Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication

The Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication enables a candidate to utilise prior research undertaken and published as a lead author, to produce a summative body of work at the level required for a standard PhD thesis and subsequent award.

This degree is only available in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in the following Academic Units:

• Computing
• Engineering
• Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
• Natural and Environmental Sciences

The PhD by Prior Regulations for 2026/27 are available here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/regulations/.

These regulations should be read in conjunction with the:

• Doctor of Philosophy Degree Progress Regulations ‌
• Doctor of Philosophy Degree Assessment Regulations 
• Code of Practice for PGR students 

Pre-Application

• Prospective Applicants will be required to complete the PhD by Prior Publication Pre-Approval Checklist, which will be open from Monday 21^st September 2026. 
• On receipt of the Checklist, the Doctoral College will raise an invoice for the £250 non-refundable deposit.
• Once the deposit is paid, the PhD by Prior Publication Pre-Approval Checklist will be shared with the SAgE Faculty for an initial review.

Review

• If following initial review, the PhD by Prior Publication Pre-Approval Checklist is considered unsuitable, the Doctoral College will advise the applicant and outline the reasons for this.
• If following review, the application is considered suitable, the PhD by Prior Publication Pre-Approval Checklist form will be forwarded to the relevant Academic Unit PG Selector for consideration.
• Where the Academic Unit is supportive of the application progressing, the PG Selector should advise the Doctoral College of the name of the supervisor and confirm that the application can progress. The Academic Unit should advise the prospective supervisor to fill out a PIF (Project Initiation Form) and liaise with Grants and Contracts for payment, if the applicant’s employer will be paying the tuition fee.
• The Doctoral College will forward the PhD by Prior Publication Pre-Approval Checklist and Academic Unit approval to PG Admissions and advise the applicant to submit a formal application via the PG Admissions portal and complete an Outside Study form to be added to the application. This form will be available here from 21^st September 2026.
• Where the Academic Unit are not supportive of the application, the PG Selector should advise the Doctoral College of the reasons for this and the Doctoral College will advise the applicant accordingly.