phd by publication meaning

• PhD by Publication – Explained
• Types of Doctorates

Introduction

Obtaining a PhD by publication is relatively uncommon in higher education. It can, however, be especially useful for established researchers who have published work but don’t yet have a PhD. This article gives information on exactly what a PhD by publication is, how it works and what the advantages and disadvantages are. Read on to learn more.

What is a PhD by Publication?

A PhD by publication is a doctoral degree awarded to a person who has several peer-reviewed publications that have been put together as separate ‘chapters’, contributing to a unified research theme within a specific field.

This format typically consists of a significant introductory chapter, up to 10,000 words, similar to a traditional thesis, followed by around five published research papers and a final chapter to bring things to a conclusion. Although these papers will be separate bodies of work, it’s important that they’re connected along one research theme.

This route to PhD can be attractive to researchers that have published a lot in their academic career but have not followed the traditional PhD path. It helps them gain recognition for their contributions to their research field and recognition that the work they have done has been of a doctoral level without having to write a separate PhD thesis.

A PhD by publication is awarded following a  viva (also known as an oral examination) with examiners, similar to the process of a traditional PhD.

What are the Advantages?

A clear advantage of a PhD by publication is that you’re submitting a portfolio of work that has already gone through extensive peer review. This means that by the time you come to defend your work at a viva, it’s much easier. For example, the questions your examiners may ask you could be very similar to the questions you were asked by your reviewers during your paper publication phase and so you will already have prepared suitable responses to these.

Another advantage of this route is that it’s a much quicker way of obtaining a PhD degree; traditional PhD programmes take between three and four years from registration to completion whereas you can get a PhD by publication within one year of registration with the University, assuming that you enrol on this degree having already published all the papers that you will include in your portfolio of work. The shorter duration means that you often will only have to pay for one year of University fees, meaning that this approach is cheaper than a traditional method. It’s often possible that you can work any part-time job alongside preparing your publication portfolio for viva examination submission.

What are the Disadvantages?

Not all research fields or questions are suitable for a PhD by publication. In some cases, it may be necessary to design, set up and run a new PhD project in the field, recording the generation of further data. Additionally, it may be difficult to expand upon your previous publications and explore different research ideas as you put together your portfolio of papers. As this approach is a relatively uncommon way to get a PhD, some institutions may be unfamiliar or not set up to facilitate a PhD by publication. While the final viva examination will be the same as that in a traditional PhD, there is always the risk that some examiners may not see this publication route as being a ‘real’ PhD.

You’re also likely to miss out on some other aspects of PhD life by going down the publication route, including opportunities to teach or supervise undergraduate students and the experience of working within a research lab alongside other PhD students.

How Long Does a PhD by Publication Take?

You should expect a PhD by publication to take six months to one year to obtain from your point of registration with a UK University. This is on the basis that you have already published work for all the material that you would plan to include within your PhD portfolio, or that it is currently going through the review process. This approach is shorter than pursuing a traditional PhD, which typically takes between three and four years as a full-time student.

What is the Application Process?

You apply using the standard process required by the university to enrol, in the same way as the traditional route of a PhD. In addition, however, you will be asked to submit a portfolio of your prior publication track record and a supporting statement outlining the work of these existing publications, detailing how they tell a coherent story with the relevant subject area you’re applying to. You won’t need to submit a formal PhD research proposal as most, if not all, of the research should already have been completed.

Do you have Supervision?

Yes, in the same way that a traditional PhD student will have a primary supervisor to oversee your project. The role of the supervisor will be to help you establish a clear narrative for the theme you’re putting together of your publications, offering critical appraisal where necessary.

He or she will advise you on how to structure the introductory and concluding bodies of work that are required before you submit your portfolio for external examination and viva. Remember that the supervisor is there to advise and not tell you how to structure your dissertation; this is the same for any research student doing a standard PhD.

With this researcher-supervisor relationship, your options may be open in terms of whether you need to be based at the University in person or if you choose to work remotely as a distance learning student, communicating with your supervisor over email or video calls.

How does Assessment Work?

The body of work that you submit will be read and assessed by two examiners that are experts within your subject area of research. This will be followed by the viva examination with the two examiners, in line with the conventional PhD approach. To be awarded this research degree you will need to demonstrate that your work has made an original contribution to furthering the subject knowledge within your field.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Much Does It Cost?

