2. Upgrade to PhD

Archaeology upgrade submission requirements

In total, 7,500-9,000 words (exclusive of footnotes) should be submitted. This should comprise:

1.          A draft abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words).  This should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. 

2.          A further developed proposal (max 1,500 words). You are asked to demonstrate clear awareness of how the proposed research will address a bigger question or problem. This should cover the following areas: 

a)       Research questions.
What are your research aims? What are the main issues that your thesis will address? What are the hypotheses that you wish to test? What is the originality and contribution of your thesis? (NB: At this stage you will not necessarily know the answers to all your research questions. Part of the purpose of this exercise is to identify issues thrown up by your research that will need to be addressed in the completed thesis.) 

b)      Research context.
Which scholars have written on these issues before? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature? Does it contain errors, omissions, or both? What opportunities are there for your thesis to correct these? How does your research fit into and develop these literatures? 

c)       Methodology.
What sources/evidence are you using in your research? (For example: archival material, web-based material, databases, interviews). How will these materials help you to address your research questions? Are there any novel aspects to your methods, and is there any particular guidance that you require? What methodologies and critical frameworks will you use? Are there any ethical issues arising from your research that need to be addressed?

3.          A contents outline of the thesis (1 page). This may be in continuous prose, or bullet-points (or a combination of the two); this document is to show the structure and organisation of the thesis. 

4.          Draft timetable (1 page) for submission of the thesis within the candidate’s planned submission period (within a maximum of four years for full-time study from the date of initial registration; pro-rata for part-time study). This should show the student’s work plan for the remaining period of study and highlight any areas where problems might arise. It is intended that this draft timetable will be regularly reviewed and updated at the regular progress review meetings which take place each year.

5.          One or more substantive pieces of a writing sample at PhD standard in good presentational order (approx. 5,000-6,000 words, which is the length of a short article). This should include original work on the substance and methodology of the thesis such as the collation, analysis or new interpretation of evidence or data; in the writing sample the candidate will have to show their ability to write clear and effective extended prose, to construct an argument, and to analyse source materials.

These pieces could be:

• Either a sample chapter, which can include a basic literature review;
• Or ethics application and fieldwork plan with literature review.

History upgrade submission requirements          

In total, 7,500-9,000 words (exclusive of footnotes) should be submitted. This should comprise: 

1. A draft abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words).  This should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. 

2. A further developed proposal (max 1,500 words). You are asked to demonstrate clear awareness of how the proposed research will address a bigger question or problem. This should cover the following areas: 

a)     Research questions.
What are your research aims? What are the main issues that your thesis will address? What are the hypotheses that you wish to test? What is the originality and contribution of your thesis? (NB: At this stage you will not necessarily know the answers to all your research questions. Part of the purpose of this exercise is to identify issues thrown up by your research that will need to be addressed in the completed thesis.) 

b)     Research context.
Which scholars have written on these issues before? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature? Does it contain errors, omissions, or both? What opportunities are there for your thesis to correct these? How does your research fit into and develop these literatures? 

c)     Methodology.
What sources/evidence are you using in your research? (For example: archival material, web-based material, databases, interviews). How will these materials help you to address your research questions? Are there any novel aspects to your methods, and is there any particular guidance that you require? What methodologies and critical frameworks will you use? Are there any ethical issues arising from your research that need to be addressed? 

3. A contents outline of the thesis (1 page). This may be in continuous prose, or bullet-points (or a combination of the two); this document is to show the structure and organisation of the thesis.
 
4. Draft timetable (1 page) for submission of the thesis within the candidate’s planned submission period (within a maximum of four years for full-time study from the date of initial registration; pro-rata for part-time study). This should show the student’s work plan for the remaining period of study and highlight any areas where problems might arise. It is intended that this draft timetable will be regularly reviewed and updated at the regular progress review meetings which take place each year. 

5. One or more substantive pieces of a writing sample at PhD standard in good presentational order (approx. 5,000-6,000 words, which is the length of a short article). This should include original work on the substance and methodology of the thesis such as the collation, analysis or new interpretation of evidence or data; in the writing sample the candidate will have to show their ability to write clear and effective extended prose, to construct an argument, and to analyse source materials.

