Regulation 2: Regulations for research degree awards

2.1 Awards

Research degrees that may be granted by the University are listed in Appendix 1.

In order to qualify for a research degree, students must:

(a) Meet the specified entry requirements

(b) Pursue the programme of study prescribed for the specified period of enrolment

(c) Comply with supervision, residence and attendance requirements (see 2.4 and 2.5 below)

(d) Fulfil all other progression and programme requirements specified, including successful completion of the University’s online Academic Integrity Tutorial*

(e) Pay such fees or other sums as may be prescribed.

(f) Meet the specified assessment and examination requirements, including the final thesis, dissertation or research project and, where required, an oral examination.

Failure to meet the requirements set out in 2.1 (a) to (f) above may result in a student not being permitted to enter for assessments or examinations for the specified award .

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To make recommendations to Senate for the award of research degrees
  • To make recommendations to Senate for any exceptions to these requirements

* This requirement to successfully complete the University Online Academic Integrity Tutorial does not apply to students on validated programmes

2.2 Entry requirements

To be admitted to a research degree programme, a candidate must:

(a) Hold a relevant first degree of this or of another university recognised by the Senate for this purpose, or have qualifications or related experience recognised by the Senate as equivalent to a relevant degree..

(b) Submit the subject of his/her higher study or research to the Board of Studies concerned for approval prior to admission.

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To recommend to Senate candidates for admission to research degree programmes.

2.3 Enrolment requirements

(a) General research degree requirements, including the required periods of enrolment for awards, are specified in the Code of Practice on Research Degrees, and the Degrees of MPhil, PhD and EngD. [Additional guidance notes can be found in Notes of guidance for students, supervisors and examiners and Guidelines on MA/MSc by research.] These publications are available on the Registry Services web pages under “Information for Research Students”.

(b) With the approval of Senate, prior learning and achievement relevant to the programme concerned may be recognised through the reduction of the period of enrolment. Parameters and procedures for this are specified in the Code of Practice on Research Degrees.

(c) Specific programme requirements are as approved by the Senate on the recommendation of the Board of Studies concerned. Programme requirements are specified in relevant departmental documents.

(d) Students enrolled for a research degree may not usually be enrolled at the same time for any other degree or qualification at this or another institution, unless such enrolment forms part of an approved programme of study involving another institution or institutions.

(e) Students are not permitted to count the same period of enrolment for the award of a research degree and a taught postgraduate degree.

(f) Paid employment

(i) Students on full-time research degree programmes may undertake a maximum of sixteen hours of paid employment per week. This maximum is subject to any restrictions imposed by the student’s sponsor or funding body and the approval of his/her supervisor. Exceptions to these requirements may be made by the Senate on the recommendation of the Board of Studies for certain categories of employment closely related to the programme of study.

(ii) It shall be a condition of any arrangements that are made regarding paid employment, residence and attendance that regular supervision will be provided for.

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To recommend to Senate research degree programme requirements for approval
  • To recommend to Special Cases Committee any exceptions to the specified enrolment requirements, including the reduction of periods of enrolment
  • To recommend to Senate exceptions regarding paid employment.

2.4 Supervision

See also 2.3 on enrolment requirements

(a) Students on research degree programmes are allocated a supervisor, normally a member of University staff. An additional supervisor may be appointed where desirable. This may be a requirement of specified programmes.

(b) In the case of collaborative programmes, approval may be given for a supervisor (or additional supervisor) to be appointed from the collaborating institution or organisation. This may be a requirement of specified programmes.

(c) Students enrolled on the degree of EngD shall have at least two supervisors, one of whom must be a member of University staff. In addition, an industrial supervisor who is employed by the industrial organisation associated with the programme of study must also be appointed. The University may appoint a third supervisor, who may be a member of staff at another university.

(d) Students are required to attend supervisory meetings not less than twice a term. Requirements for more frequent meetings and/or for meetings with additional supervisors will be specified by the Board of Studies concerned.

