Regulations for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

These Regulations govern the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Aberystwyth University, henceforth the University.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy may be awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a scheme of further study and research, the results of which are judged to constitute an original contribution to learning and to give evidence of systematic study and of ability to relate the results of such study to the general body of knowledge in the subject.

In judging the merit of a thesis submitted in candidature for the degree of PhD, the examiners shall bear in mind the standard and scope of work which it is reasonable to expect a capable and diligent student to present after a period of two or three years (as appropriate) of full-time study, or its part-time equivalent.

On completion of a Doctoral Degree, graduates will have attained Level D, as defined by the QAA’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy may not be conferred honoris causa.

1.    A candidate may study for the degree by one of the following methods:

A     by pursuing full-time research in the University;

B     by pursuing full-time research in an external place of employment;

C     by pursuing part-time research in the University;

D     by pursuing part-time research externally;

E     by pursuing part-time research in the University as a full-time or a part-time member of staff;

2.   Candidates may qualify following successful completion of an approved programme of research pursued either on a full-time basis (Methods A and B) or on a part-time basis (Methods C, D and E).

3.   In the case of part-time members of staff, candidature is restricted to contracted members of staff in possession of a degree, or equivalent qualification, holding a regular contract of salaried employment equivalent to at least one-third of that of a full-time member in the appropriate categories of staff.

4.   A candidate for the degree of PhD must hold one of the following qualifications prior to commencement of research:

(a)   an initial degree of theUniversityofWales;

(b)   an initial degree of another University approved for this purpose;

(c)   a non-graduate qualification which the University has deemed to be equivalent to graduation.

5.   Irrespective of a candidate’s qualifications, the University must satisfy itself that a candidate is of the required academic standard to complete the scheme of research proposed.

6.   A candidate who has not already done so is required to matriculate in the University at the commencement of his/her scheme of research.

7.   A candidate must enrol at the University, pay the appropriate fee prescribed and pursue the scheme of research for the minimum period defined below :

Methods A and B:
Minimum period:	three years, the first year of which shall be regarded as the probationary year
Method C and D:
Minimum period:	five years, the first two years of which shall be regarded as the probationary year.
Method E:
Minimum period:	three years, the first year of which shall be regarded as the probationary year.

8.   In order to allow for the examination to be completed, a candidate is permitted to submit a thesis six months before the expiry of scheme of study approved.

9.   During the probationary year/period, the candidate will be expected to demonstrate his/her ability to proceed with further research.

10. Notwithstanding paragraphs 6 and 8 above, a candidate may be granted exemption from the probationary year/period where he/she:

(a)   holds the postgraduate degree of Master of an approved University obtained by research or advanced study which, in the judgement of the Head of Department, provides sufficient academic background to permit the completion of the proposed research within two years.

(b)   has completed a minimum of one year’s full-time or two years’ part-time supervised postgraduate work in the same academic discipline as the proposed PhD scheme of research to the satisfaction of the University on the recommendation of the Head of the appropriate Department.

(c)   has submitted postgraduate research work of a standard approximate to that of a Master’s degree and approved by the University on the recommendation of the Head of the appropriate Department.

(d)   has had at least one year’s relevant experience since graduation, such approval to be granted by the University on the recommendation of the Head of the appropriate Department.

No other exemptions will be given.

11.  A candidature shall lapse if a thesis is not submitted, in the form and manner prescribed, by the time-limit listed below:

Methods A and B:

In the case of three-year candidatures (the first year of which is regarded as the probationary year) four years from the official beginning of the candidate’s period of study.

In the case of two year candidatures (where the candidate has been exempted from the probationary year) three years from the official beginning of the candidate’s period of study.

Methods C and D:

In the case of five-year candidatures (the first two years of which are regarded as the probationary period) seven years from the official beginning of the candidate’s period of study.

In the case of three year candidatures (where the candidate has been exempted from the probationary period) five years from the official beginning of the candidate’s period of study.

Method E:

In all cases, seven years from the official beginning of the candidate’s period of study.

12. The University shall ensure that candidates are supervised, on a regular and continuing basis, in accordance with its general procedures for postgraduate supervision.

13. For each candidature, the University shall approve a supervisory team including a minimum of one main supervisor and a second supervisor nominated by the candidate’s Department.

The main supervisor will normally be a full-time member of the academic staff of the University;

The second supervisor will normally be a full-time member academic staff of the University or collaborative institution or organisation.

14. Every candidate’s research shall be completed by the presentation of a thesis (a maximum of 100,000 words in length, excluding appendices and footnotes) which embodies the methods and results of the research. A properly constituted Examining Board is required to conduct an oral examination of a PhD candidate who submits a thesis for examination. This requirement might, however, be waived at the discretion of the Examining Board, when an examination of a re-submitted thesis is being conducted.

15. Candidates shall sign a declaration to certify that the work submitted has not been accepted in substance for any degree or award, and is not being submitted concurrently in candidature for any degree or other award. The signed declaration shall be included in all copies of the works submitted for examination.

16. The University shall ensure that the form of submission and examination of the thesis conform with the University’s ‘Regulations for the Submission and Examination of Research Theses’.

Special provisions relating to Schemes in the Creative Arts

17. In the case of candidates following approved research degree schemes which fall within the University's subject area of Creative and Performing Arts, the thesis may take one or more of the following forms: artefacts, score, text, portfolio of original works, performance or exhibition.  The submission shall be accompanied by commentary (normally a minimum of 20,000 words) placing it in its academic context together with any other items which may be required (e.g. a catalogue or audio or visual recording).