These pieces could be:

• Either a sample chapter, which can include a basic literature review;
• Or ethics application and fieldwork plan with literature review.

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies before August 2019

In total, 15-20,000 words should be submitted. This should comprise: 

1. A draft abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words).  This should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. 
2. An extended proposal (5,000 words or above). This should cover the following areas: 
    a) Research questions
    What are the main issues that your thesis will address? What are the hypotheses that you wish to test? (NB: At this stage you will not necessarily know the answers to all your research questions. Part of the purpose of          this exercise is to identify issues thrown up by your research that will need to be addressed in the completed thesis.)
 
   b) Research context
   Which scholars have written on these issues before? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature? Does it contain errors or omissions (or both)? What opportunities are there for your thesis to correct         these?
 
   c) Methodology
   What resources and/or evidence are you using in your research (eg archival material, web-based material, databases, interviews)? How will these materials help you to address your research questions? Are there any novel     aspects to your methods, and is there any particular guidance that you require? Are there any ethical issues arising from your research that still need to be addressed?
 
3. Chapter-by-chapter outline of the thesis. This may be in continuous prose, bullet-points, or a combination of the two. 

4. Timetable for completion of the thesis (including any corrections to be made post-viva) within four years from the date of initial registration (seven years part time).

 5. One substantive chapter of Ph.D. standard material (10,000 words or above).

 

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after August 2019

In total, 7,500-9,000 words (exclusive of footnotes) should be submitted. This should comprise: 

1. A draft abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words).  This should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. 

2. A further developed proposal (max 1,500 words). You are asked to demonstrate clear awareness of how the proposed research will address a bigger question or problem. This should cover the following areas: 

a)     Research questions
What are your research aims? What are the main issues that your thesis will address? What are the hypotheses that you wish to test? What is the originality and contribution of your thesis? (NB: At this stage you will not necessarily know the answers to all your research questions. Part of the purpose of this exercise is to identify issues thrown up by your research that will need to be addressed in the completed thesis.)

 b)     Research context

Which scholars have written on these issues before? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature? Does it contain errors, omissions, or both? What opportunities are there for your thesis to correct these? How does your research fit into and develop these literatures? 

c)     Methodology
What sources/evidence are you using in your research? (For example: archival material, web-based material, databases, interviews). How will these materials help you to address your research questions? Are there any novel aspects to your methods, and is there any particular guidance that you require? What methodologies and critical frameworks will you use? Are there any ethical issues arising from your research that need to be addressed?

3. A contents outline of the thesis (1 page). This may be in continuous prose, or bullet-points (or a combination of the two); this document is to show the structure and organisation of the thesis. 

4. Draft timetable (1 page) for submission of the thesis within the candidate’s planned submission period (within a maximum of four years for full-time study from the date of initial registration; pro-rata for part-time study). This should show the student’s work plan for the remaining period of study and highlight any areas where problems might arise. It is intended that this draft timetable will be regularly reviewed and updated at the regular progress review meetings which take place each year. 

5. One or more substantive pieces of a writing sample at PhD standard in good presentational order (approx. 5,000-6,000 words, which is the length of a short article). This should include original work on the substance and methodology of the thesis such as the collation, analysis or new interpretation of evidence or data; in the writing sample the candidate will have to show their ability to write clear and effective extended prose, to construct an argument, and to analyse source materials.

These pieces could be:

• Either a sample chapter, which can include a basic literature review;
• Or ethics application and fieldwork plan with literature review.

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies before August 2019

By Practice Upgrade Requirements (Performance Practice and Film by Practice)

Performance Practice – The department DPGR will confirm the nature of the artefact to be submitted by no later than the end of the first year of study. This may involve submission of evidence of the first piece of practice where this has been undertaken, or both visual and written evidence of the work undertaken on the first piece of practice to date. Candidates delivering a workshop or a teaching programme will be expected to produce a workshop or teaching programme that is a minimum of 20 minutes long. Performance Practice candidates will also be expected to submit 8,000-10,000 words of critical commentary.
Area	Artefact	Critical Commentary
Film	12-15 mins	Plus 4,500 - 6,000 words of critical commentary
Installations	As agreed with discipline DPGR by end of term 3 of first year.
Poetry	15-20 pages
Prose/life writing	12,000 words
Screenplay/script	30 pages
Where specific submission criteria are not specified above the department DPGR will provide confirmation as to what and how much work should be submitted by no later than the end of the first term of full-time equivalent study.

