how to get a phd by publication

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August 20th, 2018

A phd by publication is a great way to build your academic profile, but be mindful of its challenges.

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Peer-reviewed publications are the bread and butter of the academic world. The quantity and quality of papers a researcher publishes can influence job applications, grant applications, performance reviews, and promotions. Unfortunately, the craft of writing academic papers and facilitating their publication is not typically a focus of doctoral education.

To help better prepare candidates for the realities of academia, universities increasingly allow the option to complete a PhD by publication, a model which encourages candidates to publish during their candidature, and to include their publications as, or within, their final submission. Jørgen Carling has previously outlined the benefits of completing the PhD by publication. While we agree there are many advantages to adopting this model, there are also challenges that need to be considered to ensure success.

We understand many of these challenges, having both completed a PhD by publication in the past five years. In our field (education) and location (Australia), the traditional thesis dominates, and while that is slowly changing, we encountered a range of problems for which there was little advice or support available at the time. Here we anticipate some of the many questions candidates may ask, and offer possible answers based on our experiences and research.

How many papers should I publish?

There is no one correct answer! Regardless of the thesis mode, the goal of doctoral study is to make an original and significant contribution to a field. How many papers it will take to meet this goal will depend on many factors. We found that the average number of papers included in Australian theses was 4.5, but this ranged anywhere from one to 12 papers. Publishing in itself is not a guarantee of conferral of your degree, and quality may be more important than quantity.

Should I co-author with my supervisor?

Doctoral candidates often publish with their supervisors. Supervisors have always assisted their students in the development of their traditional thesis, to differing degrees, but in the past this has gone relatively unacknowledged. Most university guidelines will require candidates to declare each author’s contribution to a paper, and thus a higher level of authorial transparency is achieved. Co-authoring papers gives doctoral students an apprenticeship in writing journal articles, as well as experience in collaborative writing and working in research teams – a regular part of an academic’s job.

Early and frank communication is important. The three co-authored papers in Shannon’s thesis were written in the beginning stages of her candidature when more hands-on support in the process of writing and publishing was needed. She was then well-equipped to write the remaining four papers alone. Margaret’s thesis was unusual as all included papers were sole authored, which was only possible as she had already co-authored two peer-reviewed papers prior to candidature.

We strongly recommend establishing clear mutual expectations between candidate and supervisor as early as possible.

How can I publish everything in time?

The process of preparing a manuscript, submitting to a journal, waiting for reviews, attending to requests for revisions, copy editing, and final publication can be extensive in some fields. This can be very frustrating for candidates who are working to a doctoral submission deadline. It is important to check journal guidelines for their average turnaround times. Once a paper is under review, don’t be afraid to follow up politely once this time has passed.

It is also important to check your PhD-by-publication guidelines, because many universities allow the submission of papers at various stages of production, such as those still under review. This allowance is particularly helpful to ensure the inclusion of papers developed in the later stages of your candidature.

What if my paper gets rejected?

For doctoral candidates just developing their new identities as researchers, rejection can be difficult to take. The reality is that even experienced academics deal with rejection at some time, perhaps more often than they might like to admit! The important thing to remember is that rejection is a normal part of the process. The decision is not always about the quality of the paper, but its fit within that particular journal at that particular time. It is important to become familiar with any journal that you intend to submit to, including the theories and methods that are favoured, and the type of academic voice appropriate for that journal.

What if my papers don’t flow as a thesis?

There are particular difficulties in developing a single submission based on multiple publications, each with their own focus, style, and format, and, as we recently explored , there are a number of favoured options for structure. Nikander and Piattoeva offer useful advice on how to use the integrating chapter to connect papers together.

There are also other issues that might arise from the transformational nature of doctoral study, where students learn while doing. For example, Margaret began to question her use of one of the informing concepts she had used in her early papers. In her subsequent work, she challenged her own simplistic use of this concept. Rather than become discouraged by the discovery of earlier flaws in our work, we understand that as researchers, we will continue to grow and cast a critical gaze over our past knowledge base. We both used the integrative chapter of our theses to highlight these limitations, but also to make explicit the evolution in our understanding; as such, it was a very enjoyable chapter to write!

We found that completing our thesis by publication offered rewards and challenges that were in many cases unique to this thesis mode. That we both emerged as advocates for this thesis type would suggest it is well worth undertaking for those candidates who want their findings to translate quickly and disseminate widely.

To see the authors’ research in this area, please go to their project page on ResearchGate: “ Publishing during PhD candidature ”.

Featured image credit: John-Mark Smith , via Unsplash (licensed under a  CC0 1.0  license).

Note: This article gives the views of the authors, and not the position of the LSE Impact Blog, nor of the London School of Economics. Please review our  comments policy  if you have any concerns on posting a comment below.

About the authors

Shannon Mason is Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Nagasaki University, Japan. Her research interests include teacher attrition and retention, and language education pedagogy and policy. Her experiences completing a PhD by publication in 2017 led to her recent interest in emerging approaches to doctoral education.

Margaret K. Merga currently works as a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University in Western Australia. Margaret primarily conducts literacy research that spans the early years to adulthood. She also explores issues on educational psychology, adult education, higher education and health workforce education. She is currently working on projects related to the role of teacher librarians in fostering literacy in primary and secondary schools.

About the author

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Readers may also be interested in our most recent paper, “Early career experiences of navigating journal article publication: Lessons learned using an autoethnographic approach”.

It is available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/leap.1192

IN VIEW OF COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION, IS ARTICLE COHERENCE THAT NECESSARY FOR PhD BY PUBLICATION?

I agree on practically all you had to say and I appreciate that you have not made emphasis on the need to develop a coherent narrative between the journal papers.

In my previous unanswered reply posts on three PhD blogs I wrote that with low coherence it might not be possible to develop an overarching hypothesis or a general research question covering a number of diverse studies. This however, does not mean that if you are presenting a list of widely varied articles (yet, with a common denominator eg. public health) you cannot show your assessors that you are capable of answering any research question through acceptance or rejection of the null hypothesis. On the contrary, you would probably have covered several hypotheses testing that you would not even know from where to start! After all, it still reflects great competency to be able to publish several loose papers.

I see no academic feat in having a strong element of connectedness between the papers especially if this comes to the detriment of:

(a) the quality or rate of journal submission acceptance in terms of originality. Candidates who successfully manage to achieve a PhD by publications in science normally present no more than three or four papers revolving on the same theme or repetitive methodology with one paper building on the other (there’s a limit on how much you can keep adding onto the previous study to produce a coherent narrative.

(b) the level of the student’s (author’s) widespread generation of new knowledge since the papers would be closely related to each other (strong coherent body).

and (c) the number of papers which can be kept being added (and repeated) onto previous studies.

I feel that the requirement for coherence is not the right way of defending the standards of a PhD by published works, whether retrospective (ie. by prior publications) or prospective (when you start publishing your studies with the university you have registered your application). One has to understand that the point of departure with a PhD by publications (sometimes called, article-based PhD) is totally different from when you decide to undertake a conventional or traditional PhD by monograph with only ideas or proposal in your hands.

So, whereas when you go for a monograph of a single specialised subject it is justified to have a coherent narrative, for a thesis by publication (involving a synthesis, commentary or integrative chapter), which is basically a form of compilation written independently by the student, it is a different story. To start with, you only need to prepare a 10-15,000 commentary constituting a summary of the appended papers, whereas with a one-topic monograph you can go up to 100,000 words and sometimes even more.

Needless to say, the PhD by publication student should clarify the actual contribution to knowledge, especially if the papers are written by several authors. What’s important is that the commentary should not provide new results, but should critique the papers and preferably offer new conclusions since the extent of the journal articles normally does not allow this kind of longer discussion.

In brief, I feel that coherence should not remain central and more weight should be directed on single-authorship, number of papers published, originality and widespread contribution to knowledge. In my opinion, these should be the distinct features of this relatively new type of PhD.

