Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study

RESOLUTION

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study is governed by Resolution 665 of the University Court, the provisions of which are as follows:

1. The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with Integrated Study may be awarded by the Senate of the University of Glasgow in each of the Colleges thereof.
2. The Senate shall have power to make such regulations governing the award of the Degree as may be approved by the University Court.
3. The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study shall in no case be conferred on persons who have not satisfied the conditions set out below, and shall not be conferred as an Honorary Degree.

The following regulations are supplemented by PhD Guidance Notes for students which were previously available within the online University Regulations and have now been incorprorated into the PGR Code of Practice.

REGULATIONS

1.  A research student who has pursued in the University of Glasgow, or in an institution recognised and approved for the purpose, a programme of study comprising taught courses and research, may offer themself for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study under the following conditions:

a)  that they have obtained a degree in any Scottish university, or in another university or college specially recognised for the purpose of this Section by the University Court on the recommendation of the Senate (provided always that a diploma or certificate recognised in like manner as equivalent to a degree may be accepted in place of a degree). The normal standard of admission for a research student will be that of a Degree with First or Upper Second Class Honours in a relevant discipline of a Scottish University, or an approved equivalent qualification;

b)  that they have produced to the Senate evidence of satisfactory progress in the taught courses and research undertaken by them;

c)  that they will have been registered for such study on a full-time basis for a period of not less than four academic years;

d)  that each candidate will be supported by a supervision team which will normally include the primary academic supervisor, a second academic supervisor, and other academic staff as required to offer expertise in guiding and supporting the candidate’s research;

e)  that they have pursued such formal research training as set down by the Higher Degrees Committee or equivalent and as any other training or attendance requirements as specified by the College.

2.  Each candidate for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study shall:

a)  complete a programme of study prescribed at the commencement of the period of study by the Higher Degrees Committee or equivalent, which shall include a minimum of 120 credits^[1] of taught courses, and  may also include a project leading to the submission of a 60 credit dissertation.

b)  present for the approval of the Senate a thesis which shall embody the results of the research, and which shall be accompanied by a declaration signed by the candidate that the thesis has been composed by them. In the College of Arts & Humanities and the College of Social Sciences the thesis shall be a minimum of 70,000 and a maximum of 100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices in each case. In the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences and the College of Science & Engineering the thesis shall be a maximum of 80,000 words excluding references, bibliography and appendices in each case. A candidate who wishes to submit a thesis of greater or lesser length or submit documentary appendices must seek prior permission of the appropriate College Higher Degrees Committee or equivalent.

3.  Assessment of Taught Courses

3.1  For each academic session assessment and reassessment are, in so far as not modified by these regulations, governed by the Code of Assessment which is contained in the ‘University Fees and General Information for Students’ section of the University Regulations published for that session.

3.2  Where a candidate whose programme of study includes a 60 credit dissertation requires a higher grade in the dissertation to satisfy the requirements set out in §4.3, or §6.1 reassessment of that dissertation will be permitted on one occasion only, under such conditions as the Higher Degrees Committee or equivalent may prescribe in each particular case. There is no automatic entitlement to repeat any previous practical work associated with the dissertation or to undertake further practical work.

4.  Progress

4.1  Prior to being permitted to progress to a subsequent year of study a candidate shall be subject to the College requirements for progress in relation to both the programme of prescribed study and the research.

4.2  The minimum achievement required in relation to the prescribed programme of study for progress to a subsequent year will be determined by the Higher Degrees Committee or equivalent and communicated to the candidate at the start of each year.

4.3  In addition to requirements determined under §4.1 and §4.2:

a)  For subjects listed under Schedule A of these regulations, in order to progress to the fourth year of study a candidate must have achieved a grade point average^[2] of at least 12.0 in the taught courses referred to in §2(a), with at least 75% of these credits at grade D3 or above, and all credits at grade F3 or above, and, where a candidate’s programme of study includes a 60 credit dissertation, the candidate must have achieved a grade D3 or above in the dissertation. The Programme Document may specify a course or courses in respect of which a specific grade is a minimum requirement of progression.

b)  For subjects listed under Schedule B of these regulations, in order to progress to the second year of study a candidate must have obtained a grade point average of 15.0 in 120 credits at the first attempt, with all credits at grade D3 or above. The Programme Document may specify a course or courses in respect of which a specific grade is a minimum requirement of progression. A candidate who does not meet the progress requirements will be eligible to transfer to a programme of study leading to the award of a Taught Masters degree on such terms as the Higher Degrees Committee or equivalent may determine.