 

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after August 2019

Standard upgrade requirements

In total, 7,500-9,000 words (exclusive of footnotes) should be submitted. This should comprise: 

1. A draft abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words).  This should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist.

2. A further developed proposal (max 1,500 words). You are asked to demonstrate clear awareness of how the proposed research will address a bigger question or problem. This should cover the following areas: 

a)     Research questions
What are your research aims? What are the main issues that your thesis will address? What are the hypotheses that you wish to test? What is the originality and contribution of your thesis? (NB: At this stage you will not necessarily know the answers to all your research questions. Part of the purpose of this exercise is to identify issues thrown up by your research that will need to be addressed in the completed thesis.)

b)     Research context

Which scholars have written on these issues before? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature? Does it contain errors, omissions, or both? What opportunities are there for your thesis to correct these? How does your research fit into and develop these literatures? 

c)     Methodology
What sources/evidence are you using in your research? (For example: archival material, web-based material, databases, interviews). How will these materials help you to address your research questions? Are there any novel aspects to your methods, and is there any particular guidance that you require? What methodologies and critical frameworks will you use? Are there any ethical issues arising from your research that need to be addressed?

3. A contents outline of the thesis (1 page). This may be in continuous prose, or bullet-points (or a combination of the two); this document is to show the structure and organisation of the thesis. 

4. Draft timetable (1 page) for submission of the thesis within the candidate’s planned submission period (within a maximum of four years for full-time study from the date of initial registration; pro-rata for part-time study). This should show the student’s work plan for the remaining period of study and highlight any areas where problems might arise. It is intended that this draft timetable will be regularly reviewed and updated at the regular progress review meetings which take place each year. 

5. One or more substantive pieces of a writing sample at PhD standard in good presentational order (approx. 5,000-6,000 words, which is the length of a short article). This should include original work on the substance and methodology of the thesis such as the collation, analysis or new interpretation of evidence or data; in the writing sample the candidate will have to show their ability to write clear and effective extended prose, to construct an argument, and to analyse source materials.

These pieces could be:

• Either a sample chapter, which can include a basic literature review;
• Or ethics application and fieldwork plan with literature review. 

By Practice upgrade requirements (Performance Practice and Film by Practice)

In total, 7,500-9,000 words (exclusive of footnotes) should be submitted. This should comprise: 

1. A draft abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words).  This should describe your research and practice in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. 

2. An extended research proposal (maximum 3,000 words). You are asked to demonstrate clear awareness of how the proposed research will address a bigger question or problem. This should cover the following areas: 

a)       Research questions
What are your research aims? What are the main issues that your thesis will address? What are the hypotheses that you wish to test? What is the originality and contribution of your thesis? (NB: At this stage you will not necessarily know the answers to all your research questions. Part of the purpose of this exercise is to identify issues thrown up by your research that will need to be addressed in the completed thesis.) 

b)      Research context
Which scholars have written on these issues before? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature? Does it contain errors, omissions (or both)? What opportunities are there for your thesis to correct these? How does your research fit into and develop these literatures? 

c)       Methodology
What sources/evidence are you using in your research (e.g. archival material, web-based material, databases, interviews)? How will these materials help you to address your research questions? Are there any novel aspects to your methods, and is there any particular guidance that you require? What methodologies and critical frameworks will you use? Are there any ethical issues arising from your research that need to be addressed? 

3. A contents outline of the thesis (one page). This may be in continuous prose, bullet-points, or a combination of the two; this document is to show the structure and organisation of the thesis. 

4. Draft timetable (one page) for submission of the thesis within the candidate’s planned submission period (within a maximum of four years for full-time students from the date of initial registration; eight years for those who are part-time students who are studying at 0.5 FTE). This should show the student’s work plan for the remaining period of study and highlight any areas where problems might arise. It is intended that this draft timetable will be regularly reviewed and updated at the regular progress review meetings which take place each year.

