PhD by Public Works

Middlesex University

A PhD by Public Works is a research degree gained by candidates with a body of work produced prior to registration equivalent in originality, coherence and significance to a PhD. It consists of the submission for examination of works that are the outcome of a research process and that are accessible in the public domain (or for which evidence of their existence and significance is publicly accessible) as well as a context statement, also called critical commentary, of up to 30,000 words which contextualises the works and explains their contribution to knowledge in a particular research field, topic or at a interdisciplinary level.

Both the works and the context statement are assessed by examiners at the viva against the QAA level 8 descriptors for doctoral degrees. Examples of Public Works are: peer-reviewed scholarly publications, books, artworks in various formats, including performances, artefacts, other scholarly texts or reports. Requirements of what is accepted as a public work for this programme vary according to the discipline The PhD by Public Works is a part-time degree in which the expected submission time is 18 months and the maximum candidature period is 24 months. As per our Regulations, the minimum candidature period is 12 months. The PhD by Public Works is available in any discipline (subject to availability of supervision arrangements) and in any Faculty of the University.