(e) All supervisors for research degrees are appointed by the Board of Studies concerned. Appeals against the appointment of a supervisor are heard in the first instance by the relevant Board of Studies. Special Cases Committee hears appeals against the outcome of the Board of Studies' decision..

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To recommend to Senate programme-level exceptions to supervisory requirements
  • To approve the appointment of supervisors for individual students
  • To specify acceptable alternatives to face-to-face supervisory meetings (for example, in the case of distance learning programmes).

2.5 Residence and attendance

See also 2.3 on enrolment requirements

(a) Research students should normally live within reasonable travelling distance of their designated place of instruction for the duration of designated periods of study. Where fieldwork constitutes part of a programme of study, the fieldwork location may be regarded as the designated place of instruction.

(b) Students may be absent from their designated place of instruction during periods of study provided they are not away at any time at which academic engagements, including thesis advisory panel meetings, have been arranged. Students are responsible for seeking approval for absences at other times from their supervisor or, in the supervisor’s absence, the Chair of the Board of Studies concerned.

(c) “Designated periods of study” will usually equate to University terms. Exceptions to this will be recorded as programme requirements in departmental documentation.

(d) Exceptions: distance learning programmes: Students on distance learning programmes are expected to demonstrate attendance through participation in all designated academic engagements.

(e) Exemptions: Students seeking exemptions from attendance requirements for medical or other reasons should follow the procedure set out in the Mitigating Circumstances Policy. This includes a procedure for self-certification for short periods of absence due to ill-health.

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To define designated places of instruction and/or placements
  • To define designated periods of study, where these do not correspond with University terms
  • To define the academic engagements required for programmes of study
  • To define exceptions to attendance requirements in programme documentation
  • To approve exemptions or recommend exemptions to attendance requirements to Senate in accordance with the Mitigating Circumstances Policy.

2.6 Progress and programme transfers

(a) Students must meet progression requirements as specified in the Code of Practice on Research Degrees and in programme documentation. Students who fail to meet progression requirements will not be permitted to continue and their enrolment with the University may be terminated or, where permitted, transferred to another programme.

(b) Appeals against progression decisions should be made to the appropriate Board of Studies and referred to Special Cases Committee where there is no satisfactory resolution. Special Cases Committee will take account only of those mitigating circumstances that were disclosed to the Board of Studies at the appropriate time unless the student can demonstrate acceptable reasons for failure to disclose at that time.

(c) All students are required to complete successfully the online University Academic Integrity Tutorial before the end of the first stage or year of their programme of study as specified in Regulations 5.7 and 6.5(c).  Failure to comply with this regulation may result in termination of enrolment with the University.

(d) Plagiarism detection software packages may be used at the University's discretion to detect unfair practice in student submissions.  As part of the academic community, students accept that work they submit for assessment may be submitted to these software packages.  Further information relating to how such software is used can be found in the University's Data Protection Statement, the Academic Integrity website and departmental handbooks.

(e) Procedures for investigating academic misconduct and the penalties applied where it has been committed are contained in Academic Misconduct: Policies, Guidelines and Procedures for all programmes of study.

(f) Requests to transfer enrolment: A student enrolled on a research degree programme may request a transfer to a different research degree where such degrees are available and provided that such transfer takes place before the dissertation, thesis or other final research is submitted.

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To specify programme progression requirements for approval by the Senate
  • To recommend to Senate the termination of enrolment of a research student.
  • To consider requests for transfers of enrolment.

2.7 Assessment requirements

2.7.1 Introduction

Detailed assessment requirements and procedures for the award of research degrees are set out in the Code of Practice on Research Degrees. For the award of the degrees of MPhil, PhD and EngD, a student must:

(a) present a thesis according to the requirements set out in 2.7.2 below, and

(b) present him/herself for an oral examination on the subject of his/her advanced study.

