Hello All, I have seen frequent referrals to degrees solely obtained by research. Could someone please provide me with a better explanation on what's the process to be followed (i.e. type of research to be conducted, amount of peer-review articles that need to be published, etc) to be able to obtain this degree. I would also like to hear how are this type of degrees perceived in the marketplace. Finally, suggestions of B&M universities that provide these degrees. Thanks in advance for your input! JFO
I don't know a lot about them, but I do know that a number of highly prestigious schools in Europe offer degrees obtained this way. Trinity College/University of Dublin seperates is graduate degree offerings into "taught masters" and "research masters" on their website. So does Erasmus University, which is a phenominal school located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I've always felt that a research degree would be much more difficult to earn than a taught degree.
Lancaster University offers Ph.D in Management with variety specializations. The program is research base, which the application must provide the appropriate application process and a dissertation proposal. Hence, once you are accepted you'll start your 800,000 word-dissertation. You are mandatory to visit Lancaster University's campus three times per year; and for a minimum of 4 years. You'll meet your mentor; once you're done with the your dissertation, you'll defense in front of your committee (oral exam). Currently costs about $8,500.00 per year plus travel and lodging expenses.
Research only degrees tend to be more popular in Europe. Requirements vary program to program. Essentially you are a faculty member's indentured servant to do work on whatever they want you to work on. Unless you really like the research project you are assigned to, you can be miserable. Also keep in mind, research only isn't synonymous with DL. Most programs require regular face to face meetings or departmental seminar attendance on campus when you are not in the field collecting data. However, I'm sure there are a few universities out there that will let you research at your own pace, as long are you keep paying tuition.
This is from the UNISA catalog. Obviously it's from their History Department but for our purposes I believe that it's representative of the research oriented doctoral degree process in general. "Who should study for this degree? The doctorate is the highest academic achievement and is intended for candidates who have completed an MA degree with high marks and who wish to write an extended and original thesis on a research topic of their choice. A high level of complexity is required in the research topic and analytically the thesis is expected to be more sophisticated than an MA dissertation. Thorough research, data evaluation and the opening of new perspectives will be taken into account. What does the degree comprise? The degree is awarded on the basis of a 300-400 page academic thesis on an approved and original topic (generally, but not necessarily, on South African history) based on primary sources. In order to obtain this degree, you will need to demonstrate: originality in thinking and approach capacity to undertake primary and secondary research ability to locate and evaluate sources professional academic literary and technical presentation 13 competence to assess, analyse and compare data skills of communication and articulation in developing a sustained and sophisticated argument. From January 2010 all master's and doctoral students are required to register for and complete a research module before registration for the dissertation/thesis can be finalised. From January 2010 all master's and doctoral students are required to register for and complete a research module before registration for the dissertation/thesis can be finalised. Academic requirements A Master’s degree (at least 60%, preferably more) in History or related disciplines from an acknowledged academic institution. The application process and research proposal Prospective students need first to approach the History Department to discuss their proposed work before applying formally for registration. The department will consider the following: A viable topic: At doctoral level it is expected from a prospective student to submit a topic of his/her choice, which must be substantiated by a detailed research proposal. Research proposal: A research proposal should be 20-30 typed pages long. It is an integral part of the degree, and will be assessed with the thesis. You have twelve months from the date of registration to 14 finalise your proposal. The Higher Degrees Committee of the Department of History must approve your proposal before you may proceed with your thesis. It should contain the following elements: - An outline of the issue to be researched. - A motivation for the proposed topic (what you want to prove; what contribution to knowledge about the topic you intend to offer). This should include a historiographical survey of what has been written on the topic. - An indication of the different kinds of sources you intend consulting during your research (primary as well as secondary material). - A provisional division of your thesis into proposed chapters. - A research schedule, which provides a work plan and time-frame. Prospective students should send their research proposals in the form described above to the convenor of the Doctoral Programme: If the proposal is acceptable, the Department will recommend to the Department of Postgraduate Studies that you register as a doctoral student. A duly completed registration form together with a transcript of your complete academic record will then be required by the Department of Student Admissions and Registrations at UNISA. Accreditation of a student's academic qualifications is decided by this department and it handles all administrative enquiries. 15 Method of instruction There are no residential requirements for studying at UNISA, which means that doctoral students are not expected to attend seminars or personal meetings with supervisors. All communication may be conducted via correspondence or electronic media. Students are, however, strongly encouraged to present and attend seminars, and to visit supervisors personally, if they are in a position to do so. When a research proposal has been approved and the student registered, direct contact with the supervisor can be made. The procedure entails the submission of completed work by the student, usually chapter by chapter. The supervisor comments on each chapter and sends it back to the student with suggestions for improvement. Whenever possible, a co-supervisor is also appointed to assist the supervisor. Examination Once your thesis has been completed, you will need to obtain permission to submit it for examination. You are refered to the brochure: General Information: Master’s and Doctor’s degrees for the correct procedures and more information. Permission is usually granted only if your supervisor considers that the thesis is of a high standard and that you have a reasonable chance of passing. You will need to inform your supervisor in good time so that the appropriate arrangements can be made. External examiners are appointed by the supervisor with the agreement of the Chair of Department of History and the University authorities" Unisa Online - Detailed information on postgraduate qualifications (English bro We have members who have gone through this process at UNISA, other South African universities as well as Australian universities and I don't believe that there is a substantial difference.