7. Acknowledgement of collaboration and/or prior dissemination

All work submitted by a PGR for examination must be chiefly the PGR’s own (see Section 2 - Standards) but sometimes collaboration is desirable or even necessary for research to take place, and this may be particularly the case for certain types of research by practice.

The key principle to be observed by the PGR is that there should be transparency about any collaboration. Within their submission for final examination, the PGR should provide details as to what the collaborators did and, where feasible, the percentage contribution to the collaborative work. PGRs may wish to work with their supervisor(s) to adapt the template statement on authorship to the particular needs of their practice.

All work submitted by a PGR for examination must be derived from research undertaken whilst enrolled on their PGR programme. It is, however, recognised that within a PGR programme there may be some dissemination of some of the research prior to the final submission for examination: this might include, for example, the publication of material (eg a collection of short stories, an exhibition guide), the submission of work to a competition (eg a poetry or architectural competition), or public viewing of a work (performance of a play, exhibition). The key principle to be observed by the PGR is that there should be transparency about how any work submitted for examination has been disseminated and, where appropriate (particularly with respect to prior publication), agreement of any co-authors and a check on copyright issues.  PGRs may find it helpful to consult the advice on copyright for journal-style theses and/or consult with the experts within the Library.

Guidelines information

PGRs who started their programme after 16 September 2024 should adhere to these guidelines.

PGRs who started their programme before 16 September 2024 should adhere to these guidelines as much as possible but will not be penalised for following previously available guidance from their department.