For research degree programmes, any further assessment requirements specified in programme documentation should be regarded as progression requirements.

2.7.2 Theses (MPhil, PhD and EngD) and Dissertations (MA/MSc by research)

(a) Word limits for theses and dissertations are prescribed by the Board of Studies concerned.

(b) Students must notify the Registrar and Secretary of their intention to present a thesis, together with the title of the thesis, not less than eight weeks before the date of presentation.

(c) Students who wish to submit a thesis more than three months before the end of the specified enrolment period for the award must seek approval from the Board of Studies concerned.

(d) Students are required to submit a thesis within one year of the end of the normal period of enrolment, unless mitigating circumstances apply. In such instances, extensions may be recommended by from the Board of Studies concerned for approval by Special Cases Committee. The extension shall not normally exceed two years. Extensions will be granted only in cases where the candidate’s work has been hampered by medical or personal or unexpected circumstances arising from employment for which supporting documentary evidence can be made available.

(e) Requirements regarding the presentation and submission of theses and dissertations are set out in the Code of Practice on Research Degrees.

(f) Students are not permitted to submit a thesis containing work that has already been submitted for the award of a degree or other qualification conferred at this or any other university.

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To prescribe word limits for theses and dissertations.
  • To make recommendations to Senate regarding early submission or the extension of the submission deadline for the thesis
  • To make recommendations to Special Cases Committee regarding the late submission of theses and dissertations where mitigating circumstances apply.

2.7.3 Examiners

(a) Candidates for research degree awards, with the exception of any candidate referred to in paragraph (b) below, shall be examined by at least two and not more than three examiners. The number of examiners who are not members of the academic staff of the University shall always equal or exceed the number of those who are.

(b) In the case of candidates for jointly awarded research degrees the details of examiner membership must be clarified in the degree programme specification and approved by Senate.

(c) Any candidate for a research degree award who, at any time, during the five years prior to the date on which he/she submits his/her thesis or dissertation for examination, has been a member of staff of the University shall normally be examined by at least two and not more than three examiners, two of whom shall not be members of the academic staff of the University. Exemptions from this requirement may only be made by Senate on the recommendation of the Board of Studies concerned.

(d) Candidates for jointly awarded research degrees shall be examined under arrangements approved by Senate, taking into account the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) above.

(e) Procedures for the appointment of internal and external examiners are set out in the Code of Practice on Research Degrees.

(f) A candidate’s supervisor shall not be appointed as the internal examiner. Exemptions from this requirement may only be made by Senate on the recommendation of the Board of Studies concerned. In such cases, two external examiners shall be appointed in addition to the internal examiner.

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To make recommendations to Senate on the appointment of internal and external examiners.
  • To make recommendations to Senate

2.7.4 Examinations

(a) No candidate shall be admitted to any examination unless s/he has satisfied the requirements laid down in the Ordinances and Regulations, or has been exempted from any requirements by the Senate on the recommendation of the Board of Studies concerned.

(b) Candidates for the award of the degrees of MPhil, PhD or EngD must present themselves for oral examination on the subject of their advanced study or research. Any exception to this requirement must be approved by the Senate on the recommendation of the Board of Studies and a special note on the circumstances in each individual case included in the Examiners’ report.

(c) An oral examination may be a specified programme requirement of an MA or MSc programme by research. Where not required by the programme, an oral examination may nevertheless be required for an individual candidate, at the discretion of the examiners, in order to ensure that the work submitted for examination is the candidate’s own or that the candidate meets the standards required for the degree.

(d) In cases of exceptionally poor presentation, the examiners may jointly recommend that a thesis shall be returned to the student for revision and resubmission prior to the oral examination, following the procedure set out in the Code of Practice on Research Degrees . The period allowed to remedy deficiencies in the presentation of the thesis shall not normally exceed one month.