 

Performance Practice – This may involve submission of evidence of the first piece of practice where this has been undertaken, or both visual and written evidence of the work undertaken on the first piece of practice to date. Candidates delivering a workshop or a teaching programme will be expected to produce a performance workshop that is 10 minutes long (for a solo piece) or a teaching programme that is 15-20 minutes long. For students not ready to undertake practice they should submit written evidence (4-5,000 words) of critical commentary regarding your preparation for practice.

Film by Practice – This will involve submission of either: 8-10 minutes of film, or: For students not ready to undertake practice they should submit written evidence (4-5,000  words) of critical commentary regarding your preparation for practice.

Where specific submission criteria are not specified above the discipline DPGR will provide confirmation as to what and how much work should be submitted by no later than the end of the first term of study.

Standard upgrade requirements

In total, 7,500-9,000 words (exclusive of footnotes) should be submitted. This should comprise: 

1. A draft abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words).  This should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist.

2. A further developed proposal (max 1,500 words). You are asked to demonstrate clear awareness of how the proposed research will address a bigger question or problem. This should cover the following areas: 

a)     Research questions
What are your research aims? What are the main issues that your thesis will address? What are the hypotheses that you wish to test? What is the originality and contribution of your thesis? (NB: At this stage you will not necessarily know the answers to all your research questions. Part of the purpose of this exercise is to identify issues thrown up by your research that will need to be addressed in the completed thesis.) 

b)     Research context
Which scholars have written on these issues before? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature? Does it contain errors, omissions, or both? What opportunities are there for your thesis to correct these? How does your research fit into and develop these literatures? 

c)     Methodology
What sources/evidence are you using in your research? (For example: archival material, web-based material, databases, interviews). How will these materials help you to address your research questions? Are there any novel aspects to your methods, and is there any particular guidance that you require? What methodologies and critical frameworks will you use? Are there any ethical issues arising from your research that need to be addressed? 

3. A contents outline of the thesis (1 page). This may be in continuous prose, or bullet-points (or a combination of the two); this document is to show the structure and organisation of the thesis. 

4. Draft timetable (1 page) for submission of the thesis within the candidate’s planned submission period (within a maximum of four years for full-time study from the date of initial registration; pro-rata for part-time study). This should show the student’s work plan for the remaining period of study and highlight any areas where problems might arise. It is intended that this draft timetable will be regularly reviewed and updated at the regular progress review meetings which take place each year. 

5. One or more substantive pieces of a writing sample at PhD standard in good presentational order (approx. 5,000-6,000 words, which is the length of a short article). This should include original work on the substance and methodology of the thesis such as the collation, analysis or new interpretation of evidence or data; in the writing sample the candidate will have to show their ability to write clear and effective extended prose, to construct an argument, and to analyse source materials.

         These pieces could be:

• Either a sample chapter, which can include a basic literature review;
• Or ethics application and fieldwork plan with literature review.

 

Creative Writing upgrade requirements for students who commenced their studies before August 2022

Prior to upgrade, and no later than the end of the second term of full-time study (pro-rata for part-time study), Creative Writing students are required to submit to their supervisors the following to fulfil the requirements of study for their first year: 

1) A draft abstract of your thesis (up to 300 words). This should describe your research and practice in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. 

2) An extended research proposal (maximum of 3,000 words) clarifying

• your research questions;
• aims, objectives and research context;
• methodology;
• chapter-by-chapter outline;
• and proposed timetable for completion.

3) A literature review summarising all the current texts (both creative and critical) that represent the field in which you are writing. This must contain full bibliographic details and short annotated paragraphs summarising the main content of each text and how you will be using it in your thesis. 

4) Sample Creative Writing, discussed with your supervisors in meetings. 

5) Sample Critical Writing, discussed with your supervisors in meetings.

 This work will form the basis of your supervisors’ reports to the upgrade panel.