As a PhD by publication usually takes about a year to complete, most universities typically charge a fee equivalent to one year of PhD study. The exact amount will vary depending on the University, but usually, the tuition fee will be around  £4,500  for one year for UK and EU students, and considerably more if you are an international student. It’s challenging to secure funding for these types of PhD degrees and you will find that you’re unlikely to be eligible for financial support from research councils or other routes of funding.

What Kind of Publications Can I use in my Portfolio?

Universities will have specific guidance about factors such as how many publications you can include in your portfolio and there may be some restrictions on when they should have been published. Typically, you will include 5 publications in your submission to your PhD examiners, but this can in some circumstances be as low as 3 or 4 or as high as 10 separate papers. Most often these will be in the form of  journal articles accepted by peer reviewed journals but can also include published book chapters, scientific or technical reports that have been published or other forms of publication that have gone through a level of peer review.

A PhD by publication is a good way for you to graduate with a doctorate if you enter this research programme having already published several academic papers on a single research theme. You need to demonstrate that you have made a significant contribution to your field through previous research. At this stage it is likely to be the cheapest and fastest route to gaining a PhD. However, applicants should be mindful when they apply that it may be challenging to secure funding for this.

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Lynn Nygaard

Kristin solli, june 29th, 2023, what exactly is a phd by publication.

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Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

A PhD by publication, that is, a PhD submitted in the form of a dossier of published papers with varying degrees of connective writing, has become an increasingly common thesis format. However, as Lynn P. Nygaard and Kristin Solli point out, there are significant variations in how these pieces are put together. Outlining these differences and providing a checklist, they show the key questions students should ask when looking to undertake this kind of PhD.

The PhD by publication is becoming an increasingly popular choice in the social sciences , especially in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Scandinavia, but also in other countries. This kind of thesis is no longer “new” in the places where it has taken hold, yet it remains an unsettled genre with striking variations across geographical regions, disciplines, and institutions. For example, there is no agreement on what to call it (thesis by publication? article-based thesis? compilation thesis? something else?) – let alone  on what it should look like. Institutional guidelines that explain to the doctoral candidates (as well as those supervising or evaluating the thesis) are not always easy to find. If you feel like you are left on your own to figure it out, you are not alone. Investigating “what is expected of me?” will always be time well spent. But first you need to know what questions to ask.

Sandwich or two-part model?

A PhD by publication consists of a series of standalone articles plus some sort of narrative (also called a synthesis, integrative chapter , or many, many other things). But it is not always obvious how these two parts fit together. For example, in the “sandwich model”, which is common in Australia and New Zealand, the articles are treated like chapters and are “sandwiched” between two narrative chapters (normally an introduction and a conclusion) that attempt to tie the various threads together. Considerable effort is made by doctoral candidates to ensure flow between the chapters (including perhaps adding additional narrative text between the article chapters) so that it reads like a book (that is, a traditional monograph). This model is perhaps more attractive in contexts where there is still a certain amount of skepticism to the PhD by publication.

In Scandinavia, where the “article-based thesis” is the default format in most social science contexts, we use a two-part model. Here, the narrative is separate from the articles, and written with its own beginning, middle, and end. The articles themselves appear as a distinct second part of the thesis – similar to appendices in the sense that they are separate both from the first part and from each other. While the candidate must demonstrate strong thematic connections between the articles, there is no expectation that the text itself should read as a coherent whole.

What kinds of articles?

The publications are the backbone of the thesis by publication, and there are huge differences between institutions when it comes to what constitutes a “publication” and how many are required. The key idea is that the publication should be aimed at academics (who are not on your committee). This naturally rules out blogposts and coursework (so, no, you cannot submit the literature review you produced in one of your classes unless you have reworked it completely to be ready for submission to a journal). Journal articles are the gold standard here, but book chapters and conference proceedings are also permissible in some contexts.

But how many do you need? Do they all have to be published? Are co-authored articles acceptable? What happens if an article gets rejected? These are all reasonable questions , and the answers to these questions depend very much on where you are located.

In Scandinavia, three solo-authored articles can be considered a basic point of departure. If you include co-authored papers (whether they are co-authored with a supervisor or someone else), then sometimes more papers are expected, or there are restrictions on the number of co-authors.

