The Role of Publications and Other Artefacts in Submissions for the UK PhD

The traditional examination format for PhD degrees in the UK is the chapter-based dissertation as the basis for oral examination. However pressures to publish prior to thesis submission and hence to allow incorporation of publications as well as other artefacts within the assessment paradigm are challenging this conventional approach. Based on a survey of opinion and practice at 50 UK universities, this report investigates the changing role being played by publications, and other artefacts, in submissions for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the UK, and the developments anticipated across the sector for the future.