(e) Following the oral examination the examiners may make one of the following recommendations:

(i) that the candidate be awarded the degree with no corrections to the thesis being required;

(ii) that the candidate be awarded the degree subject to minor corrections being made to the thesis to the satisfaction of the examiners;

(iii) that the thesis should be referred for resubmission, after a further period of no more than twelve and no less than three months. A thesis may normally be referred on one occasion only. The thesis shall be re-examined, normally by the original examiners. The examiners may require a further oral examination;

(iv) that no degree should be awarded.

In the case of submissions for the award of PhD, the examiners may also recommend:

(v) that the candidate should be awarded the degree of MPhil with no corrections to the thesis being required;

(vi) that the candidate should be awarded the degree of MPhil subject to minor corrections being made to the thesis to the satisfaction of the internal or another of the examiners;

(vii) that the thesis should be referred for resubmission, after a further period of no more than twelve and no less than three months, for the degree of MPhil. A thesis may normally be referred on one occasion only. The thesis shall be re-examined, normally by the original examiners. The examiners may require a further oral examination.

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To determine whether students have fulfilled award and programme requirements to permit entry to University assessments and make recommendations to Senate.
  • To make recommendations to Senate on exemptions or exceptions to such arrangements.

2.7.5 General assessment requirements

Students must follow all other examination requirements as set out in the Code of Practice on Research Degree programmes. Any student not complying with examination requirements may be deemed to have failed the assessment and may not be given a reassessment opportunity.

All materials submitted for assessment or forming part of an assessment process become the property of the University on receipt. The University may pass copies of assessment materials to third parties, but in so doing undertakes not to prejudice the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of the student in accordance with relevant legislation.

The intellectual property contained in assessment materials remains with the originator, except where the provisions of Regulation 12.2 apply.

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To determine whether students have fulfilled award and programme requirements to permit entry to University assessments.

2.7.6 Mitigating circumstances

Students are expected to attend scheduled examinations and submit theses and dissertations at the required time and date. If a student is unable to meet these requirements for good cause and would like this to be taken into account, s/he will need to submit a mitigating circumstances claim with supporting evidence, in advance where possible, to the relevant Board of Studies for consideration by Special Cases Committee, which can approve an alternative assessment date. (see 2.7.2 above for time limits on extensions)

2.7.7 Academic misconduct

See also Regulation 5.7

The University is committed to developing high standards of academic practice among its students and to safeguarding the standards of its academic awards. It regards any form of academic misconduct as an extremely serious matter. Procedures for investigating academic misconduct and the penalties to be applied where it has been committed are contained in Academic Misconduct: Policies, Guidelines and Procedures for all programmes of study.

All students are required to complete successfully the University Academic Integrity Tutorial before the end of the first stage or year of their programme of study. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in termination of enrolment with the University.*

Powers of Boards of Studies

  • To follow the requirements of Boards of Studies and examiners in relation to the marking of assessments and the application of any further penalties as set out in Academic Misconduct: Policies, guidelines and procedures for all programmes of study.
  • To make recommendations to the Senate for the termination of a student’s enrolment or candidature for award in cases of severe or repeated cases of academic misconduct.

* This requirement to successfully complete the University’s online Academic Integrity Tutorial does not apply to students on validated programmes.

2.7.8 Granting of awards

(a) Research degrees will not be awarded or conferred until any minor corrections required by the examiners have been made to the satisfaction of the internal or another of the examiners, and until copies of the thesis or dissertation have been deposited in accordance with the requirements set out in the Code of Practice on Research Degrees.

(b) No student may represent him or herself as holding an award of the University of York until such time as that award has been granted to him or her.

(c) Before the receipt of an award parchment, all students are required to obtain and present clearance that all of their obligations to the University Library have been met.

(d) Graduands will be presented for their degrees either in person, or in absentia, at a Congregation for the conferment of degrees. They are required to notify the Academic Registrar whether they intend to attend the Congregation.