One may wish to contact me personally on [email protected]

Charles Micallef Author of: ‘Critical analysis: a vital element in healthcare research’.

Excellent Write up. I have throughly gone through the article and according to my personal observations, I think it is amazing.Being associated with writing profession, I must mention that https://academicwritingpro.com/research-paper-writing-services/ are quite helpful nowadays. Furthermore, quality is also an important aspect.

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Great write up! Here is one more tip regarding ‘How can I publish everything in time?’ If a PhD student has an R&R with minor revisions, it’s worth noting that in the thesis, especially if it is for a prestigious journal. So even if the student can’t publish in time, they can get credit for almost publishing in time.

Dear Mollie,

Thank you for your comment. Great point, totally agree.

I think it is good to remember that even though the TBP might be ‘packaged’ as a product, it really is more about the process of learning to be a researcher, and that really is never ending. Communicating the different phases at which a researcher is engaging is a great idea. Indeed, I included details of publication rejections that I experienced, and my different reactions to them (by way of emails to my supervisor) at different stages of the journey, an inclusion that my assessors commently highly on.

A PhD by publication is nonsense if the faculty prescribe the journals where your work must be published. who said every journal would like to publish every research? for the university with restricted academic freedom, they mistake some ridiculous rules for having higher bar of pursuing doctoral degrees when the Times Higher Education (THE) ranks far away from their pre-conceived opinions. I submit that PhD by publication is good where freedom to publish in alternative high quality journals exist. absence of that its a total mess!

Dear Peter,

Absolutely agree, and this is something that has been raised in an upcoming study. We absolutely advocate for doctoral researcher agency in selecting the outlets for their publications that are best suited to their study, field, and career stage.

Create an online publication or write a newspaper good writing skills is very important.

Dear All; Thank you very much for the quality article and feedback . It is very interesting topic. I think during Covid-19 the quarantine imposed on people including students, completing PhD using this approach can be very suitable. I have the following questions: – Has the PhD candidate to register in a University? and if so, can you please share the names of the Universities that can accept such type of PhD studies? Many thanks again and best regards Omar

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Dear Authors,

This is a great article. Is Phd by Publication equal merit to traditional route of Phd? What degree title a candidate will get in the route of Phd by Publication?

I think there is still discrimnation in academic field between one who hold phd by Publication and other Phd in Traditional route.

Regards, Yadam

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A PhD by publication or how I got my doctorate and kept my sanity

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Doing a PhD is a difficult business. Long hours, personal stress, institutional pressure to complete on time – and all this for what?

Increasingly a PhD alone does not guarantee an academic career. We are expected to publish, teach and contribute to professional development. Oh and did I mention you have to publish, publish, publish?

However there is a way to publish and do a PhD - hopefully without perishing.

I recently completed my PhD by publication, which for me was a way of getting a doctorate while keeping my sanity.

What is a PhD by publication?

A PhD by Publication is just what it sounds like, instead of producing one large monograph, you produce a series of articles to be published in peer reviewed journals or as book chapters.

The normal format is four to five research papers bookended by a substantial introductory chapter and a concluding chapter. The thesis must still read as a cohesive whole and therefore despite the articles being stand alone pieces, they must also relate to each other.

The aim is that when they are read together they become more than just the sum of their parts.

It is a relatively new concept within the social sciences and humanities but has been around for a while in the hard sciences here in Australia. It is much more common in European Universities where it is often the standard approach for doctoral studies.

The advantages

There are many advantages to doing a PhD this way. One of the more self-evident ones is that it allows you to publish and finish a PhD – academically hitting two birds with one stone.

There are many pressures of doing a PhD that are taken away from publishing. PhD by publication focused my writing on achieving output and helped to avoid the trap of always pushing the publications to the side.

A PhD by publication also helps you to develop practical skills. Through my own process, I learnt how to write to journal editors, deal with rejection and pitch articles – all skills that are important for professional academic life.

This method also divides the PhD up into more manageable chunks – sometimes the hardest thing about a PhD is the enormity of the task it presents. But dividing it up into five discrete papers allowed me to see a way ahead making the PhD seem more achievable.

Last but not least, you can get both expert feedback and it can provide that “tick” factor. PhD students were usually high achieving undergraduate students used to receiving recognition and reward for their work. Entering the land of doctoral studies, you don’t get the pay off from your work until the end of many years and lack of recognition can be deeply un-motivating.

But each time something is published is a chance to celebrate and take a deep breath before moving on to the next portion.

The expert feedback you get during this process is also very helpful even it’s not always pleasant (see below). By the time your PhD goes to examiners it has already gone through a rigorous peer review process.

In times of PhD panic, it was comforting to think that my work can’t be that bad if someone had already agreed to publish it.

The disadvantages

Of course, though, there are some disadvantages to electing to do a PhD in this way.

Chief among them is the pressure to start publishing immediately. Publishing is hardly a quick process; it can sometimes take up to two years from submission to a journal long periods of fieldwork may not be compatible.

Therefore candidates taking this route need to start straight away. Aim to have your first paper finished within the first 6 months.

It’s also worth recognising that this is not a format for the faint hearted. Rejections from journals can be brutal. You need to be prepared to take this on the chin and send it out again.

That said, this is a skill you need to develop for academia. Being exposed to it early helped me develop a thick skin and be humble about my work.

With the benefit of feedback, there’s also the downside of extra work. You may often need to rewrite work for journal editors.

After all, editors have their own agenda and interests and in some respect you are writing for them and not for you. However this taught me to stand my ground with editors and defend things I wished to keep as well as framing things for different audiences.

Another thing to be wary of when considering a PhD by publication is that you need to understand that it’s not a professional Doctorate. A Professional Doctorate recognises contribution to a profession and usually doesn’t include the same level of original contribution or indeed a thesis.

PhD by publication is still examined to the same standards as a traditional PhD. However countering this assumption that it is not a “real” PhD is sometimes hard.

Finally, because you’re likely to be treading new ground in your institution, there’s not always a clear path before you.

I did my PhD in a department which was still sorting out its policy towards this format. As a consequence I needed the strong support of your supervisor and head of department to make this work (which I was lucky enough to have). You shouldn’t expect a clear set of instructions here; guidelines and policies seem to vary between departments, disciplines and universities.

The up shot

The biggest advantage is that I have come out of my doctoral studies not only with a PhD but with a healthy publication record. This I hope will assist me when taking the next step in my career.

For me, PhD with publication provided a framework, a way forward from which I could see the path to submission. It provided me with a way to get my doctorate without worrying about the process. It allowed me the opportunity to contribute to debates while developing my ideas.

If academia is to expect Australian candidates to now finish their PhD and publish, then it should promote and encourage alternative formats such as this. It can only be good for both PhD candidates and the profession at large.

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Understanding and preparing a ‘PhD by Publication’

The importance of publication for the academic.

The reality is that to “survive” academia, publications are a must . Employers and funding bodies will review your publication history to factor into their decision-making. To better prepare for this reality, an increasing number of institutions are beginning to allow PhD students to submit their body of published literature that they have created during their PhD programme as the thesis that they would need to produce for earning their degree.

‘PhD by publication’ explained

A PhD by publication (also known as a paper-based thesis ) does what it says on the tin: it’s a mode of submission that allows the candidate to submit their body of published work created during their PhD as a thesis. The idea is to help graduates hit the ground running with a publication history that will help them on their next steps as researchers. While not universally accepted at the time of writing/publishing this article, it is an emerging model that has become more popular in certain disciplines and institutions.

Note: PhDs don’t typically focus on publications

During your PhD, while you are encouraged to actively engage with the publication process, it isn’t usually the focus. There will be a long and arduous learning curve , most likely for the first half of your PhD, where you improve your skills to take on the bulk of the PhD work. In fact, many PhD students report that the bulk of the content for their thesis was created in the final year of their degree.

