Postgraduate course
Doctor of Philosophy (by Published Work)
This PhD award is a recognition of your previously published research, your work and your knowledge. Immerse yourself in writing a critical review of your chosen specialism and showcasing your passion for your chosen topic. Study on campus or by distance learning.
/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/safe-images/1600-x-1000/Knowledge-Transfer-Partnerships-1.jpg)
Course overview
This course is not a traditional route to a PhD. Instead it functions as a recognition of your knowledge that has developed throughout your career. You will be assessed on a diverse body of work that has been published in the academic and/or public sphere before the start of this course.
When you choose to study with us, you will gain plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional skills. These could include:
- Gaining teaching experience
- Presenting your research at conferences and events
- Working with the community
- Engaging in networking and knowledge exchange
Professional development and training
During your PhD, you will discuss additional training needs with your supervisory team. Your supervisors will help you identify your strengths and highlight areas for development.
The University delivers a blended training programme that will help you to develop your research and professional skills, enhancing your CV and your employability.
Distance learning
Our PhD is also available by distance learning. Studying by distance learning will enable candidates to work remotely and engage with their supervisor through online meetings.
The PhD by distance learning is available to study full time or part time. Fees, assessment requirements and milestones are the same as PhDs on campus, and so are the expectations of time commitment and supervisory meetings.
Course structure
How you will study
You will analyse and review the published work you have chosen to be a part of your PhD by Published Work assessment. You will be expected to have obtained ethical approval and show that this was granted according to the requirements in force at the time and place that the research was conducted. You will write a critical review to accompany your published work portfolio. During this period, you will still be able to present your work at conferences. You will have supervision meetings with your supervisor to support you in the process.
Finally, you will submit your thesis and undertake your viva voce. During this oral examination you will discuss and critically defend your critical review and portfolio of research you have previously published. An independent chair and examiners will be present to assess your research and findings.
Each piece of published research should be an original piece, providing novelty and breadth of research, and there should be evidence of rigorous peer-review processes in place for the published works.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
2:1 degree in a related subject
Master's qualification*
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 7.0 (with no skill below 6.0) or equivalent.
*Other conditions
Permission to register for the PhD (by Published Work) will not be granted to applicants who are in a position to submit a PhD thesis for examination or who already possess a doctoral degree.
Applying for Doctor of Philosophy (by Published Work)
Alongside the standard PhD by Published work entry requirements, you will also need to demonstrate that you can study successfully remotely. This includes showing that you:
- Can conduct your research with the resources available at your study site
- Have access to appropriate IT facilities
- Have the time, commitment and attitude to study successfully off-campus
- Have access to support for study-related disabilities, if appropriate
You will need to agree a commitment statement to confirm these requirements before you enrol.
Fees and funding
UK
2025 - 2026
The tuition fee for this PhD in the 2025 - 2026 academic year course is £2,503 for UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
2026 - 2027
The tuition fee for this PhD in the 2026 - 2027 academic year course is to be confirmed for UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
Doctoral loans are available to help you pay for your course. Find out more about UK Government Doctoral loans.
More information about funding your PhD is available on our Funding your research degree page.
International
2025 - 2026
The tuition fee for this PhD course is £14,700 in the 2025 - 2026 academic year for international candidates.
2026 - 2027
The tuition fee for this PhD course is to be confirmed for the 2026 - 2027 academic year for international candidates.
More information about funding your PhD is available on our International Fees and Funding page.
Tuition fees
UK 2025-26 £2,463
International 2025-26 £14,700
How to find a supervisor for your project
Before you can apply to study with us, you will need a research supervisor.
Your research supervisor will be an academic at York St John University who is working in a related area to your research. This is to make sure we are able to support you in your area of research.
Your research supervisor should understand current theories and ideas in your chosen area. They may be researching a similar topic to you.
To find a suitable supervisor, you can:
- Use our Find a Supervisor search page to contact our academic specialists.
- Refer to our institutional repository (RaY) and contact an academic whose expertise aligns with your research interests. (Please note, they must be listed as a supervisor on our ‘Find a Supervisor’ search page in order to supervise a PhD).
- Browse our list of Research centres and groups as well as the Institute for Social Justice and the Institute for Health and Care Improvement.
There are also certain funding opportunities throughout the year which will be advertised on the Scholarships for postgraduate research students webpage. These are often linked to specific subject areas and will have the supervisors attached.
If you would like help in finding a supervisor, please contact PGR.admissions@yorksj.ac.uk