(e) Students attending a Congregation of the University for the conferment of degrees or granting of other awards are required to wear the dress prescribed for the occasion.

2.7.9 Deposit and availability of theses and dissertations after examination

Copies of theses and dissertations must be deposited with the University as specified in the Code of Practice on Research Degrees.

All theses and dissertations deposited shall normally be available for consultation and for reproduction (subject to normal conditions for acknowledgement). The author may request that the University Library withhold access and that none of the material contained in it should be reproduced, for a period not exceeding two years from the date on which it was deposited with the University.

2.8 Academic appeals and hearings

Further guidance relating to academic appeals and hearings for students on taught programmes of study is available in Regulation 6.7.

2.8.1 General principles regarding appeals

(a) Students may not appeal against the academic judgement of examiners or of the members of a thesis advisory panel.

(b) Students wishing to exercise their right of appeal against a decision or recommendation reached by a Board or Studies or Board of Examiners must follow the procedure set out below.

(c) In order for an appeal to be heard, there must be a prima facie case that the decision or recommendation concerned may be invalid. The Chair of a relevant sub-committee, acting on behalf of the Senate, will reach a decision on whether a prima facie case has been established. The procedure and timescale to be followed by the Chair is set out below in Regulation 2.8.4. Reasons will be stated where a decision not to hear an appeal is reached.

(d) Where a student has also made a complaint under the University’s complaints procedure and the outcome of that complaint might be relevant to consideration of an academic appeal, the Chair may decide that the appeal should be held in abeyance until consideration of the complaint under the complaints procedure has been completed in whole or in part.

(e) Only a student about whom a decision has been made can lodge an appeal against that decision; appeals by third parties are not accepted.

(f) Responsibility for considering or hearing appeals by students has been delegated by the Senate to the Special Cases Committee (SCC).

2.8.2 Recommendations or decisions against which an appeal may be considered

A student may appeal against the following decisions or recommendations reached by a Board of Studies or thesis advisory panel:

(a) that the degree for which the student was enrolled should not be awarded, but that the student should be required to re-sit an examination or to revise and resubmit a thesis or dissertation for re-examination for the award; and against the conditions on which such permission is given

(b) a decision relating to the application of the Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedures

(c) a recommendation that a student’s enrolment should be terminated on the grounds that the student’s performance is academically unsatisfactory

(d) a recommendation that a student’s enrolment should be terminated or transferred to another programme on the grounds that the student has failed to meet or comply with the requirements of an external organisation in which training or education is undertaken, or of an appropriate professional or regulatory body

(e) a decision regarding student progression, including confirmation of a student’s enrolment for the degree of PhD or EngD, programme transfer or suspension of studies.

2.8.3 Grounds for appeal and circumstances in which hearings are held

(a) An appeal against a recommendation concerning termination of enrolment (categories 2.8.2 (c) and 2.8.2 (d) above) or against a decision arising out of academic misconduct (see 2.8.2 (b) above) is always heard.

(b) In all other cases, an appeal will only be heard if, in the judgement of the Chair of a relevant sub-committee, acting on behalf of Senate, evidence has been presented that the decision or recommendation concerned may be invalid. Where a case for an appeal has been established on these grounds, the Board of Studies or Board of Examiners concerned may be asked if it is prepared to reconsider its recommendation or decision. Students retain the right to appeal against a subsequent recommendation or decision following such reconsideration.

(c) Students may appeal against a decision reached as a consequence of assessment (category 2.8.2 (c) above) only if:

(i) they believe that a procedural irregularity has occurred, or that the assessment was conducted unfairly or improperly; or

(ii) for good reason, relevant mitigating circumstances can be shown that could not reasonably have been brought to the attention of the examiners before a decision on academic performance was reached.

