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.

Candidates for the Ph.D., M.Sc. or M.Liu, Degrees may be required to attend lectures and seminars and prepare formal course work assignments as part of their research training, and in some cases you may be required to take one of the one-year courses for this purpose. The award of the degree is, however, decided solely on the results of your research as presented in a dissertation and on your performance in the oral examination which is held on the dissertation and the general field of knowledge in which your dissertation falls. For research degrees there is no system of awarding grades or credits. Candidates from outside the UK education system may find it helpful to know that the oral examination is conducted by two Examiners, no other people are present.

All candidates for the Ph.D., M.Sc. or M.IJtt. Degrees are at present allowed ten terms in which to submit their dissertations, and you are expected by the Board to submit within this timetable.