PGR award requirements
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must embody the results of research carried out during the approved period of study. In the thesis and the oral examination the candidate is required to conduct and present original investigations that make a significant contribution to knowledge, to test ideas, whether the candidate’s own or those of others, to understand the relationship of the theme of the investigations to a wider field of knowledge and to express themselves clearly and concisely.
In the case of a thesis involving original creative output, the thesis must embody the results of research carried out and/or output created during the approved period of study. The thesis must contain a commentary that addresses the originality and artistic relevance of the work. Within the thesis and oral examination the student must show evidence of the originality of the work, demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of the theme of the thesis to a wider field of knowledge, make a significant contribution to knowledge/the genre, and must express themselves clearly and concisely.
Word length
The maximum word length of the thesis is 80,000 words, excluding any references and bibliography. Maximum word length for a thesis including creative output may vary depending on the format of the thesis. The University of Essex does not stipulate a minimum number of words required.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy must embody the results of research carried out during the approved period of study and should make a contribution to knowledge. In the thesis and the oral examination the candidate is required to present the results of research that either forms original work or is an ordered and critical exposition of existing knowledge. The thesis should set out the relationship between the candidate’s work and the wider field of knowledge and should be expressed clearly and concisely.
In the case of a thesis involving original creative output, the thesis must embody the results of research carried out and/or output created during the approved period of study. The thesis must contain a commentary that addresses the originality and artistic relevance of the work. Within the thesis the student must show evidence of the originality of the work or an ordered and critical exposition of existing knowledge/the genre. The thesis should demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the candidate’s work and the wider field of knowledge/the genre and should be expressed clearly and concisely.
Word length
The maximum word length of the thesis is 50,000 words, excluding any references and bibliography. Maximum word length for a thesis including creative output may vary depending on the format of the thesis. The University of Essex does not stipulate a minimum number of words required.
Masters by Dissertation (MAD/MSD)
A dissertation for the degree of Masters by Dissertation is required to present the results of research carried out during the approved period of study and should demonstrate advanced understanding of the area of study. In the dissertation and the oral examination the candidate is required to present the results of research that either forms original work or is an ordered and critical exposition of existing knowledge. The dissertation should set out the relationship between the candidate’s work and the wider field of knowledge and should be expressed clearly and concisely.
In the case of a dissertation involving original creative output, the dissertation must embody the results of research carried out/or output created during the approved period of study and should demonstrate advanced understanding of the area of study. The dissertation must contain a commentary that addresses the originality and artistic relevance of the work. The dissertation should set out the relationship between the candidate’s work and the wider field of knowledge/the genre and should be expressed clearly and concisely.
Word length
The maximum word length of the dissertation is 30,000 words, excluding any references and bibliography. Maximum word length for a dissertation including creative output may vary depending on the format of the dissertation. The University of Essex does not stipulate a minimum number of words required.
Professional Doctorate (DOCT)
A thesis submitted for a professional doctorate must embody the results of research carried out during the approved period of study. In the thesis and the oral examination the candidate is required to conduct and present original investigations that make a significant contribution to the nature of practice within the profession or to the way theory is applied, to understand the relationship of the theme of the investigations to a wider field of knowledge and to express themselves clearly and concisely.
Word length
The maximum word length of the thesis is 40,000 words, excluding any references and bibliography. The University of Essex does not stipulate a minimum number of words required.