(d) Students may appeal against a decision not to recommend confirmation of PhD or EngD enrolment if:

(i) they believe that a procedural irregularity has occurred or that the meeting of the thesis advisory panel was conducted unfairly or improperly; or

(ii) they believe that the academic supervision that received was seriously inadequate. In such cases, good reasons must be given for not having made known dissatisfaction with the supervision received before the meeting of the thesis advisory panel.

(e) Students whose thesis or dissertation has been failed by the examiners may appeal on the grounds that the academic supervision received was seriously inadequate. In such cases, good reasons must be given for not having made known dissatisfaction with the supervision received before the examination.

(f) An appeal on the grounds of inadequacy of academic supervision may only be made in the circumstances outlined in (d) and (e) above.

2.8.4 Procedures for consideration of appeals, constitution of the appeal panel and for appeal hearings

All procedures are set out in detail below

(a) Procedure for lodging an appeal
Students wishing to appeal must do so in writing to the Manager: Registry Services within four weeks of being notified of the recommendation or decision against which they wish to appeal. The appeal should detail the grounds of appeal from those listed in Regulation 2.8.3, and the evidence that the student wishes to be considered by the Special Cases Committee (SCC), and should identify the outcome sought.

(b) Procedure for considering an appeal
Except where a student wishes to appeal against a recommendation in Regulation 2.8.2( c), (e) or (f), an appeal may be heard only if, in the judgement of the Chair of the Committee:

(i) the student has presented evidence that the recommendation or decision made by the Board of Studies or thesis advisory panel may be invalid, on one or more of the grounds specified above as permissible; and

(ii) the evidence presented by the student is such that it might persuade the Committee to vary the recommendation or decision, or to refer it back to the Board of Studies or thesis advisory panel.

In considering an appeal, the Chair of the SCC may request information from relevant parties concerning any matter raised by the student.

The Chair of the SCC may ask the Board of Studies or thesis advisory panel if, in the light of evidence presented by the student, it is prepared to reconsider its recommendation or decision, and the Board of Studies or thesis advisory panel may agree to do so. The student will retain the right to appeal against a subsequent recommendation or decision.

The Chair of the SCC will give reasons for any decision that an appeal should not be heard.

Another member of the SCC may deputise for the Chair in considering an appeal.

A decision on whether or not an appeal may be heard will normally be made within six weeks of receipt of the appeal; a hearing will take place as soon as possible after a decision that an appeal should be heard.

(c) Constitution of an appeal panel
Appeals are heard by a panel of at least four members of the SCC. The members of the panel will not be members of the same department as the student concerned or have had involvement with the case.

(d) Procedure for an appeal hearing
Students whose appeals are to be heard may:

(i) attend the hearing and present their case;

(ii) be accompanied by an enrolled student or employee of the University and/or an officer of the Graduate Students’ Association;

(iii) make a written statement to the panel, including information from third parties, whether or not they choose to attend the hearing.

The appeal panel may invite evidence from any person whom it deems to be relevant to the case.

2.8.5 Outcomes of an appeal hearing

As a result of an appeal hearing, the panel may decide:

(a) to uphold or dismiss the appeal;

(b) to uphold, dismiss or vary the recommendation or decision against which the appeal has been made. Where appropriate, consultation with relevant examiners will take place prior to a final decision;

(c) to refer the matter back to the Board of Studies or Board of Examiners for reconsideration of the original recommendation or decision;

(d) that the examination or assessment, or meeting of the thesis advisory panel, should be conducted anew; and that, if appropriate, one or more of the examiners should be replaced;

(e) that the student should be permitted a re-assessment opportunity; or that the conditions on which such permission is given should be varied;

(f) that the student should be allowed an additional period of time to prepare for a further meeting of the thesis advisory panel at which confirmation of PhD enrolment will be considered.