Getting started with a PhD by publication

That said, if you are considering or have been advised to do a PhD by publication, then the best time to translate this into action is as early as possible. Here’s what you’ll need to think about:

• Find out i f your institution allows PhD by publication (if it’s something you’ve thought of rather than something you were advised to do).
• Identify the stage a publication needs to be at to qualify as submission for examination for your doctoral qualification. For example, some institutions do not require that the PhD candidates have actually had their papers accepted and published, but just that the papers are prepared to a sufficient standard that is ready for submission .

Considerations and challenges in preparing a PhD by publication

A. deciding on the number of papers.

While there is no set number of publications you’ll need to publish, you’ll want to think about how many papers you’ll need to prepare to adequately communicate the full extent of your research to your examiners, and think about timing accordingly . If you are in a STEM discipline, you’ll also want to factor in time for extra experimentation, if required.

b. Considering co-authorship

Make sure you also consider co-authorship as a reflection of your contribution to the research. Don’t feel the need to publish by yourself and do all of the work alone. It is not uncommon to co-author papers, particularly if you are doing your PhD as part of a larger research project and group, and so these collaboratively written papers may still be accepted as part of your submission. However, consider the contribution you made to the piece, and consult with your institution to make sure that whatever you plan to produce would be acceptable.

c. Undergoing peer review

Finally, a common thought to this mode of submission will likely be:

What if I don’t pass peer review?

While a valid concern, it’s important to remember that rejection is a part of the publication process , and d oes not necessarily reflect the quality of your work . Also bear in mind that you don’t usually need to decide on whether you would prefer to opt for a ‘PhD by publication’ at the commencement of your PhD programme. So, you will still be able to submit a more traditional thesis should your publication plans not pan out.

A thesis by publication can be a worthy undertaking to add additional challenge to your PhD journey. It will teach you to go through the motions of what researchers rely on for their next project: publications. So, if you feel up for the challenge and your institution allows it, then go for it! Just remember the key points discussed in this article and ensure that you prepare your submission according to the specific requirements of your institution .

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Why get a PhD by publication (and other career tips)

Finding the ‘golden thread’ in your academic path can offer an opportunity to reflect and grow, writes James Derounian

James Derounian

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Towards the end of my full-time academic career, during a 2020 Covid lockdown, I submitted my PhD by published work. In this article, I argue that this doctoral route offers academics – whether newbies or gnarled veterans – a precious chance to reflect, achieve and grow.

A doctorate by published work can be approached in two ways. If you don’t have a PhD, it can be researched and written as a prospective thesis, which can enable you to pursue research and journal-article production that map out a coherent path. Or, if you are like me, you can work on a retrospective doctorate, identifying a “golden thread” through which to look back and make sense of your academic career. The academic Susan Smith has written the gospel on this subject, entitled, would you believe, PhD by Published Work – which I heartily recommend.

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As Smith suggests, my endeavour in this doctorate aligned with the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education’s 2011 requirement to present a “series of peer-reviewed academic papers, books, citations or other materials that have been published…accompanied by a substantial commentary linking the published work and outlining its coherence and significance”.

So I selected nine of my academic publications – a single-authored chapter in an edited book, single-authored journal articles, co-authored academic articles, co-authored project reports for the Higher Education Academy – plus 10 practitioner publications of mine that supported my case but were not formally included. I argued that together these made an original, significant contribution to scholarship and public knowledge equivalent in scope and esteem to work required for a traditional PhD. Furthermore, I demonstrated my unique input to scholarship in the fields of higher education pedagogy and community development, as well as the sufficiency and coherence of this work and accompanying publications.

The “golden thread” or commentary in my case reflected on a central theme from previous publications, namely to explore and determine the nature and degree of connectedness between HE teaching and learning, and community development theory and practice. Somewhat to my relief, I discovered that my 40-plus-year academic career did, indeed, have some coherence. And the process of looking back bore out Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard’s 1843 contention that life “can only be understood backwards; but must be lived forwards”.

Tried-and-tested advice for a successful academic career

Beyond the career-defining interrogation of a PhD through exploring your own published works, I offer four further career tips that have stood me in good stead.

1. Follow your interests

First, (as far as possible) be true to yourself and follow what interests you, whether in teaching, research, administration or consultancy (rather than where management might push you). An example of this  for me was undertaking consultancy work reviewing community development projects and activities. These examples of action research then provided up-to-date case studies to feed into student contact sessions. Of course, there will be horse trading, whereby you might have to give ground to gain some. Such is life.

2. Get the balance right

This links to my second suggestion: try, for example via annual staff appraisals, to work towards your preferred balance of teaching-admin-research-consultancy. For example, I volunteered to look after work-based modules, such as internships, across my department because I came into academia from practice and believed in the value of work experience for undergraduates; and I researched and published on this topic in academic journals and books. To vary the metaphor, seek to steer the ship that is you and your career rather than be bounced by the strong tides of administrative urgency.

3. Be a good colleague

Third, make alliances and friendships with colleagues – seek those with humanity who are not just work dominated or totally driven. As Iain Hay comments in his 2017 book  How to Be an Academic Superhero , connect to “good colleagues; be a good colleague…to the best of your abilities, try to help out…The web of obligations is two-sided and you will receive reciprocal favours over time”. I deliberately worked with other national teaching fellows (NTF) at my higher education institution to seek to influence teaching policies and practices, similarly helping applicants to gain an NTF on the basis of climbing a mountain and helping colleagues to make the ascent. It helped others and I felt good in offering a hand.

4. Never stop learning

Finally, keep learning as you proceed (in your academic career); don’t assume you have “arrived” (down that road lie fossilisation and lack of currency). In this vein, I undertook a beginners’ Spanish module, joining in like any other student in the class. As well as giving me words of use when I visited the Alhambra in Granada, it taught me valuable lessons for teaching: how you need to be ever so careful and clear in what you say and how you say it, pause regularly to check that students understand what has just been covered and have time to ask questions.

Oh, and enjoy the ride! Yes, there are downsides to academic life, such as the administrative tail wagging the teaching dog, insecure short-term job contracts…but, equally, I maintain that an academic life can give you so much freedom as well as the ability to travel, write, teach, publicise research findings to improve life and the planet…

James Derounian lectures on community governance. He is a national teaching fellow and a visiting professor at the University of Bolton, UK.

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Introduction: Demystifying the PhD by Publication

• First Online: 28 September 2022

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• Sin Wang Chong   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4519-0544 3 &
• Neil H. Johnson   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8604-1193 4  

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This chapter documents the rationale for compiling a collection on the PhD by Publication. The aim of the book is to “demystify” this alternative route of doctoral education because there is a dearth of publications (journal articles or books) on this PhD route which is gaining popularity around the world. This book attempts to “demystify” PhD by Publication by identifying pertinent issues and (mis)conceptions pertaining to policies and practices through research, research syntheses, and surveys of university policies on the PhD by Publication internationally (Part I – Landscapes of PhD by Publication). Another layer of “demystification” pertains to experience (Part II: Narratives of PhD by Publication). The inclusion of reflective and autobiographical accounts by PhD by Publication supervisors, students, and graduates internationally provides a vivid insider’s perspective toward this PhD route. This chapter closes with an outline of each chapter of the book.

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Chong, S. W. (2020). PhD by published work and “doctorateness”: My experience at a UK university. Innovative Practice in Higher Education, 4 (1), 1–12. http://journals.staffs.ac.uk/index.php/ipihe/article/view/204/319

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Chong, S. W. (2021). Demystifying commentary guidelines of PhD by published work in the UK: Insights from genre analysis. In Innovations in education and teaching international (pp. 1–10). Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2020.1871396

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Hyland, K. (2015). Genre, discipline and identity. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 19 , 32–43.

