs
- Give a presentation to the philosophy department as part of the YEAR 2 talks
- Meet with supervisors regularly to seek advice and feedback on the developing thesis
- Submit a monthly activity report to the PG office summarising their PhD related activities each month.
- Successfully complete the second-year 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., additional completed thesis chapters, articles prepared for publication


Students are encouraged to:

- Publish research work in appropriate journals and other outlets, as agreed with the supervisors
- Present work at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to research field
- Attend the Philosophy Professional Development Seminars
- Apply for teaching opportunities within PPLS
- Complete relevant training courses from Institute of Academic Development (IAD) and the national graduate schools (Scottish Graduate School of Arts & Humanities)
- 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

PROGRAMME AIMS AND STRUCTURE:
See Year 1 for details.

YEAR 3:

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 third-year 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

PROGRAMME AIMS AND STRUCTURE:
See Year 1 for details.

YEAR 4:

After three years of full-time enrolment (six years part-time), students are entitled to an additional period of registration. The thesis must be submitted by the end of this additional 12 months.

Students are required to:

- Complete write up and submit thesis for examination
- Submit a monthly activity report to the PG office summarising their PhD related activities each month.
- Complete Intention to Submit form (approx. two months prior to submission)
- Prepare for viva examination

It is very important to complete your PhD thesis within the allotted time. Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

In cases where students may apply for extension, they are required to complete the fourth-year review panel. The outcome of review will include a firm timetable for completion.