In every case the Committee or panel will give reasons for its decision. Students who remain dissatisfied with the outcome of an appeal lodged under this Regulation may be able to make a complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIAHE). Further information about the OIAHE is available on the website www.oiahe.org.uk

2.9 Regulations for PhD by publication

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Publication may be conferred by the University. To be admitted under these regulations a candidate shall:

(a) have held a relevant first degree of this or of another university approved by the Senate for this purpose, or a qualification recognised by the Senate as equivalent, for at least four years before registering the intention to submit for the degree; or

(b) have held a relevant masters degree of this or of another university approved by the Senate for this purpose, or a qualification recognised by the Senate as equivalent, for at least three years before registering the intention to submit for the degree, and

(c) have held an appointment as a member of academic, research, administrative, library, computing or other related staff of the University for at least three years before registering the intention to submit for the degree, and

(d) have presented work which has satisfied the examiners and which contains a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding.

2.9.1

A person wishing to submit work for the award of this degree shall first seek permission from the graduate school board of the department concerned. If permission is given, the graduate school board shall appoint a member of staff as adviser. The adviser shall direct the preparation of the submission, including the writing of the integrative chapter that will accompany the publications. On the recommendation of the adviser, and with the approval of the graduate school board, the person may register an intention to submit work for the award of the degree.

2.9.2

Registration of an intention to submit must be made in writing to the Registrar and Secretary. Unless the University Teaching Committee approves otherwise, the work will be submitted for examination not less than three months and not more than twelve months after registration of the intention to submit.

2.9.3

A significant proportion of the work submitted for the award of the degree shall have been carried out during the period of employment at the University and during the eight years immediately preceding the registration of intention to submit.

2.9.4

A candidate may not submit work that has already been submitted, by the candidate or by another person, for a degree in this or any other university, except where the previously submitted work is explicitly identified, in a declaration signed by the candidate, as preliminary work from which the remaining work submitted has developed. The candidate must identify his/her contribution to the previously submitted work.

2.9.5

Where co-authored works are submitted, the candidate must provide a written statement, signed by the candidate and by one or more of the major contributory co-authors, specifying the candidate's individual contribution and the conditions and circumstances in which the work was carried out.

2.9.6

The work submitted shall be comparable in quantity to that submitted by a candidate for the degree of PhD by thesis, and

(a) shall have already appeared in print, or shall have been accepted for publication and be accompanied by an official, final acceptance which indicates that no further revision is required, or shall have been published on the website of the journal concerned in advance of publication in printed form. The evidence of acceptance for publication must be satisfactory to the departmental graduate school board concerned and to the examiners;

(b) shall normally comprise a research monograph, one or more authored books or papers in refereed journals, or musical compositions. The inclusion of some material in the form of chapters in edited books shall be permitted;

(c) shall be accompanied by an integrative chapter, not exceeding 10,000 words, which summarises the aims, objectives, methodology, results and conclusions of all the work submitted, and explains how it forms a coherent body of work and makes an original contribution to knowledge or understanding. The integrative chapter will also specify the candidate's contribution to the work submitted;

(d) Two copies of the work should normally be submitted. The work will be in the form specified in the University's requirements for the presentation and binding of theses and dissertations, which are available at http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/gso/exams/thesis/requirements.htm

2.9.7

Every candidate for the degree shall be examined by at least two and not more than three examiners, two of whom shall not be members of the academic staff of the University.

(a) Every candidate for the degree of PhD is required to present himself/herself for oral examination on the subject of his/her submitted work and on matters relevant to it, unless approval to dispense with the oral examination has been granted by the examiners and the University Teaching Committee. Wherever such dispensation is approved, the examiners must include a special note on the circumstances of each individual case in their report to the Senate.

(b) If the examiners are of the opinion that a candidate examined by them has not attained the standard required for the degree, they may at their discretion recommend:

(i) the reference for resubmission of the integrative chapter, after a further period of not more than twelve nor less than three months; and/or the submission of additional work, within a period to be proposed by the examiners and approved by the University Teaching Committee; or

(ii) that the degree of MPhil be conferred upon the candidate; or

(iii) that no degree be awarded.

Regulations