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Chong, S.W., Johnson, N.H. (2022). Introduction: Demystifying the PhD by Publication. In: Chong, S.W., Johnson, N. (eds) Landscapes and Narratives of PhD by Publication. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04895-1_1

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PhD by publication

PhD awards for published researchers

Explore how you can turn your existing peer reviewed research publications into a PhD qualification

What is a PhD by publication?

A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree that's based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.

Depending on the subject area, peer reviewed  academic papers, complete books, chapters in anthologies, or equivalent materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed  may be  eligibl e. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6–12 months after registering with us.

These materials will be accompanied by a commentary of 5,000–10,000 words, which outlines your work's coherence, significance and contribution to knowledge, and you'll be examined through an oral defence of your research, known as a viva voce. Applicants must have held a first or higher degree from a UK higher education institute – or a recognised equivalent non-UK degree of the same standard – for at least 5 years.

Once you've been awarded a PhD by publication, you'll be in a great position to move onto further research or to use your new postgraduate qualification to progress your career.

The cost of getting a PhD by publication in most of our subject areas is £4,500 for external candidates – check your research subject area page  for more details.

How to apply

To be considered for a PhD by publication, you'll need to have held an undergraduate or postgraduate degree – awarded either by a UK higher education institute or a recognised non-UK equivalent – for at least 5 years.

To apply you'll need:

• A CV and the names of two referees
• A title of the proposed PhD
• A listing of the published work on which the application is based
• A statement of not more than 1000 words setting out your view of the nature and significance of the work submitted

Apply from the relevant subject area page .

If your application is successful, you'll need to submit the already-published materials – those that you wish to be considered as part of your PhD by publication award – between 6–12 months after registering with us.

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The PhD by Publication is an accelerated, part-time PhD award intended for those who have carried out extensive research over a significant period of time and have a number of publications arising from this work which have already been published in high-quality journals.

This should not be confused with the standard PhD (3-4 years full-time).

If you have any questions about the PhD by Publication degree which are not answered on this page, please email us  or call us .

What should the word length of the submitted publications be?

Where written publications are being submitted as evidence in the application for admission to the PhD by Publication, the total word length of publications when combined with the critical analysis (15,000 words) should be broadly comparable to that of a submission for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, which is typically between 80,000 and 100,000 words. The quality of the journals within which publications have been published will be assessed as part of the application procedure.

Can only standard academic publications be considered?

As well as standard academic or creative publications, for Schools in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, ‘published work’ may include performance, exhibition, installation, media of various kinds as defined in the University’s Award Regulations, provided that it is made available in an appropriate digital or other recorded format.

How is the PhD by Publication assessed?

As well as submitting the published work, candidates for the PhD by Publication need to prepare a critical analysis of around 15,000 words and to undertake an oral examination (viva) on the critical analysis and the published work. The University provides supervisory support for this.

Can it be done in every subject?

UEA currently offer the PhD by Publication within all Schools and Institutes, except for the following:

• The School of Education and Lifelong Learning only accept PhD by Publication applications from current members of UEA staff subject also to further conditions listed on the Course Catalogue  page, in the Entry Requirements section.
• The School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing is not currently accepting any PhD by Publication applications.

How long does it take?

The period of study is six months part-time (0.5FTE), extendable at the discretion of the School or Institute to a maximum of twelve months part-time study.

Who is the PhD by Publication suitable for?

The PhD by Publication may be appropriate for you if:

You have been carrying out research over a long period of time (at least seven years)

This work is already published in high-quality journals (or equivalent as above), forms a coherent programme of research and represents a significant contribution to understanding

You want to seek academic recognition for this work by a doctoral award.

What are the academic requirements of the programme?

The minimum University academic requirement for a PhD by Publication degree is the same as that required for a PhD: you need the equivalent of a 2:1 in a UK Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study. However, depending on which School you are studying in, some may set a higher or more specific entry requirement. If English is not your first language, you may also be asked to provide evidence of proficiency in English language. This will be listed as a condition on your offer letter.

What should I do if I want to apply?

To apply for a PhD by Publication degree, we advise that you take a look at the research areas UEA offers  and then contact at least one potential academic supervisor you would be interested in working with, stating your interest. At this point it would be a good idea to read up on your potential supervisor’s research papers that are related to your interests. You will then be able to fill in an application form which needs to contain your formal research proposal. Take a look at our guidance on how to write a research degree proposal .

PhD by Publication – Explained

Published 16 October, 2023

Introduction

A PhD by publication, also known as a “publication-based PhD” or a “documentary PhD”, is a doctoral degree that is awarded on the basis of published scholarly work instead of on the completion of an original research thesis. This type of PhD is often available to mid-career researchers who have already produced a significant body of work, and it may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis.

This article provides an overview of the PhD by publication, including its benefits and drawbacks, the process of completing one, and what it can mean for your career.

What is a PhD by Publication?

Generating a PhD by Publication is becoming an increasingly popular option for doctoral candidates, particularly in disciplines where traditional research methods are less feasible or desirable. In essence, a PhD by Publication entails the compilation of a body of publication-worthy work that meets the standards set forth by one’s academic institution. 

The structure and requirements for a PhD by Publication can vary considerably from one institution to another. Some programs may require that candidates submit a traditional research thesis along with their portfolio of published work, while others may allow the thesis to be replaced entirely by the publications. In most cases, however, candidates will be expected to produce a certain amount of new, original research in addition to their published work.

The PhD by Publication is attractive to many candidates because it allows them to draw on their existing experience and expertise, rather than starting from scratch with a new research project. This can be particularly beneficial for mid-career researchers who already have a significant body of work to their credit. It can also be a good option for candidates who wish to pursue a PhD on a part-time basis, as they can work on their publications while continuing to work in their field.

However, the PhD by Publication is not without its drawbacks. Because it is a relatively new and uncommon type of degree, there is often less institutional support available for candidates pursuing this route. Additionally, the assessment criteria for a PhD by Publication can be difficult to define, which can make the process of completing one feel rather ambiguous.

What is the Application Process for PhD for Publication?

The application process for a PhD by Publication can vary depending on the institution. In most cases, candidates will need to submit a portfolio of their published work, along with a research proposal outlining their plans for any new, original research that needs to be undertaken. Candidates may also need to provide evidence of their teaching experience and other academic achievements.

It is important to note that the PhD by Publication is not an option for everyone. In order to be eligible, candidates must usually already have a significant body of work to their credit. This means that it is generally not possible to complete a PhD by Publication on a part-time basis; candidates usually need to be able to dedicate themselves full-time to their research in order to complete the degree in a reasonable timeframe.

How to Complete a PhD by Publication

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD by Publication, the first step is to check with your institution to see if they offer this type of degree. Some programs may have specific requirements or guidelines that you will need to follow.

Once you have determined that your institution does offer a PhD by Publication, the next step is to begin compiling your body of work. This will typically involve collecting together all of the papers, book chapters, and other publication-worthy materials that you have produced over the course of your career. The format typically consists of 10,000 words per paper/chapter, with a minimum of five papers required.

Once you have collected all of your published work, the next step is to write an overview or “map” of this work. This overview should discuss how your individual publications fit together to form a coherent whole, and how they contribute to your larger argument or research goals. The overview should also demonstrate that your work meets the standards required for a PhD-level thesis.

Once you have completed your overview, you will need to submit it along with your published work to your institution for assessment. The exact process for this will vary from one institution to another, but in most cases, you will be required to present your work to a panel of academics and defend it against their critiques. If your work is deemed to be of sufficient quality, you will be awarded your PhD.

How Much Does PhD by Publication Cost?

The cost of a PhD can be quite high, especially if you are studying in the UK. For one year of study on average universities charge £4 500 for British and European students whereas international applicants will have to pay much more due to limitations with funding sources like research council grants which may make it difficult or impossible altogether.