In many places, there is an expectation that most (and sometimes all) papers need to be published before thesis submission. In other contexts, it is common for only one (or even none) to be published or accepted for publication. Instead, the papers must be deemed “publishable” as judged by your supervisor or PhD program. In effect, it is possible in some places to submit a thesis by publication without any published papers. When the emphasis is on “of publishable quality” and not the status of being published, a rejection by a journal is of little consequence because the paper will simply be classified as “not yet published”.

Expectations for the narrative?

Apart from the basic distinction between the sandwich model and the two-part model, there are huge local variations in what is expected for the narrative. In some departments, we have noticed a move towards minimalism, where the articles are supposed to speak for themselves, and the narrative is becoming shorter and shorter, (5000-7000 words in some PhD programs in Economics for example). On average, however, about 20,000-25,000 words seems to be expected.

Sometimes, the narrative is little more than a cover letter that summarises the articles. In our work, we argue that the narrative should go beyond summarising your articles and draw out the main themes at a higher level of abstraction, aiming to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. This is because the narrative serves to demonstrate various aspects of your “doctorateness” that may not be visible in the articles written for an audience that is not interested in your candidacy. It allows you to show how your different articles are connected to form a coherent whole, how (if you have co-authored with others) you were able to exercise good judgment and independent thinking, and how (if you have drawn from different disciplines) the work you have produced reflects the values of the academic community that will be granting your degree. And if you have faced specific challenges in your doctoral journey – for example, having to change your research design half-way through because the pandemic made in-person interviews impossible – the narrative allows you to show how you adapted to your situation.

Your unique situation

Writing a good thesis by publication means thinking through how to best meet the expectations of your department given the unique thesis you have written: the breadth and depth of the articles, how much you co-authored or drew from other disciplines, and the changes in your project you might have made throughout the journey.

Fig.1: What are the requirements for a thesis by publication in my PhD program? A checklist

The specific guidelines, or tacit expectations, in your institutions are not random. They usually reflect the way research is normally carried out and evaluated in that context. However, when you are new to an institution, it might not always be easy to know how to find out what “normal” is because these practices and ideas are taken for granted by those who are already insiders in that context. If your department does not provide you with clear guidelines, we hope this blogpost has given you an idea about the kinds of things you should ask about, we have also included the checklist above, which you can use as a starting point. The more you understand what is expected (and why) in the institution you are part of, the more likely you will be able to write a successful thesis by publication.

Lynn Nygaard and Kristin Solli are the authors of Strategies for writing a thesis by publication in the social sciences and humanities .

The content generated on this blog is for information purposes only. This Article gives the views and opinions of the authors and does not reflect the views and opinions of the Impact of Social Science blog (the blog), nor of the London School of Economics and Political Science.  Please review our  comments policy  if you have any concerns on posting a comment below.

Image Credit: LSE Impact Blog via Canva. 

About the author

Lynn P. Nygaard, EdD, special advisor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), provides writing support to doctoral students and researchers. She holds seminars on writing for publication, supervising the writing process, and writing the narrative for the PhD by publication not only in Norway, but also internationally.

Kristin Solli, PhD, Associate Professor at the Unit for English for Academic Purposes at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway, teaches academic writing to students and researchers. Her research interests include doctoral education, doctoral writing, multilingual writing practices, and time and temporality in educational practices.

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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. If you already hold a PhD, you are not eligible to apply for this award.

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.

• Translation

Understanding and preparing a ‘PhD by Publication’

By charlesworth author services.

• Charlesworth Author Services
• 12 April, 2022

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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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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Phd by publication, published by steve tippins on may 21, 2024 may 21, 2024.

Last Updated on: 21st May 2024, 10:43 am

PhD by publication, also known as “PhD by portfolio” or “PhD by published works,” is a relatively new route to completing your dissertation requirements for your doctoral degree. In the traditional dissertation route, you have to write one document ranging in length from 100-250 pages, on a research topic. The PhD by publication route has evolved to where, if you get a certain agreed-upon number of publications in peer-reviewed journals, you have met the requirements of a dissertation and then can graduate with your doctorate.

What are the Requirements of PhD by Publication?

While a dissertation is relatively standard in format, the PhD by publication route can have variations based on the school that you’re attending. Generally, if you get three articles published in journals, you have met the requirements. From here, it varies by school. 