4.4  A candidate whose progress in relation to the research is deemed by the College to be unsatisfactory may be excluded from further study towards the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study. The candidate may apply for their registration to be transferred to a programme of study leading to the award of a Taught Masters degree on such terms as the Higher Degrees Committee or equivalent may determine.

4.5  A candidate who fails to comply with the requirements of §4.2 and §4.3 may be excluded from further study towards the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study. The candidate may apply to have their registration transferred to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy on such terms as the Higher Degrees Committee or equivalent may determine.

5.  Thesis

5.1  In the College of Arts & Humanities and the College of Science & Engineering, a thesis for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study shall normally be presented for examination within four years from the date when a candidate first registered for full-time study. In the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, a thesis for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study shall normally be presented for examination within five years from the date when a candidate first registered for full-time study. Where the College has approved suspension of study for a period of time,^[3] the maximum period of study permitted shall be equivalent to the duration for full-time study plus the approved period of suspension adjusted proportionately.^[4]

5.2  Where the candidate has fulfilled the minimum period of study required by the regulations and has not submitted the thesis for examination, they shall apply to be registered with a ‘thesis pending’ status.^[4] If further research project work is required, the College may require the candidate to register as a full-time or part-time student. Failure to meet College requirements for progress without extenuating circumstances, may result in exclusion from further study.

5.3  The thesis shall be examined by one or more examiners appointed by the Senate from among the experienced academic staff of the University, and by one or more External Examiners appointed by the University Court on the recommendation of the Senate. No person who has been involved in the direct supervision of the research student may be appointed as an examiner. The internal examiner shall not undertake any duties which have been allocated to the Convener (see §5.5) and shall act as an examiner in the normal way.

5.4  A candidate for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study must present themself for oral or other examination by the Committee of Examiners on the subject matter of the thesis. This requirement for an oral examination shall be observed at the first submission of the thesis.

5.5  A Convener shall be appointed by the Dean of Graduate Studies to convene the oral examination and to report on the agreed recommendations of the Committee of Examiners to the appropriate College Committee.

The Convener will be responsible for the following:

a)  making the arrangements for an oral examination and ensuring that this is normally held no later than three months after the submission of the thesis;

b)  attending the whole examination and ensuring that it is conducted in a fair manner and is of a reasonable duration;

c)  arranging for the report stating the recommendation of the Committee of Examiners to be signed at the conclusion of the examination;

d)  after the oral, co-ordinating the completion of a joint report detailing the requirements for revision or resubmission and providing this to the candidate.

5.6  The supervisor shall not normally be present at the oral examination but shall be available to the Committee of Examiners for consultation. If the candidate makes a request in writing to the Convener for the supervisor to be present at the oral examination, this should normally be permitted. The request should be made no later than one week before the date of the oral.

5.7  Where a candidate has been permitted to resubmit a thesis, an oral shall also be held other than in exceptional circumstances, where the Convener, on the recommendation of the Committee of Examiners, may seek the agreement of the Dean of Graduate Studies to set aside the requirement for an oral examination after resubmission. In such circumstances the agreement of the candidate must be obtained, otherwise the candidate shall have the right to insist on an oral being held.

5.8  Where a candidate has been permitted to resubmit the thesis, it shall normally be on one occasion only. The resubmitted thesis shall be examined by the Committee of Examiners appointed for the first submission or by the Committee of Examiners appointed for the second submission. If the Committee of Examiners considers that the thesis has not achieved the standard required for the Degree but is of sufficient merit to be worthy of an award, it may recommend that the candidate revise the thesis and submit it for consideration for a Masters by Research degree.

6.  Requirements for Early Exit Awards of Masters Degree, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate

The following provisions will apply where a candidate does not satisfy the requirements for award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with Integrated Study

6.1  A candidate who has achieved a grade point average^[2] of at least 12.0 in the taught courses referred to in §2(a), with at least 75% of these credits at grade D3 or above, and all credits at grade F3 or above and who has completed a 60 credit dissertation at grade D3 or above will be eligible for the award of a Taught Masters degree in a designation approved by the Higher Degrees Committee or equivalent.