Submission Requirements for the Upgrade Panel:

Students must submit the following to the upgrade panel. In total, 9-10,000 words (exclusive of footnotes) (or equivalent, as below) which will comprise two main elements: 

1) Creative Work

Prose Fiction/Life Writing: 7,000 words

Poetry: 24 pages (c. 350 lines)

Screenplay/Script: 20 pages 

2) Critical Work

For all disciplines of Creative Writing: 3,000 words of contextual literary-critical commentary.

 

Creative Writing submission requirements for students who commenced their studies after August 2022

Students must submit the following to the upgrade panel. In total, 9-10,000 words (exclusive of footnotes) (or equivalent, as below):

1) An extended research proposal (maximum of 1,500 words, exclusive of footnotes) clarifying

• Your research questions;
• aims, objectives and research context (i.e. a brief literature review);
• methodology;
• and brief proposed timeline for completion

2) Sample of Creative Writing:

Prose Fiction/Life Writing: up to 6,000 words

Poetry: up to 21 pages (c.300 lines)

Screenplay/Script: up to 17 pages

3) Sample Critical Writing: 2,000 words of contextual literary-critical commentary. This should be written to appropriate academic standards, including full referencing and bibliography (footnotes and bibliography are excluded from the word count).

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies before August 2023

Students must submit a total of 10-12,000 words which should comprise of the following: 

• Chapter Outline and agreed structure of the thesis. 
• Draft timeline for completion of the thesis.
• One substantive piece of work up to a maximum of 8000 words, i.e. Literature Review / critical engagement with one or more strands of literature in the field.
• A Developed Research Proposal (maximum 1500 words) – this should be more detailed than the one supplied at admissions stage and should include a statement about the nature of the research puzzle, the rationale for the dissertation, a statement about the tentative argument being developed, the methodology and the expected contribution to knowledge.

 

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after August 2023

Students must submit a total of 7,500-9,000 words which should comprise of the following: 

• A draft abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words). This should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist.
• Chapter Outline and agreed structure of the thesis. 
• Draft timeline for completion of the thesis.
• One substantive piece of work in good presentational order of c.5,000-6,000 words, i.e. Literature Review / critical engagement with one or more strands of literature in the field.
• A Developed Research Proposal (maximum 1,500 words) – this should be more detailed than the one supplied at admissions stage and should include a statement about the nature of the research puzzle, the rationale for the dissertation, a statement about the tentative argument being developed, the methodology and the expected contribution to knowledge.

Standard upgrade submission requirements

In total, 7,500-9,000 words (exclusive of footnotes) should be submitted. This should comprise: 

1. A draft abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words).  This should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. 
2. A further developed proposal (max 1,500 words). You are asked to demonstrate clear awareness of how the proposed research will address a bigger question or problem. This should cover the following areas:

a) Research questions
What are your research aims? What are the main issues that your thesis will address? What are the hypotheses that you wish to test? What is the originality and contribution of your thesis? (NB: At this stage you will not necessarily know the answers to all your research questions. Part of the purpose of this exercise is to identify issues thrown up by your research that will need to be addressed in the completed thesis.)

b) Research context

Which scholars have written on these issues before? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature? Does it contain errors, omissions, or both? What opportunities are there for your thesis to correct these? How does your research fit into and develop these literatures?

c) Methodology

What sources/evidence are you using in your research? (For example: archival material, web-based material, databases, interviews). How will these materials help you to address your research questions? Are there any novel aspects to your methods, and is there any particular guidance that you require? What methodologies and critical frameworks will you use? Are there any ethical issues arising from your research that need to be addressed? 

3. A contents outline of the thesis (1 page). This may be in continuous prose, or bullet-points (or a combination of the two); this document is to show the structure and organisation of the thesis. 

4. Draft timetable (1 page) for submission of the thesis within the candidate’s planned submission period (within a maximum of four years for full-time study from the date of initial registration; pro-rata for part-time study). This should show the student’s work plan for the remaining period of study and highlight any areas where problems might arise. It is intended that this draft timetable will be regularly reviewed and updated at the regular progress review meetings which take place each year.

5. One or more substantive pieces of a writing sample at PhD standard in good presentational order (approx. 5,000-6,000 words, which is the length of a short article). This should include original work on the substance and methodology of the thesis such as the collation, analysis or new interpretation of evidence or data; in the writing sample the candidate will have to show their ability to write clear and effective extended prose, to construct an argument, and to analyse source materials.