PhDs by Publication are no different, and can end up costing a fair amount depending on the institution you attend.

Some universities will charge a flat fee for your entire PhD program, regardless of how long it takes you to complete it. Others may charge on a per-year basis, or on a per-credit basis. In most cases, the total cost of a PhD by Publication will be somewhere between £10,000 and £30,000.

This cost can be offset somewhat by the fact that you will likely already have most of your published work in hand before you begin your PhD program. This means that you will not have to pay for the costs associated with producing new research, such as fieldwork or laboratory costs.

It is also worth noting that some universities may offer reduced fees for students who are able to complete their PhDs in a shorter timeframe. This is often the case for students who already have a large body of published work to their credit.

Can I hire a supervisor for PhD by publication?

Yes, it is possible to hire a supervisor for PhD by publication. This is typically done when the applicant already has a strong background in the field and has published extensively. The supervisor is then hired to help guide and oversee the research project.

The process of hiring a supervisor by publication can be a little more complicated than just finding someone with the right qualifications. It’s important to make sure that both the supervisor and the applicant are on board with the arrangement, and that all corresponding paperwork is in order.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from this type of arrangement. For example, if the supervisor is also the editor of a journal in which the applicant hopes to publish their work, there may be some concern about potentially biased decision-making.

What Kind of Publications Can I use in my Portfolio?

The types of publications that you can use in your PhD by Publication portfolio will vary depending on the requirements of your institution. However, in general, most institutions will accept a wide range of publication types, including:

• Journal articles
• Book chapters
• Conference papers

What Completing a PhD by Publication Can Mean for Your Career

Successfully completing a PhD by Publication can open up a number of new career opportunities. In many cases, it can lead to tenure and promotion within your current institution. It can also make you more competitive for senior academic positions at other institutions.

Additionally, completing a PhD by Publication can give you a certain level of visibility and prestige within your field, which can help you to attract new students and collaborators.

And finally, it can provide you with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from knowing you have made a significant contribution to your field of study.

With the PhD by Publication becoming an increasingly popular option for candidates seeking to earn their doctorate, it is important to understand what this type of degree entails. This overview should give you a better understanding of what the PhD by Publication is, how it differs from a traditional PhD, and what completing one can mean for your career.

Advantages of Choosing PhD by publication

The advantages of a PhD by the publication include:

• Recognition of your existing work: A PhD by publication allows you to have your existing work recognised and accredited as part of your doctoral studies, rather than starting from scratch.
• A shorter path to a PhD: Because you are not required to conduct original research, a PhD by publication can be completed in a shorter time frame than a traditional PhD.
• Increased visibility: As your work is already published, it is more likely to be seen and read by others in your field, which can help to raise your profile.
• A sense of accomplishment: Completing a PhD by publication can provide you with a great sense of satisfaction and achievement.

Disadvantages of PhD by Publication

The various disadvantages of a PhD by Publication include:

• Your work must meet certain standards: in order to be awarded a PhD by publication, your work must meet the same high standards as that required for a traditional PhD.
• You may need to write an overview: depending on your institution’s requirements, you may need to write an overview or “map” of your work, which can be a daunting task.
• There is no guarantee of success: because your work will be assessed by a panel of experts, there is no guarantee that you will be awarded your PhD.

Difference Between Traditional PhD & PhD by Publication

Choosing to complete a PhD by publication should not be taken lightly. It is a significant decision that will have an impact on your career, so it is important to understand the difference between a traditional PhD and a PhD by publication.

The main differences between a traditional PhD and a PhD by publication include:

Earning a PhD by publication can offer many benefits, but it is not the right choice for everyone. It is important to carefully consider your decision and make sure you understand the difference between a traditional PhD and a PhD by publication. If you decide that a PhD by publication is the right choice for you, be prepared to work hard to ensure that your work meets the high standards required.

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Do you need to have published papers to do a PhD?

• By Dr Harry Hothi
• March 20, 2021

It’s a natural question to ask when applying to a PhD program: “Do I need to already have publications before I apply?”. Simply put the answer is no, you do not need to have published papers to apply to a PhD. Having said that though, I do think there are clear advantages of having some publication experience in helping your application stand out from other candidates.

When entering into PhD research , you’re entering into an environment that’s built on a framework of disseminating new findings and making an original contribution to knowledge in your field. Key to this is the ability to write papers that stand up to peer-review and get published in the journals relevant to your research area. So, you can see why, as an applicant, being able to demonstrate real evidence of being able to do this through previously published papers is going to be a positive in your application and likely differentiate you from other candidates.

I want to be clear however that how often and how quickly an academic publishes can vary quite considerably depending on the particular research field in question. Generally speaking, STEM fields tend to publish more often than non-STEM areas. There’s variability within STEM too, with factors such as the time taken to complete experiments having an impact on the rate of output. Many PhD students do not publish at all while earning their degree (although I personally believe that at least going through the process of acquiring publications should be part of every PhD experience).

Being able to list publications on your CV and application to PhD programs is a good bonus to have as a student but few potential supervisors or universities would see this as an expectation, let alone a requirement of applying. What he or she will expect to see in you however is the ability to develop your skills to become a researcher who can publish. You should understand at least the broad concepts of what peer-review is and how one may approach the process of writing a paper for journal submission.

Beyond having published work, there are several other ways in which you could demonstrate your research acumen potential. These may include an examples of where you have presented the results of undergraduate or masters projects at internal or external conferences or gained direct experience of working within a research lab alongside PhD students.

If you are someone who’s be able to acquire several publications along a single research theme and are considering PhD programs, I’d recommend you also consider the option of a PhD by Publication , as well as the traditional degree route. Some universities offer this PhD by Publication option as a way of earning a PhD degree by combining your previous papers into a document that demonstrates how these have made a contribution to knowledge within a single research field. The potential drawbacks however compared to traditional PhD programs is that you’re likely to miss out on some of the PhD student experiences that come along with a traditional program.

To conclude, universities will not expect a potential PhD student to have published when they come to fill in the application to their program. You as the potential student should however make sure you emphasise in your application all the different times or ways in which you demonstrated your ability to think like a researcher. This may even include a letter of recommendation from your undergraduate or master’s project supervisor which may attest to your qualities as a suitable applicant.

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Phd by publication.

Many universities have recently introduced the ‘PhD by Publication’ method of obtaining a PhD, instead of the more conventional thesis. The availability of this option will vary from place to place, some won’t offer it at all, whilst others may only offer it to staff who have yet to achieve a PhD.

So just how is a PhD by publication awarded? Well, it varies from country to country – for instance, Scandinavian students will more commonly obtain a PhD this way, so let’s look specifically at getting a PhD by publication in the UK.

PhD by Publication in the UK

This method of gaining a PhD is relatively new, (even though getting published is important) and hence, the requirements may vary from place to place. Generally, though, instead of submitting a thesis written specifically during three/four years study with the university, you are instead required to submit a number of published papers.

In general, this method of gaining a PhD is not offered as an alternative to the standard way – it is not aimed at those starting on an academic career. It is usually offered to academics already in their career who have not yet completed a PhD. This is usually confirmed by the fact that many universities require you either to be staff, or to have graduated at least seven years ago to be eligible.

So just what sort of publications can be considered?

#2 Book Chapters Chapters written for anthologies or collections of essays are suited to being used in your portfolio. However, they are often not sufficient to stand alone, so you would need other works too.

#3 Research Papers Research papers that have been published in journals or other peer-reviewed sources.

#4 Technical Reports More for the science side of things – published peer reviewed technical reports are eligible.

#5 Other Published Media Other published media can be included – things such as scholarly editions of books, or architectural plans – but this will be on a case-by-case basis.

Often, with shorter works, it is necessary to submit multiple pieces – often five to seven – to complete an entire portfolio. However, in some cases, less may be acceptable. Each of the works featured in the portfolio must be linked in some manner, and they must be consistent in theme. Unrelated works will not be allowed to count towards a PhD by publication.

