Written by Mark Bennett
A PhD by publication is a degree awarded in recognition of an extensive amount of research published in numerous formats or journals. Unlike a conventional doctorate, you are not expected to undertake a new research project. This page will give a simple overview of what a PhD by publication is, and how to get one.
What is a PhD by publication?
Also known as a PhD by portfolio or by published works, a PhD by publication should not be confused with publishing parts of your doctoral thesis. Instead, the degree is awarded to someone who has several existing publications on related topics which can constitute a portfolio of original work at PhD level. This allows people who have not followed the traditional route towards a PhD to obtain recognition for the research they have done and the subject knowledge they have developed throughout their career.
How does a PhD by publication work?
As applicants for a PhD by portfolio will have already completed and published much of their research, this type of doctorate works very different than a standard PhD. We've answered some common questions below.
What subjects can you do a PhD by publication in?
/guides/phd-by-publication#subjects
In principle, this type of doctorate can be obtained in any subject (technically, if you’ve already done PhD-level work, there shouldn’t be any reason you can’t get a PhD by portfolio). But, doing the work you’ll need for a PhD by publication is more practical in some subjects than in others. For example, to do research in STEM subjects you might need specialist skills and access certain facilities.
These are usually available during a traditional PhD, making a PhD by publication less common in these subjects. It’s important to note that not all universities offer this route to a PhD and some may restrict access to academic staff.
How long does a PhD by publication take?
/guides/phd-by-publication#duration
This route towards a PhD is much shorter and typically takes upto one year and can be done part-time.
Do you have a supervisor for a PhD by publication?
/guides/phd-by-publication#supervisor
Similarly to a PhD by thesis, a supervisor is usually involved. They’ll guide you through the process of forming a thesis from your work, helping you decide what publications should be in the portfolio and establish the connections between them.
What types of publications can be used for the PhD portfolio?
/guides/phd-by-publication#types
The eligibility of the publications can vary depending on the university or the institution. Rules apply to the type, the number, how recently the work has been published and how / whether they are linked.
These publications generally should not have been used in another research degree and can include the following:
- Academic papers
- Book chapters
- Monographs
- Books
- Scholarly editions of text
- Technical reports
- Creative work in relevant areas
- Media presentations
- Surveys (and accompanying analysis)
This list offers you a general guideline and there may be some universities that do not accept certain types of publications and / or offer additional platforms to present your research.
How long should a submitted paper be?
/guides/phd-by-publication#howlong
Each university will have their own submission length guidelines. However, your portfolio should be comparable in length to a doctoral thesis, totalling between 80,000 and 100,000 words. This usually means you'll need three to eight publications to make up your publication. This number can vary if your publications are shorter in length.
Aside from your publications, your portfolio will likely need to include an introduction, critical analysis and conclusion. Your supervisor will be able to guide you on how long these should be.
How is a PhD by publication assessed?
/guides/phd-by-publication#assess
A portfolio of various publications is bookended with an introduction and a conclusion, consisting of around 10,000 words (this can vary with discipline). This is then assessed much like a traditional PhD: the portfolio thesis is read and critiqued by two examiners in the relevant field of research. If the candidate is a staff member, then the examiners must both be external (from a different university to the one awarding the degree).
This assessment takes the form of an oral examination, or viva voce, carried out between the PhD candidate and their examiners. Once this has taken place, the examiners will determine whether the portfolio and the verbal discussion meet the requirements to award a PhD by publication.
Publishing during a PhD
A PhD by publication should not be confused with publishing during your PhD, which is a common part of a standard doctorate. This is an optional (but valuable) way to boost your academic CV and gain recognition within your field.
Applying for a PhD by publication
Some of the entry requirements for a PhD by publication are similar to those for a normal PhD by thesis (after all, you’re still seeking to prove that you’re up to the standard required for a doctorate). However, the application process can be quite different.
What are the entry requirements for a PhD by publication?
/guides/phd-by-publication#requirements
To apply for a PhD by publication, you must have a Bachelors degree and may be expected to have held this qualification for several years (as the PhD by publication is for established researchers / practitioners, not fresh graduates). You may also need to have relevant professional / academic experience on your CV, in addition to your publications.
Other admission requirements vary. Some universities state that the applicant must be a current staff member, whereas others allow external candidates to apply (so it is always best to check with the individual institution). In the UK, PhD by publication is more common among staff members, but this PhD model is becoming a popular option for early career researchers in other parts of the world.
What is the application process for a PhD by publication?
/guides/phd-by-publication#process
The PhD by publication route isn’t normally advertised and students don’t usually begin by searching for a supervisor and presenting a research proposal. Instead, universities encourage applicants to contact the head of department in the relevant subject area before applying. They will discuss your previous research and advise you on the application process.
The application generally involves a postgraduate application form consisting of a CV and a supporting statement, outlining how the publications fit together, methodologies (and why they were used), a brief discussion of findings and most of all, how this research has given a unique and original contribution to the field. You won’t normally need to provide a research proposal as you aren’t planning an extensive new project.
Fees and funding for PhDs by publication
The costs of a PhD by portfolio are minimal compared to that of a PhD by thesis. However, funding for this route is much less common.
How much does it cost to do a PhD by publication?
/guides/phd-by-publication#fees
The cost usually equates to the typical PhD fee for one year of study. The fees can vary depending on whether you are an external candidate or a staff member. In the UK, the cost of a PhD is usually £4-5,000 for a year for home students.
Can you get funding for a PhD by publication?
/guides/phd-by-publication#funding
Unfortunately, there generally isn’t any funding for a PhD by publication, as this type of degree is aimed at established academics and practitioners who will not be eligible for Research Council studentships and PhD loans. Staff members may get a lower PhD fee and/or some help with the costs, but this will vary depending on the university.
PhD by publication vs PhD by thesis
There are several things to bear in mind when thinking about whether to complete a conventional doctorate or seek a PhD based on your existing work.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of doing a PhD by publication:
Pros
- Work has already been peer-reviewed and critiqued, which gives you an advantage when it comes to your oral examination, as you may already have some ideas of the types of questions and queries that can come up
- Offers a faster (and therefore cheaper) way of earning your doctorate
- You can often continue working whilst creating your PhD portfolio
- A PhD by publication is a useful way of formalising professional experience, meaning you may be able to qualify for more senior roles and progress in your career
Cons
- May only be available in specific circumstances (see below)
- It is not suitable for all projects / subjects (some topics need to be set up as complete projects from the start)
- You have less freedom to investigate a new area and design your own research methods
- You won’t normally benefit from other parts of the PhD experience: structured training, academic work experience (teaching, presenting, etc)
- There is limited funding available
Looking for a PhD?
Check out our database of PhDs to find the latest programme opportunities from around the world.
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Last Updated: 13 November 2023
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