These pieces could be: 

• Either a sample chapter, which can include a basic literature review;
• Or ethics application and fieldwork plan with literature review.

Art History and Visual Culture by Practice upgrade requirements  

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies before August 2023

Students must submit a total of 10-12,000 words which should comprise of the following: 

• Chapter Outline and agreed structure of the thesis.
• Draft timeline for completion of the thesis.
• One substantive piece of work up to a maximum of 8000 words, i.e. Literature Review / critical engagement with one or more strands of literature in the field.
• Maximum 500-word statement outlining the Research Questions of the Issues being addressed, aims, objectives and methodology and including how the final thesis is expected to form a contribution to the knowledge of the subject.

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after August 2023

Students must submit a total of 7,500-9,000 words which should comprise of the following: 

• Chapter Outline and agreed structure of the thesis, draft timeline for completion of the thesis and an abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words). The abstract should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. Please note that the chapter outline, draft timeline and abstract should be submitted for assessment as one document. 
• One substantive piece of work in good presentational order of c.5,000-6,000 words, i.e. a literature review or a piece critically engaging with relevant sources and one or more strands of literature in the field.
• A Developed Research Proposal (maximum 1,500 words) – this should be more detailed than the one supplied at admissions stage and should include a statement about the nature of the research puzzle, the rationale for the dissertation, a statement about the tentative argument being developed, the methodology and the expected contribution to knowledge.

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after January 2024

Students must submit a total of 7,500-9,000 words which should comprise of the following: 

• Chapter Outline and agreed structure of the thesis, draft timeline for completion of the thesis and an abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words). The abstract should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. Please note that the chapter outline, draft timeline and abstract should be submitted for assessment as one document. 
• One substantive piece of work in good presentational order of c.5,000-6,000 words, i.e. a literature review or a piece critically engaging with relevant sources and one or more strands of literature in the field.
• A Developed Research Proposal (maximum 1,500 words) – this should be more detailed than the one supplied at admissions stage and should include a statement about the nature of the research puzzle, the rationale for the dissertation, a statement about the tentative argument being developed, the methodology and the expected contribution to knowledge.
• A bibliography - please note this does not contribute towards the 7,500-9,000 word count.

Legal Practice upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after August 2023

Students must submit a total of 7,500-9,000 words which should comprise of the following: 

• Chapter Outline and agreed structure of the thesis, draft timeline for completion of the thesis and an abstract of the thesis (up to 300 words). The abstract should describe your research in terms that can be understood by a non-specialist. Please note that the chapter outline, draft timeline and abstract should be submitted for assessment as one document. 
• A reflective commentary, in good presentational order, of c.5,000-6,000 words. This may include, if necessary, an introductory summary of the case study/studies that are to be used, of up to 1,000 words.
• A Developed Research Proposal (maximum 1,500 words) – this should be more detailed than the one supplied at admissions stage and should include a statement about the nature of the research puzzle, the rationale for the dissertation, a statement about the tentative argument being developed, the methodology and the expected contribution to knowledge.

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies before August 2023

Students must submit a total of 10-12,000 words which should comprise of the following:

• Chapter Outline and agreed structure of the thesis.
• Draft timeline for completion of the thesis.
• A Literature Review / critical engagement with one or more strands of literature in the field (maximum 5000 words).
• A Developed Research Proposal (maximum 4000 words).

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after August 2023

Students must submit a total of 7,500-9,000 words which should comprise of the following: 

• A title for your project
• No more than 4,000 words (excl. references and appendix) section of your literature review. This must include: a section detailing the search strategy and outcome; main text; references; IN addition, an appendix showing the outline of the full literature review must be provided, but this element is not included in the word count.
• No more than 5,000 word research proposal (excl. references). This must include a section on the philosophical assumptions of the research; research questions; methodology; sample/participant numbers; methods of data collection; methods of data analysis; ethical considerations; a statement on the significance, originality and contribution of the work to educational research.
• A draft Contents Page showing the overall outline of the thesis (not included in the word count).
• A timetable for the project (not included in the word count).
• Reference List (not included in the word count). 