In addition to the portfolio of published work, the candidate is expected to have a supporting statement. This statement must critically discuss the works featured in the portfolio – discussing how they fit together, discussing their methodologies and explaining why they chose these methods, and how they feel it worked. In addition, they must point out their original contribution to scholarship – this is one of the most vital parts of getting a PhD, regardless of method.

You may be asking yourself what role the university would play other than examining the portfolio. In this case, a supervisor will assist with the portfolio, assessing whether the works submitted are cohesive, consistent and most importantly, of a high enough standard to be entered. They will also help with the supporting statement – making sure all vital information is included.

After this stage, there will be an oral examination. This will be similar to a viva , and should be prepared for as such. You will have to be prepared to defend any points made in the supporting statement. Depending on how long ago works were published (there is a time limit on when they are eligible) you may want to re-read them and ensure you are familiar both with your own work and the source material it draws on. In one sense, this may be more difficult than getting a PhD in the conventional manner as the work is not as recent, but it may also be easier in that it has already been peer reviewed and you will be aware of many possible questions and arguments.

Getting a PhD in this manner is not without difficulty, no matter how good the publications - while the submission of the portfolio and the oral examination may seem alright, the problem arises with finding a suitable place to apply. Due to the restrictions – some universities only opening to staff or alumni – you will be limited in options, and from those options, it may be more difficult than normal to find a supervisor. That said, for those who have been in academia for a while without a PhD, it may be well worth your time – take a look at our blog on the pros and cons of a PhD .

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PhD by Prior Publication – Information for Prospective Applicants

What is a PhD by Prior Publication?

The PhD by Prior Publication is suitable for established researchers with a significant historical record of refereed publications who wish to gain a formal qualification to recognise their standing within a field. During the program, the candidate must develop a thesis for examination comprising of the prior publications and a significant integrating essay that demonstrates both a capacity for independent research and a significant, original and scholarly contribution to knowledge or understanding.

This is not a short-cut to a PhD. Admission to the program is subject to external assessment and requires the demonstration of a significant body of quality academic publication that will be drawn together, with minimal additional research, as a doctoral thesis. It is important also to differentiate this program from a Doctor of Philosophy whereby the research is undertaken during the course of the degree and a series of publications may be generated.

More about this process as follows:

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy program as outlined in the Charles Sturt University Admissions Procedure . Candidates must provide the following evidence to demonstrate that they are an experienced researcher with a significant historical record of refereed publications of doctoral standard:

• the publications (which may include books and non-print materials) that will be included in the submission presented for examination;
• any information on the quality and citations of the publications to be included in the submission;
• a statement making clear the applicant's contribution to all jointly-authored publications;
• a statement from the co-authors of any jointly-authored publications confirming the extent of the applicant's contribution to these publications;
• indicates the way in which the work has developed;
• demonstrates the contemporary relevance of each publication;
• makes clear the way in which the publications make an original scholarly contribution to knowledge;
• provides a thematic overview which serves to link the individual publications into an integrated whole;
• confirms the papers have not previously been submitted as part of a degree;
• includes a statement indicating whether or not additional research activity may be required in order to convert the publications to an integrated whole, and if so, an outline of the necessary work.

The application for the Doctor of Philosophy by Publication will be subject to external assessment.

The identified field of research needs to be one in which Charles Sturt has supervisory expertise and capacity. This is determined by the Faculty.

An applicant who has already been awarded a PhD will not be admitted to the degree.

The Dean of Graduate Studies will review all of the documentation provided at the admission application stage and consider the recommendation of the external assessor. This input is utilised as advice about suitability for admission only; it is not part of the examination process.

Enrolment would be for six to twelve months full-time-equivalent. In this period under the guidance of a Principal Supervisor, the candidate will prepare a thesis that incorporates their previously published research and a substantial integrating essay, which may involve additional introductory and concluding chapters. While some minor research element may be permitted in this period, the primary focus of the candidature is preparation of the thesis for examination.

The Higher Degree by Research Policy states that where candidates undertake the thesis by by prior publication, they must:

• demonstrate the originality and significance of the body of research published or submitted for publication; and
• present these publications and supplementary chapters or essay that integrates the work and places the publications into the context of the research question, in the thesis.

The Higher Degree by Research Procedure states that the thesis must:

• published or otherwise made accessible to the public following peer review or a similar level of peer scrutiny;
• approved for submission for the thesis at the time of the candidate’s admission; and
• sets out how the works make a significant original contribution to knowledge in the discipline or field;
• contains a substantial theoretical component relevant to the discipline or field; and
• may involve additional introductory and concluding chapters.

The maximum length for the integrating essay and any other text in support of the publications is 20,000 words

Examination of the thesis is undertaken by three examiners, all of whom are external to the University. Examiners are nominated by the Principal Supervisor, endorsed by the Faculty and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. The examination criteria are outline in the Higher Degree by Research Policy .

Please refer to the Higher Degree by Research courses page for information about programs, admission requirements, contacts and how to apply.

Alternatively, you are welcome to contact the appropriate Faculty Sub-Dean Graduate Studies to discuss your options in more detail.

Charles Sturt University also offers a free-call contact number for course information – phone 1800 334 733.

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•       Resources       Publish or Perish: Graduate Students' Guide to Publishing

Publish or Perish: Graduate Students' Guide to Publishing

In addition to endless piles of reading, demanding expectations in the classroom, student teaching responsibilities, and the always-looming awareness that they need to research, write, and edit a high-quality dissertation before graduating, today’s Ph.D. students also commonly feel stress about another topic: publishing. As more prospective employers expect degree seekers to get their names in academic journals and conferences while still in school, many learners feel overwhelmed by the prospects of making the grade. The following guide answers some of their most pressing questions, provides guidance on the ins and outs of publishing while still in school, and offers expert advice from a professor who knows better than most what it takes to publish rather than perish.

Understanding Publishing in Graduate School

Getting published as a grad student can feel overwhelming at first, because there’s so much to learn about the process and expectations surrounding it. With a bit of research, however, students can familiarize themselves with the specific language surrounding publishing and make in-roads towards getting their first paper published.

What Does it Mean to Get Published?

Within the context of graduate school, publishing refers to getting essays, papers, and research findings published in one of the academic journals or related forms seen as a leader in the field. As jobs in academia continue to become more competitive, it isn’t enough for learners to simply do well in their coursework. The degree seeker who hopes to land an important post-doctoral fellowship or find a teaching position at a college or university must make themselves stand out in other ways.

When Should a Ph.D. Candidate Get Published?

Getting a paper published takes a lot of time and effort, and those students who wait until the final year or two of a doctoral program may fail to actually have any published materials by the time they graduate. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Graduate Connections program , getting a paper published – especially if it’s your first – can take up to three years. In addition to the fact that most journals publish quarterly, the panel review process typically takes a significant amount of time and those submitting for the first or second time usually need to make a large number of edits and complete rewrites in order to reach a publishable standard.

How to Get Published

In order to get published, students submit their work to the journal or conference of their choosing. They frequently also provide a cover letter outlining their research interests. Most journals put out generic calls for submissions once or twice a year, while some may ask for papers addressing specific topics that have a much shorter turnaround time. Grad students may find it intimidating to go up against more seasoned academics, but another option revolves around partnering with their dissertation supervisor or another professor with whom they work closely with to co-author a paper. This not only helps ensure the validity of their findings, but alerts the academic world know that this other, more recognized faculty member believes in the research the student is doing.

Who Should Get Published?

Learners most anxious to get published are those who see their future careers in teaching and research. Because the world of academia is relatively small when divided into individual subjects, it’s important for students who want to break into these ambitious arenas to make a name for themselves early on and create a curriculum vitae that captures the attention of hiring committees.

