PhD by Public Works

A PhD by Public Works is a research degree gained by candidates with a body of work produced prior to registration equivalent in originality, coherence and significance to a PhD.

Candidates must possess a body of work in the public domain with demonstrated impact in their own field of research. The work can be constituted by any publication, artefact or performance that has a whole is relevant to the specific field of research the candidate has applied for. Examples of such works are: publications in high-quality academic journals; books that have had impact in the field; artwork and performances; artefacts of any kind. The work must be either accessible in the public domain or evidence of its existence should exist in the public domain should the work be performative in nature. The Public Works put forward by the candidate are assessed at admission stage against the QAA Level 8 Doctoral criteria for their contribution to knowledge and equivalence in significance, methodology and originality to a PhD. Other University’s eligibility criteria apply, such as, normally, holding a Master’s degree and demonstrating English language proficiency. The proposal for a PhD by Public Works consists of a statement of motivation and an account that outlines the significance, originality and coherence of the Public Works presented for admission. The proposal should contain a full list of the works submitted for admission with hyperlinks to access them in the public domain. In case of works of joint authorship a signed statement should clarify their own contribution to these works. Admission requires the conduct of an interview with at least an expert in the research field the candidate is applying for. This individual might also be a prospective Director of Studies. Interviewers will consider the likelihood of the public works to be considered at doctoral level at the final examination and the potential of the applicant to complete a context statement at that level.

International students: £9,050

UK students: £6,400

UK/Home: £6,400

International: £9,050

October 2026

Rolling admission - submit at least three months before your September or January start (direct application via the Applicant Portal)

• Hendon campus, United Kingdom