6.2  §6.4, §6.6 and §6.9 refer to the 'weighted course grade profile'. This means the profile of course grades obtained at the first attempt in the credits contributing to the award and weighted to reflect the relative credit weightings of the courses.^[5]

6.3  A candidate will be eligible for the award of the Taught Masters degree with Merit on achieving at the first attempt:

a)  a grade point average of at least 14.5 in the 180 or more credits taken on the programme; and

b)  a grade point average of at least 14.0 in the taught courses; and

c)  a grade of C1 or above in the dissertation.

6.4  Where a candidate has satisfied the requirements set out at §6.3 (b) and (c), and their grade point average at the first attempt for the 180 or more credits taken on the programme falls within the range 14.1 to 14.4 the Board of Examiners^[6] shall make the award with Merit where at least 50% of the weighted course grade profile comprises grades of B or above.

6.5  A candidate will be eligible for the award of the Taught Masters degree with Distinction on achieving at the first attempt:

a)  a grade point average of at least 17.5 in the 180 or more credits taken on the programme; and

b)  a grade point average of at least 17.0 in the taught courses; and

c)  a grade of B1 or above in the dissertation.

6.6  Where a candidate has satisfied the requirements set out at §6.5 (b) and (c), and their grade point average at the first attempt for the 180 or more credits taken on the programme falls within the range 17.1 to 17.4 the Board of Examiners shall make the award with Distinction where at least 50% of the weighted course grade profile comprises A grades.

6.7  A candidate who has achieved a grade point average of at least 9.0 in 120 credits, with not less than 80 of these credits at grade D3 or above will be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma. 

6.8  A candidate who has achieved a grade point average of at least 9.0 in 60 credits, with not less than 40 of these credits at grade D3 or above will be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate.

6.9  The awards of Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate may be granted with Merit or Distinction where a candidate has achieved at the first attempt a grade point average of at least 14.5, or a grade point average of at least 17.5, respectively. The Board of Examiners shall make the award with Merit or Distinction where the grade point average falls within the range 14.1 to 14.4, or 17.1 to 17.4, and where at least 50% of the weighted course grade profile comprises grades of B or above, or A grades, respectively.

7.  Particular conditions relating to study or research in the Colleges are set out below. A candidate must also comply with detailed requirements for research degrees published by the relevant Graduate School.

Arts & Humanities

The thesis must normally be written and defended in English. Exceptionally, however, at the time of application the College Graduate School Board (or equivalent) may approve arrangements whereby the thesis may be written and defended in a language other than English, such as Gaelic. Approval will normally be given only where the use of a language other than English is deemed appropriate by the relevant School and the Graduate School Board and where the School and the Graduate School Board are satisfied that appropriate arrangements can be made for supervision and examination. In addition to the requirement for satisfactory completion of a thesis, the candidate will be required to attend training courses as specified by the Graduate School and also, where appropriate, by their supervisors. Candidates may be exempted in full or part from this requirement, normally by virtue of training undertaken and recognised by the Graduate School as meeting training requirements.

Where a School determines it to be appropriate, candidates may present a thesis or portfolio accompanied by a related piece of work, for example, a play, an exhibition, a theatrical performance, a translation, computer software or work presented in digital media forms (to be defined as content presented through digital tools). In cases where a performance, exhibition or digital media element is involved in a thesis or dissertation, candidates must provide a permanent record of the creative or digital media aspect of the overall submission to be deposited with the thesis in the University Library. In such cases, the Graduate School Board shall, in consultation with the supervising School, advise candidates on the minimum length of the thesis component. The Board of Examiners is normally required to attend a performance or exhibition of the creative work.

In Celtic & Gaelic, candidates may present themselves for a PhD by creative practice. The candidate shall present both a practical component and a written component for examination. The practical component might explore, for example: historical and/or contemporary Celtic and/or Gaelic topics through a variety of creative media; consist of creative arts-led research into issues of significance for Celtic and/or Gaelic; or demonstrate creative practice in Celtic and/or Gaelic pedagogy. The written component shall consist of an academically rigorous reflection upon the research process and its critical significance within the disciplines of Celtic and/or Gaelic. The length of the written component shall be agreed between the supervisors and the candidate and confirmed through the Annual Progress Review process. Typically it shall be 30,000–40,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices). The written component and practical component taken together shall be deemed to constitute a ‘thesis which shall embody the results of the candidate’s special study or research’ as required under §3.1.