Where Should Students Get Published?

When deciding which publications to pursue, students should consider the research aims of each and their likelihood of getting published. Newer journals tend to take more submissions as they are still working on building up their roster of contributors. While less venerated than other publications, getting printed in these can help build up name recognition and make it easier to break into the top-tier publications over time.

In terms of where work is published, the majority of students look to academic journals when sending out cover letters and examples of their work. But other options exist as well. Presenting papers at conferences is a popular avenue, as are chapters in books. The following sections takes a more in-depth look at how and where to publish.

Realities & Challenges of Getting Published

Getting published, especially while still in grad school, takes tenacity, focus, and a thick skin. Those who continue working on their craft, presenting at conferences, collaborating with others, and not taking no for an answer, however, frequently find success. Some of the challenges students may encounter include:

Lack of time

It’s no secret that doctoral students have busy schedules that seldom allow for outside – or sometimes, even related – interests to take up much of their days. Because publishing is not a degree requirement, carving out the time needed to research, write, and edit the type of paper required for publishing can feel impossible. With this in mind, student should look for ways to multitask. If presenting at a conference, think about how that paper could be transformed into a journal article.

Lack of confidence

Studies have shown that mental stress and illness frequently increase in grad school as students feel intense pressure to stand out from their peers. These feelings are often intensified when considering publishing, as learners are going up against academics and researchers who have been working in the field far longer than them. It’s important to remember that each of those renowned individuals had to start somewhere.

Lack of funding

Completing the research needed for a competitive paper doesn’t only take time – it requires money. Whether traveling to archives or printing all the necessary documentation, funding for outside research can be scarce while in school. Some programs provide competitive grants for research travel to help offset these costs.

Intense competition

As discussed earlier, competition for publishing is fierce. Academic journals and conferences only have space for so many authors and trying to get noticed can feel like a losing battle. In addition to seeking out newer publications and co-authoring with more notable figures, consider taking part in symposiums at the school you attend to get your foot in the door. While research on the average number of rejections is lacking, don’t feel discouraged if it takes a long time to be chosen for publication.

Finding the right publisher

While getting your name in print within an academic journal you greatly admire is the ultimate goal, it may take some years for it to come to fruition. One of the biggest mistakes students make is applying to ill-suited publications. Look for journals with editorial board members whose names you recognize. If a professor knows one of them, don’t be afraid to ask if they can help get your paper in front of them.

Adequately addressing feedback

Getting a paper published often requires intense editing and even completely restructuring and rewriting what you conceived in the initial abstract. If an academic journal shows interest in your essay but suggests rewrites, pay close attention to their requests and try to work with an advisor to ensure you meet all the stated requirements.

What do Graduate Students Publish?

Academic journals may receive the lion’s share of discussion in the publishing world, but graduate students can actually choose from numerous outlets and paths for getting their work to a larger audience. Students should review the options listed below and think about which format might showcase their work best.

Tips for Publishing

Despite the great amount of work required to publish, students who meet the challenges and persevere stand to position themselves favorably for future job opportunities. The following section addresses some of the most common questions about the process and alleviates general fears about how publishing (or not) reflects upon them.

How many papers should a Ph.D. student try to publish before graduating?

According to scholar-practitioner Dr. Deniece Dortch, no single answer exists. “There is no hard and fast rule as to the number of publications students should have prior to graduation,” she notes. “The reality is students in STEM disciplines and those who use quantitative methods are more likely to have publications prior to graduation because they often work in research teams and labs. This is not to say that qualitative scholars or those in other disciplines aren’t, but it’s a much more standardized practice in STEM for students to graduate with two or three publications. Personally, I had one sole-authored publication accepted prior to graduation, one first-authored piece, and one second-authored piece.”

How many journal articles is it possible to publish during a PhD?

“The answer varies and is determined by factors such as length of program, research team access, and faculty relationships,” says Dr. Dortch. “I’ve seen folks finish with as many as 10 publications, although this is extreme and doesn’t happen often.” She continues, “Imagine you are in a four-year program and you get your idea to write an article in year two. You submit that article in year three after getting approval, collecting data, analyzing it, and then writing your paper. Year three you submit that paper; it may be accepted in year four after months of revisions at the request of the editor. You finally have one published paper as you graduate.”

Are there PhD students who have no journal publications? Should they be worried about that?

“It depends on the type of employment the student is seeking upon graduation,” says Dr. Dortch, “Students applying to or wanting to work in institutions and organizations with the highest levels of research productivity who have no publications may want to consider post-doctoral positions so they have the time and space to work on increasing their publication record after graduation.” She continues, “Postdocs are a very common practice in many disciplines and are used as a way to gain additional training and expertise in research and teaching.”

Is it absolutely essential to have publications to apply for a PhD program?

In a word, no. Individuals working toward doctoral degrees have many reasons for doing so, not all of which require them to publish. Admissions panels also recognize that students focus their efforts on many different goals (e.g. jobs, internships, presenting at symposiums) throughout bachelor’s and master’s programs. As long as learners can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to scholarship, publishing is not an absolute requirement.

Does publish or perish begin before starting a PhD program?

It’s true that many students begin worrying about publishing before starting a Ph.D. program, but the reality is that they have ample time during and after completing a doctorate to make their mark on the world of scholarship. According to a recent article by Inside Higher Ed , some individuals in the academy now wonder if too much emphasis is being placed on grad students publishing. Learners unsure about this should speak to a trusted advisor or mentor to figure out when to focus on getting published.

What is the difference between a published article and a Ph.D. thesis?

While a Ph.D. thesis is required for satisfactory completion of a degree, a published article is not. A Ph.D. also takes a much longer form than a published article, averaging approximately 90,000 words. Academic journal entries, conversely, are usually between 4,000 and 7,000 words.

Should I first write my Ph.D. thesis or publish journal articles?

Though publishing at the doctoral level is increasingly seen as a requirement in the job market, it is not part of degree requirements. With this in mind, students should prioritize the research and writing of their thesis above all else. If they have the time and mental clarity needed to publish journal articles, this can be a secondary focus.

From the Expert

Dr. Deniece Dortch is a scholar-practitioner known for her commitment to diversity, social justice and activism. Dr. Dortch holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an Ed.M. in Higher & Postsecondary Education from Columbia University, an M.A. in Intercultural Service, Diversity Leadership & Management from the School for International Training and a B.A. in Spanish from Eastern Michigan University. Hailed a graduate school expert by NPR, she has published numerous articles on the experiences of historically underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students. She is the creator of the African American Doctoral Scholars Initiative at the University of Utah and currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Higher Education at The George Washington University .

Publishing as a student can feel intimidating. Why is this process important for learners to go through?

Long gone are the days of getting a good job by just having a solid dissertation or an award-winning thesis. Publishing your work while in school demonstrates a commitment to answering and understanding our world’s most complex problems. Further, institutions want to know that you have the capacity to publish. Now, publishing doesn’t mean you have to be first author or that you must publish sole-authored pieces only. Collaboration is also sufficient and often encouraged. The publishing process is intimidating for folks because it involves critique and, most often, rejection.

Receiving and giving critical feedback is part of the learning process and students should not shy away from it because it will only serve them well in the end as they learn to cope with disappointment and reward. But more importantly, there is no point spending months and years conducting research if you are just going to keep your findings to yourself. What you learn is meant to be shared.

What are some common mistakes these learners make when preparing their first papers?

Common mistakes that individuals make include not adhering to the guidelines outlined in the submission process. Examples of this can include ignoring formatting requirements (e.g. APA, MLA, etc.), going over the stated word count, inadequately proofreading, and not submitting a cover letter. This is probably the most important one.

What specific advice do you have for them in terms of finding the right outlet, preparing their work, and submitting to journals?

