Research degreesUnofficial student companion · 2026/27

PhD by Published Works

This route combines existing published research with a new critical appraisal demonstrating a coherent, independent, significant and original contribution. The research component has already been done; the registration period is for developing the appraisal.

Study and reviews

  • Part-time only, normally 12 months maximum.
  • Submission permitted between three and twelve months from registration.
  • No additional grace period; suspension/exceptional-extension applications remain possible.
  • No RD4 or RD5. RD6 is held at the standard time.
  • No campus attendance expectation; remote study is compulsory for applicants outside the UK and optional for UK-based students.

Portfolio and appraisal

Three models: conventional publications, creative practice, or hybrid. The portfolio must cohere around a theme, with your own contribution to co-authored work demonstrable. There is no fixed publication number or age limit; significance and originality must remain current at examination.

Submit selected works and an appraisal of no more than 25,000 words (conventional) or 50,000 (creative/hybrid). It can be one document or framing documents before/after the works. Explain research process, significance, originality and coherence; creative work also needs contextualisation, research questions, methods justification and reflection.

§9.4 excludes work produced during a degree that resulted in an award; §1.7 also excludes material produced during a postgraduate studentship. Clarify eligibility with the School where relevant rather than assuming existing publication means eligibility.

Examination exception

Viva required. Outcomes are pass, conditional pass minor, conditional pass major, or fail without resubmission. There is no Fail Resubmit and no lower MRes/LLMRes award under §9.4. Textual corrections apply to the appraisal; replacement of a publication may be required as major corrections.

For an on-site performance/exhibition, arrange it in advance with sufficient time and supply documentation before the exam.

Fees and admission reference

One full-time-rate year’s fees are charged even if completed sooner. Admission uses RD3 through the School, portfolio review, interview and RDEB decision before the formal offer. See Admissions and transfer reference for background and Forms directory for routing.

Sources: Framework §§9.4, 1.7, 3.4, pp. 10, 24, 91–95. Read the route guidance.

Degree routes · Creative practice degrees · Examination outcomes

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