In Classics, candidates may present themselves for a PhD by creative practice. The candidate shall present both a practical component and a written component for examination. The practical component may: explore classical/ancient historical insights through a variety of creative media; consist of creative artsresearch into issues of significance to the interpretation of the ancient Greek or Roman worlds; or demonstrate creative practice in classical/ancient historical pedagogy. The written component shall consist of an academically rigorous reflection upon the research process and its critical significance within the discipline of Classics (including ancient history). The length of the written component shall be agreed between the supervisors and the candidate and confirmed through the Annual Progress Review process. Typically it shall be 30,000–40,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices). The written component and practical component taken together shall be deemed to constitute a ‘thesis which shall embody the results of the candidate’s special study or research’ as required under §3.1.

In English Literature, candidates may present themselves for a PhD in a specific Creative Writing genre. Before being considered for admission to study for the award, candidates must normally satisfy the requirements of §1, and present sufficient evidence of potential in creative writing, through submission of a portfolio of creative and critical work. Registered candidates must satisfactorily complete, in the first two years, prescribed studies which shall include attendance at writing seminars and/or workshops. Each candidate’s progress in the prescribed studies shall be assessed by means of set projects and/or a journal of studies maintained by the candidate. During the third year, under the supervision of a person appointed for the purpose by the College, candidates shall prepare and present for the approval of the Senate, a thesis or portfolio of written work which shall make significant contribution to literature in the generic route chosen, normally containing material worthy of publication. The thesis shall be deemed to constitute a ‘thesis which shall embody the results of the candidate’s special study or research’ as required under §3.1. Following successful completion of the first two years of study, candidates will be eligible for the award of Master of Philosophy if they elect to end their studies at this stage.

In Film & Television Studies, candidates may present themselves for a practice-based PhD. The candidate shall typically complete a thesis of 30,000–40,000 words in length (including references, bibliography and appendices) and a practical component of significant originality and sophistication (examples might include, but are not limited to, an artistic or experimental video work, documentary, video-essay, a collection of shorts, an exhibition or installation, festival, and so on). In exceptional circumstances a shorter or longer thesis might be agreed, to provide an appropriate balance with the practical component, thereby enabling either the completion of a larger and appropriately sophisticated or complex practical component, or, conversely, to weigh in favour of a longer thesis in relation to a more discrete focus on the practical component. The thesis and practical component taken together shall be deemed to constitute a ‘thesis which shall embody the results of the candidate’s special study or research’ as required under §3.1.

In History, candidates may present themselves for a PhD by creative practice. The candidate shall present both a practical component and a written component for examination. The practical component may: explore historical insights through a variety of creative media; consist of creative artsresearch into issues of historical significance; or demonstrate creative practice in historical pedagogy. The written component shall consist of an academically rigorous reflection upon the research process and its critical significance within the discipline of History. The length of the written component shall be agreed between the supervisors and the candidate and confirmed through the Annual Progress Review process. Typically it shall be 30,000–40,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices). The written component and practical component taken together shall be deemed to constitute a ‘thesis which shall embody the results of the candidate’s special study or research’ as required under §3.1. 

In Music, PhD candidates may present themselves for examination by thesis or by portfolio. Normally a thesis will be of 70,000–100,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices). For examination by thesis, the candidate may include a range of practical components in support of their underlying argument, but this is not a requirement. The precise relationship between practical work and written commentary, and their relative weightings, will be agreed between the candidate, their supervisors, and the Music postgraduate convener, through Annual Progress Review as part of the development of the project. For examination by portfolio, candidates may submit work in a range of disciplines, including composition, sonic art, performance or other forms of creative practice. Extended critical and methodologically informed documentation of the research project will accompany the creative inquiry. The written component is expected to complement and reflect in a rigorous manner upon the practical component. Normally the portfolio will comprise creative work of approximately two hours’ duration or work of equivalent depth or complexity and the written component will be 10,000–20,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices). The precise relationship between practical work and written commentary, and their relative weightings, will be agreed between the candidate, their supervisors, and the Music postgraduate convener, through Annual Progress Review as part of the development of the project.

In Theatre Studies, candidates may present themselves for a practice-based PhD. The balance between academic writing and research-driven practice will vary depending on the needs of the research project and will be agreed with the supervisory team. The candidate shall typically complete a significant piece of practice, or portfolio of practice, such as playtexts, installations or performances, accompanied by a written thesis of 30,000–60,000 words in length (including references, bibliography and appendices). The written and practical component taken together shall be deemed to constitute a ‘thesis which shall embody the results of the candidate’s special study or research’ as required under §3.1.

