All dissertations must show knowledge of sources, authorities, and methods of research;
they will be judged on clarity, accuracy, organisation and argument. In keeping with the
longer period of study and greater length required, a Ph.D. thesis is expected to make a more significant contribution to knowledge. The M.Litt. dissertation is expected to be not more than 60.000 words and the Ph.D. dissertation not more than 80,000 words long.
Students not seeking formal qualifications may be admitted for up to one year working under supervision.
It should be noted that formal application and acceptance is required in all cases, and that on average only about 45 masters students and 30 new research students are admitted each year.
For research students in the Medieval and Renaissance periods, in literature from 1700-1830, in American Literature, and in English and Applied Linguistics, the M.Phil, course serves as the first year of study. Students applying to work in these areas will normally be expected to complete the M.Phil, course before being registered as candidates for the MXItt or Ph.D. Degree, unless they have obtained an equivalent qualification elsewhere. Applicants may be accepted as candidates for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study in the first instance. Registration, either for Ph.D. or M.Litt., depends on the student providing satisfactory evidence of progress. In most cases the Faculty’s registration procedure is successfully completed by the end of June in the first year.
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