There are schools that may want your publications to be in Q1 (first-quartile) journals. In other schools, the publication requirements could be Q2 or possibly any level of peer-reviewed journal. There are even schools that will consider conference presentations at selected conferences to count as a publication

It’s important to know these requirements ahead of time, as they can affect how long the process takes. Journals with higher ratings typically take longer to get through the publication process.

There are schools that will also require you to put the name of your chair and possibly other committee members on accepted publications as co-authors.

At a number of schools, getting the 3 papers published is necessary for graduation but not sufficient. It’s not uncommon for them to require you to package them in a portfolio that includes an introduction, the articles, and discussion about future research as part of the overall document. 

While this route may be the optimal route for you, you want to know the exact requirements before moving forward. There may be committee members who are not fully aware of university guidelines and requirements for this approach, and you want to be sure that you don’t head down this route and then find out later on that there are different requirements from what you believed at the beginning. Doing so can slow you down a lot. You also have to have your committee fully endorse this route before the process begins. Another way of saying that is, avoid surprises. 

Over 50% of doctoral candidates don’t finish their dissertations.

Advantages of PhD by Publication

The advantages of dissertation by publication include:

• You get multiple publications to add to your CV
• Once you have committee approval for the topic, then most of the approval is out of the hands of your committee
• Depending on the types of journals that you accept, acceptance can be relatively speedy
• May allow you to look at an issue from multiple perspectives and broaden your and the academic community’s understanding
• At some institutions, you may be able to collaborate with other authors on the process, potentially enhancing your academic reputation

If you are headed into the academic world after your dissertation – if you’re looking for a tenure track job – the PhD by Publication route may be a good option for you in that you emerge with a minimum number of publications in peer-reviewed outlets. This can help schools understand that you have the ability to publish multiple times.

Disadvantages of PhD by Publication

Disadvantages include:

• You are at the whim of the acceptance cycle at journals 
• Reviewers are not members of your committee and may not be as supportive as a committee member might be
• There are still many people who are not aware of or familiar with this path to completion
• The peer review process can be challenging.
• You have to be careful about self plagiarism and self citation
• While a dissertation allows scores of pages to develop material, journal articles are typically limited in length, so you may not be able to expound as deeply in your articles as you would be able to in a traditional dissertation

PhD by publication is not a simpler route or one that you can do on your own. First of all, you have to make sure that your school will allow this for you instead of a traditional dissertation. 

Second, you do not eliminate the role of a committee by pursuing this route. Even in the PhD by publication route, your committee has to approve the research. So it’s not a route to avoid committee oversight or committee involvement. However, if you’re aware of the potential challenges, it can be a great route for the right person.

Is a PhD by Publication Worth It?

Is this a good route to follow? I use the adage, “the only good dissertation is a done dissertation.” Considering that, this is a great path to follow if: 

• You’re fully aware of the requirements upfront, 
• You have committee buy-in
• You’re ready to live with the acceptance cycle of journals

This route may not be worth it if:

• You don’t have three different approaches to a topic or three different samples you want to explore in your journey
• Your committee does not wholeheartedly support this path forward

Neither route – traditional dissertation or dissertation by publication – is easier than the other. They both have limitations and advantages, and you want to make sure you’ve explored both options, as well as any potential issues with either approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can do this in most disciplines as long as your institution allows it. It may not be known by many people at the institution that it’s an available option, so it doesn’t hurt to ask. Start with your committee, then ask the head of your doctoral program, and then go to the registrar’s office. 

Neither approach is better or faster. It all depends on the level of journal you need to approach and their review cycle. If there is a long review cycle and you are requested to revise and resubmit, then you will need to go through the review cycle twice or even three times. I’ve seen this process take 3-4 months, and I’ve also seen it take several years for those trying to make it into the top-tier journals.

Submitted papers at journals typically range from 20-45 pages. This depends on the journal and their submission requirements.

Most doctoral students at traditional institutions have funding for a certain number of years, including their dissertation process. The type of dissertation, as long as the institution supports that route, should not affect funding. External funding depends on the requirements of the funder, but some may support students doing PhD by publication.

The route will not impact the cost, the cost is only impacted by the time it takes you to complete it. 

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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