Degree of Senior Doctorate

1.1      

The degree of Senior Doctorate may be awarded by the University on the basis of existing published work that satisfies the criteria detailed below. The qualification shall be awarded to candidates who: 

• Have made an original and substantial contribution to their discipline(s) over a significant period of time;
• Have established an authoritative standing in their discipline(s).

1.2      

All candidates must pay the appropriate fees prescribed by the University. All candidates must comply with the University’s academic and general regulations.

1.3      

The level of study of the research degree governed by these regulations shall be at Level 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ Level 8).

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to the Degree of Senior Doctorate.

2.1 

A candidate for the degree of Senior Doctorate must either:

• Be a graduate of the University of at least 10 years standing for undergraduate level, or of at least four years standing for Master’s level, or of at least two years standing for doctoral level; or

• Be or have been a member of staff at Swansea University for a continuous period of at least three years on a full-time basis (or the part-time equivalent) and be a graduate of another University of at least ten years standing.

2.2      

Prior to formal application, a list of published works, together with a statement of the applicant’s contribution to any multi-authored papers/collaborative work and documentation as outlined in paragraph 3.2 should be submitted to the relevant Executive Dean. The Executive Dean, the Faculty/School Director of Research (or equivalent) and an independent senior member of staff within the subject discipline shall meet to consider the application in-depth and decide whether it is of an appropriate standard to proceed to the formal application stage. The final decision as to whether an applicant should be admitted as a candidate for the degree shall rest with the Progression and Awards Board or nominee. The decision will be based on the recommendations made by the relevant Executive Dean, Faculty/School Head of Research (or equivalent) and independent senior member of staff within the subject discipline.

2.3      

All candidates must matriculate before submission of work for examination in accordance with the general University regulations governing Matriculation.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to the Degree of Senior Doctorate.

3.1      

Normally, only work published in scholarly books and journals will be eligible for consideration. All work must have been published in such a way as to be generally available for consultation by scholars or other interested persons.

3.2      

The work to be submitted shall comprise:

a. A short commentary providing a summary of the published work containing all of the main concepts and conclusions of the published work;

b. A summary sheet listing all of the published work submitted together with a statement of the extent of the candidate’s contribution to multi-authored work;

c. A copy of each publication numbered in accordance with 3.2.b above;

d. Evidence of the status of all the published work submitted;

e. An academic Curriculum Vitae.

3.3      

Candidates for the degree of Senior Doctorate shall be required to submit three copies of the work as described in paragraph 3.2, to Education Services for examination.

4.1      

Candidates for the degree of Senior Doctorate shall be examined by a Board of Referees as detailed in paragraph 5.

4.2      

The Chair of the Progression and Awards Board will normally delegate the administrative tasks concerning the submission and examination of the published work to the relevant administrative section in Education Services. The Executive Dean or nominee shall nominate a Chair of the Board of Referees who must be a member of staff of the University with appropriate experience who has not been otherwise directly involved in the component publications. The Chair of the Progression and Awards Board or nominee will consider and if appropriate, approve the nomination of the Chair.

5.1      

The Board of Referees for candidates shall consist of the following individuals:

• An independent Chair as outlined in paragraph 4.2. The Chair of the Board of Referees is required to chair any meetings of the referees and ensure compliance with the regulations;
• Three external Referees appointed in accordance with the University’s Guide to the Degree of Senior Doctorate.

5.2      

The Chair of the Board of Referees shall be independent in the examining process and be responsible to the Progression and Awards Board for the conduct of the examination.

6.1      

The examination of the published work shall be conducted in accordance with the University’s Guide to the Degree of Senior Doctorate. The recommendation of the Board of Referees shall be presented to the Progression and Awards Board for confirmation.

7.1   

For Aegrotat guidance regulations refer to the Aegrotat Degree Regulations. 

7.2   

For Posthumous guidance regulations refer to the Posthumous Degree Regulations. 

8.1      

Candidates who are not recommended by the Board of Referees for the award of the degree in respect of which they submitted may appeal against the decision reached and request an Academic Appeal, but only on the grounds of procedural irregularity. All such appeals will be processed through the University's Final Review Procedure.

9.1      

Allegations of academic misconduct shall be considered in accordance with the Swansea University Academic Misconduct procedures and regulations. Allegations of academic misconduct received by the University after the degree has been conferred upon the candidate shall be considered by the degree awarding institution.

10.1

International students who need a visa to study in the University should be aware that their continued study at the University is dependent upon them meeting the conditions of their visa and the time-limits set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For more information please refer to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas.

10.2

Decisions taken by the University with regard to a candidate’s enrolment status, academic performance, progression and award shall be made in accordance with the University’s academic and financial regulations and shall not be informed by visa restrictions and time-limits set by the UKVI. However, continued study is conditional upon meeting the University’s requirements and holding a valid visa. Students who have any concerns or queries regarding their visa should contact International@CampusLife.