Students should have multiple individuals read over their work before submission. Writing is a process and even after it is submitted, it will need to be revised many more times before you will read it in print. It is part of the process. To find a good outlet for your work, pay attention to where other scholars are submitting their work. If you’re subject is aligned with theirs, you have a shot. Make a list of at least three outlets that fit your article. Also look out for special calls. A special call for submissions usually goes a lot faster than the regular submission process, so if you’re a student who is about to go on the job market, submit to those first. Also, the more competitive the academic, the longer the process, so keep that in mind. If you are rejected, just re-submit to the the next journal on your list.

In addition to publishing in journals, how else might a student go about getting recognition in their field while still in school?

Apply for all fellowships, grants, and awards that are specific to you and what you do. People in the academy love an award winner and they especially love people whose work has been recognized and/or funded by outside groups. A great way to increase a student’s visibility is to publish outside academic journals and publish in other media outlets. Also attend conferences in your field. Try to get on the program as a presenter or facilitator so that people in your field will start to know who you are and your research interests.

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How to Get Research Published as a PhD Student

The old adage in academia is “publish or perish,” and this saying has some truth. Publishing research during your academic career is an important part of advancing your field. If you’re considering or in the process of getting a doctorate , getting your research published can be overwhelming, but it is crucial for gaining recognition in your field. 

This article will provide valuable insights and tips on successfully getting your research paper published, from selecting the right academic journal to crafting a compelling manuscript.

Understanding graduate student publications

Publishing during your PhD is integral to your academic experience. Depending on your chosen discipline, the expectation may vary — some disciplines expect multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals before graduation. In contrast, your dissertation might be your first published work in others. 

An essential step is understanding your field’s publishing culture. For fast-paced fields like biomedical sciences, it’s common to publish multiple papers throughout the program. But for other disciplines like humanities , the focus might be more on producing a comprehensive dissertation, which often forms the basis for a book or other publication. 

Evaluating these expectations early on helps you formulate a realistic and effective publishing strategy.

It has to be original.

Originality is crucial in publishing an academic paper, as it determines the impact of your research on the field and builds credibility. An original contribution provides fresh perspectives that invigorate intellectual discussions, promote further research and initiate groundbreaking discoveries. 

In the competitive landscape of academia, original work offers a considerable advantage by distinguishing your manuscript from countless others, increasing the likelihood of acceptance and recognition. Moreover, pursuing innovative and ground-breaking work attracts funding and career growth opportunities, as institutions prioritize research demonstrating the potential for significant contributions and future development in your field. 

When discussing originality in research, it’s important to note that original work doesn’t have to revolutionize your field or create something new. Originality in academia could, and most often does, mean contributing new perspectives, interpretations or insights into existing knowledge. 

It should speak to your target audience.

Understanding how to choose a journal is crucial, as it helps you connect with your ideal audience. When deciding where to submit your work, consider the journal’s scope and its readership demographics. By familiarizing yourself with the journals that resonate most with your research, you’ll learn the type and quality of the work they champion. 

You don't have to do it alone. 

Remember that PhD publications don’t happen in a vacuum. Your advisor, colleagues, and other faculty in the department can be invaluable resources as you work to find an interesting topic or viewpoint, submit drafts for review, and move towards the final finished product. Asking for advice and guidance, particularly from those who have been publishing recently, is a great way to ensure that you will reach your audience with what you are trying to do.

Get started on your research contribution! 

Publishing research is part of the challenging and exciting adventure of graduate school. Whether you're interested in history or statistics, psychology or physics, at some point, the rest of the academic community will want to hear about what you are working on. When you publish research, you are contributing to the great dialogue between scholars and thinkers stretching back for centuries.

If you are interested in learning more about what it takes to earn your PhD, we invite you to explore the many resources we have available at SMU: browse our resource library , Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies , or subscribe to our blog . We are excited to help you as you consider your next step in your graduate school journey! 

For a comprehensive overview of the PhD process — from consideration to application to graduation — explore our guide, Choosing, Applying for, and Thriving in a PhD Program.

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5 routes to getting a Doctorate

While most of those studying for a PhD take the PhD by thesis pathway, there are five viable routes to achieving a Doctorate degree

PhD by thesis

This is the most common means of getting a Doctorate degree. Over the three or four years of research at university, your PhD supervisor will support you as you aim to produce a thesis based on your research proposal .

A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length - although this can vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences expects a thesis to be 70,000-100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices, while the University of Cambridge has set an upper limit of 80,000 words.

Once completed, you'll need to defend your PhD thesis in front of a panel of examiners during your viva voce .

PhD by publication

This route involves submitting previously published work - such as books, book chapters and journal articles, which together form a coherent body of work and show evidence of an original contribution to a particular field of study.

It's often taken by mid-career academics that haven't had the opportunity to undertake a standard Doctorate degree.

Generally, a minimum of five to eight published pieces are required, but this varies between institutions and depends on their length. The published work will be assessed to the same rigorous standards as a traditional PhD by thesis.

You must also provide a written supporting statement, which can range from 5,000 to 20,000 words, and present your work to an academic committee. A supervisor will assist you with selecting which publications to submit and with the supporting statement.

Some universities accept only their own graduates for a PhD by publication, while others restrict this route to their academic staff. In general, you should have graduated from your first degree at least seven years ago to be eligible.

For example, The University of Manchester has published its own Guidance for the PhD By Published Work , with eligibility only extending to current members of staff.

Professional Doctorate

Geared primarily towards current professionals in vocational sectors such as healthcare , teaching and education , and engineering and manufacturing , this type of Doctorate degree includes a significant taught component and a smaller research project.

Professional Doctorates are often taken on a part-time basis and can last between two and eight years. Like their standard PhD counterparts, they usually begin in October or January.

While you won't typically be looking to get an academic job , your research is expected to contribute to theory as well as professional practice. Projects often revolve around a real-life issue that affects your employer.

Several professional Doctorates, such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), are accredited by a professional body - for instance, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS) - and may also lead to a professional qualification .

Common titles for graduates of professional Doctorate degrees include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Unlike many professional Doctorates, the EngD is typically offered as a full-time course and is aimed at young engineering graduates with little or no professional experience.

Explore what's currently available at Find a Professional Doctorate .

Integrated PhD

This four-year qualification, also known as the New Route PhD, involves studying a one-year research Masters degree (MRes) before progressing onto a three-year PhD.

Offered by a select number of universities across the UK, integrated PhDs are supported by the government and the British Council through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . Visit Research Council funding for further information on research and funding for different types of PhD.

The integrated PhD involves a combination of taught materials, practical experience and advanced research. This allows you to learn subject-specific methodologies, while building the transferable skills that will enable you to become a leader in your chosen profession.

Institutions can also develop personalised integrated PhD programmes to meet each student's needs. For example, universities may offer you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education - perfect if you're considering a career as a higher education lecturer .

As PhDs are based primarily on independent research rather than time spent in lectures and seminars, distance learning has always been a viable route for many Doctoral students.

PhDs by distance learning offered by course providers such as The Open University are therefore a good option to consider if you've got family or work commitments or are an international student - as this gives you the chance to undertake Doctoral research without having to live close to your chosen institution. It's also a suitable mode of study if your subject requires you to be based in a specific location away from the university.

For the most part, you'll be in touch with your supervisor by phone, email or Skype/Zoom. You'll need to bear in mind that even if you opt for this form of research, you'll generally still need to attend university for one or two weeks of each academic year for meetings and to receive research skills training. Your final examination may be undertaken either face-to-face or virtually.

With online PhDs, you can usually register as a full or part-time student. The level of fees you pay varies between institutions - some charge the same as for a standard PhD while others offer a reduced rate.

Check that any funding you plan to apply for is available to distance learning students, as this isn't always the case.

Search for distance learning PhDs .

Find out more

• Explore what is a PhD?
• Sort out funding for postgraduate study .
• Consider what to do after completing your PhD .

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