In Theology & Religious Studies, candidates may present themselves for a practice-based PhD. The candidate shall present both a practical component and a written component for examination. The practical component may explore: religious/spiritual insights through a variety of creative media; demonstrate creative practice in areas such as liturgy, ritual and homiletics; or consist of Arts-based research into issues of theological/religious significance. The written component shall consist of an academically rigorous reflection upon the research process and its critical significance within theology/religious studies. The length of the written component shall be agreed between the supervisors and the candidate and confirmed through the Annual Progress Review process. Typically it shall be 30,000–40,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices). The written component and practical component taken together shall be deemed to constitute a ‘thesis which shall embody the results of the candidate’s special study or research’ as required under §3.1.

Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences

A candidate holding an appointment as a member of the teaching or research staff of the University of Glasgow, paid through the Finance Office or directly by a grant awarding body approved by the University Court, may register part-time whilst being subject to the same provisions regarding minimum periods of full-time study if they devote the major part of the day, typically 75–80% of their time, to research studies.

In addition to the requirement for satisfactory completion of a thesis, a candidate will normally be required to attend training courses as specified by the College Graduate School and also, where appropriate, their supervisor.

Science & Engineering

To qualify for the award of a PhD with Integrated Study, a candidate must have demonstrated to a Committee of Examiners by the presentation of a thesis and by performance in an oral examination that they are capable of:

a)   pursuing original research in their specific field of study; and

b)   relating their results to the general body of knowledge in the field; and

c)   presenting their results in a critical and scholarly manner.

8.   Research in External Institutions

As permitted in §1, College Graduate Schools may allow the candidate’s study or research to be conducted in an institution external to the University of Glasgow. The period of study of research elsewhere shall not normally exceed 12 months except where that study or research is undertaken in an institution or location approved by the appropriate College Committee. The choice of an external institution will be determined ad hoc and only where there exists clear alignment of the candidate’s proposed study or research with the aims and objectives of the institution proposed, and where the institution can demonstrate ability to provide an appropriate level of supervision of the candidate. A full-time member of staff of a recognised Institution may be nomi­nated by the College Graduate School on behalf of Senate either as a supervisor or as an internal examiner although such an individual may not be nominated as an examiner if they have previously supervised the candidate's work. In cases where an employee of the institution acts as supervisor or internal examiner, a member of staff from an appropriate subject area in the University will also be appointed.

The list of institutions recognised for the purpose of this regulation is available from Research & Innovation Services.

9.   Submission of Thesis

In submitting a thesis a candidate must state, generally in the preface and specifically in the notes, the sources from which their information is derived, the extent to which they have availed themself of the work of others, and the portions of the thesis which they claim as original. The thesis must be in English.

Submission of the thesis should be completed electronically as directed by the Graduate School and copy must conform to University Library specifications. In all cases the submission must include a summary of 250-1,000 words which must be an adequate and informative abstract of the work, suitable for publication by the University.

In signing a submission form, the supervisor is confirming that the work was undertaken by the candidate. The wording of the form makes it clear that the supervisor's signature does not endorse that the work has been completed nor does it indicate that the thesis has achieved the required standard for the award of the Degree. A candidate may submit a thesis against the advice of the supervisor but in such cases the supervisor is required to provide a short statement to the Convener of the Committee of Examiners.

If approved for the Degree, an electronic copy of the thesis shall be deposited with the University Library and must conform to University Library specifications. It is the University's normal practice to permit computer download of the electronic copy through its repository service, Enlighten. Such access may, however, be restricted under provisions of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 or the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004.

Subjects of Integrated Study in which the Degree may be offered are:

Schedule A

Precision Medicine^[7]

Schedule B

Ageing, Health & Welfare

Biochemistry

Biotechnology

Cancer Sciences

Cardiovascular Medicine

Cardiovascular Science

Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Cell Engineering

Clinical & Surgical Sciences

Dentistry

Diabetes

Ecology

Evolution

General Practice & Primary Care

Health Economics & Health Technology Assessment

Health Professions Education

Immunology & Inflammation

Infectious Disease

Microbiology

Molecular Cell Biology

Molecular Genetics

Molecular Pharmacology

Neuroscience & Psychology

Nursing

Nutrition

Parasitology

Plant Science

Population & Ecosystem Health

Psychological Medicine

Public Health

Renal, Endocrine & Metabolic Medicine

Social & Public Health Sciences

Translational Research

Virology