Philosophy upgrade submission requirements 

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after August 2019 

Students must submit a total of 10-12,000 words which should comprise of the following:

• Chapter Outline/draft structure of the thesis.
• One substantive piece of work up to a maximum of 8000 words, i.e. chapter/critical engagement with one or more strands of literature in the field.
• A Developed Research Proposal (maximum 1500 words) – this should be more detailed than the one supplied at admissions stage and should include a statement about the nature of the research question, the rationale for the dissertation, a statement about the tentative argument being developed and the expected contribution to knowledge.
• A Draft timeline for completion of the thesis.

 

Politics upgrade submission requirements

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies before August 2019

Students must submit a total of 15-20,000 words which should comprise of the following:

1. A short statement of the aims of the thesis – 1 paragraph (max 300 words) on a separate page (we ask this because many funding bodies require this in addition to the proposal)

2. A fully developed research proposal which should include:

a) the title of the project;

b) a statement of the research question/ problem that the thesis is seeking to address;

c) a more elaborate re-statement of the aims of the thesis 4

d) the rationale of the thesis – why is your question an important one academically and what contribution to knowledge are you trying to make?

e) your methodology – a discussion of the theoretical and/ or analytical framework (based on relevant literature) and the methods you will use;

f) a chapter breakdown and

g) a bibliography. These requirements should be discussed with your supervisor.

3. Submission of two substantial pieces of written work. The first should locate your research question in a body of literature as well as identify your own position in relevant debates (ie, who you are arguing against/ with/ for?) The second should represent a substantive chapter demonstrating analysis of your subject matter. Each chapter should be at least 7,000 words excluding bibliography.

4. A draft timetable for completion of the thesis.

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after August 2019

Students must submit a total of 10-12,000 words which should comprise of the following:

• Chapter Outline and agreed structure of the thesis.
• Draft timeline for completion of the thesis.
• One substantive piece of work up to a maximum of 8000 words, i.e. Literature Review / critical engagement with one or more strands of literature in the field.
• A Developed Research Proposal (maximum 1500 words) – this should be more detailed than the one supplied at admissions stage and should include a statement about the nature of the research puzzle, the rationale for the dissertation, a statement about the tentative argument being developed, the methodology and the expected contribution to knowledge.
  
  

Sociology and Anthropology / Anthrozoology upgrade submission requirements

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies before August 2019

Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology (SPA) – 18 month upgrade model:

1. A statement of aims and objectives and a statement of how the candidate expects the final thesis to "form a distinct contribution to knowledge of the subject"

2. A brief synopsis of, and an outline of work completed, against each chapter heading

3. A work-plan /schedule for completion of the thesis

4. Roughly, (within 10%) 20,000 words of the thesis (one or two chapters, depending on length) in good draft.

 

Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology (SPA) – 12 month upgrade model:

Roughly, (within 10%) 10,000 words in the form of a detailed proposal for fieldwork.

This should include the following:

A. Research questions or themes that set out how the thesis will form a distinct contribution to knowledge of the subject

B. A review of relevant literature relating to the research questions or themes

C. A detailed outline of proposed methodology and ethical considerations that might, if appropriate, include pilot work (for which students would need ethics clearance from the College Ethics Committee)

D. A detailed timetable / work-plan for the fieldwork period and writing-up of the thesis 

Note, the aim here is to create two options, including one for students doing fieldwork. The choice of which upgrade procedure a student would follow would be decided in consultation with research supervisors.

Upgrade submission requirements for students who began their studies after August 2019

Students must submit a total of 10-12,000 words which should comprise of the following: 

• Chapter Outline /draft structure of the thesis.
• A Developed Research Proposal– this should be more detailed than the one supplied at admissions stage and should include:

a) Research questions or themes that set out how the thesis will form a distinct contribution to knowledge of the subject,

b) A review of relevant literature relating to the research questions or themes;

c) A detailed outline of proposed methodology and ethical considerations that might, if appropriate, include pilot work (for which students would need ethics clearance from the College Ethics Committee);

d) A detailed timetable / work-plan for the research period and writing-up of the thesis.

Please see the upgrade submission requirements for your particular discipline under the relevant department information listed above.