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Research Degrees Student Handbook 2012-2013

7.1 Research degrees

The University awards four higher degrees by research:

• Master of Research (MRes)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Doctorate in Education (EdD).

MRes

MRes students should also refer to Section 9.

MPhil

For the Master of Philosophy you undertake a research programme leading to the submission of a thesis that must include a critical review of the literature and give evidence of research ability. It must be a distinct contribution to scholarship in your field.

PhD

A thesis for the Doctor of Philosophy must be a significant contribution to knowledge, worthy of publication and demonstrate your ability to undertake further research without supervision.

EdD

EdD students should refer to Section 8.

PhD by published work

You may apply to submit published work for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy if you are:

• a member of the University’s staff of at least three years' standing
• an OU associate lecturer of at least three years’ standing
• a member of staff of at least three years’ standing in an OU accredited institution
• a member of staff of at least three years' standing in an Open University Affiliated Research Centre which the Research Degrees Committee awarded a judgement of confidence following the most recent review visit.

Details are available from the Research Degrees Office.

Higher doctorates

The University awards two higher doctorates on the basis of published work:

• Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
• Doctor of Science (DSc)

You must show that you’ve made an original and substantial contribution to a significant field of study over a considerable period of time. The published work you submit must demonstrate that you are a leading authority in your field and have taken part in important innovations and developments in it.

Candidature for these degrees is limited to:

• Open University staff, associate lecturers and graduates
• graduates of the Council for National Academic Awards who aren’t otherwise eligible to register with a degree-awarding institution
• members of staff in OU accredited institutions.

Details are available from the Research Degrees Office.

Second degrees

If you’re awarded one research degree and want to take another, you must apply again for admission to the University.

Your second research programme may build on the work for your first thesis, but your submission for the qualification must contain entirely new material. Clearly indicated references to the contents of the first thesis are permitted.