Thesis with publications

Process overview.

As part of the thesis, a candidate may submit published work that contributes directly to their arguments and supports their findings.

The minimum requirements for including publications in a thesis are:

  • The work must have been carried out since the commencement of the candidature.
  • The work must have been submitted for publication, accepted for publication, or published during the period of candidature.
  • The scope and quality of the published work must be commensurate with the contribution of knowledge expected of a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) candidate.

Formatting and structural requirements

The thesis must meet the following requirements:

  • The thesis must contain an introduction that contextualises the research in relation to the present state of knowledge in the field.
  • Thesis chapters must be in a logical and cogent sequence leading to an argument that supports the main findings of the thesis.
  • There must be an independent and original general discussion included that is entirely the work of the candidate and that integrates the most significant findings of the thesis.
  • Clear statements of the candidate’s contribution to each paper must be provided in the preliminary pages of the thesis.
  • Works submitted for publication must be clearly distinguished from work which has already been published or accepted for publication.
  • Published works which are included in the thesis should not be submitted in the journal's published format, but rather in the format of the final author-submitted manuscript. This requirement is in place to maintain consistent formatting throughout the thesis.

Although they have gone through peer review, published works which appear in the thesis are  not exempt  from the revisions which examiners may request.

Learn more in the Thesis Preparation Guide for candidates.

You're viewing this site as a domestic an international student

You're a domestic student if you are:

  • a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

You're an international student if you are:

  • intending to study on a student visa,
  • not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • not an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.

Gabrielle Lebbink sitting outside.

Higher degrees by research (HDR) at UQ

Research programs at uq.

Explore our research programs to learn more about the experience, eligibility and how to apply.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Master of philosophy (mphil), doctor of veterinary clinical science (dvetclinsc), research with us.

Propose your own research project with a supervisor or find an available research project with a scholarship. 

You must discuss your research interests with your proposed supervisor early in the application process. Don't forget to check out our advice on how to contact a supervisor . 

Find a supervisor

Find a project, scholarships and fees.

Scholarships are available to cover the cost of your tuition and pay you a stipend to live on. There may be other opportunities to help financially support you and your family while you study. 

Browse scholarships

Fees and costs

Two students smiling while looking at an open notebook.

How to apply

Learn about the application process, including what you need to submit – such as demonstrated research experience, and English language requirements – timelines, and where to get help.

Student standing amongst peers in classroom.

Why research with us

Career support.

Access training, mentoring, industry placements and more to prepare for your next step.

Graduate outcomes

Become sought after as one of the most employable graduates in the state.

Access world-class facilities and equipment supported by qualified staff.

Innovation leaders

Study with innovators – we ranked #40 in the world for scientific papers in 2024.

World-class researchers

Research with some of our world-recognised experts in their fields.

Queensland liveability

Study in one of the safest, most liveable places on earth. Sunshine guaranteed.

Discover benefits

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

We have dedicated application support and tuition, stipend and top-up scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Male student smiling

Research mobility opportunities

Are you studying overseas and want to do part of your PhD in Australia? Or are you based here and want to take up an exchange opportunity at one of our partner institutions in another country? We offer research mobility opportunities for both UQ students and students currently studying overseas.

Two students looking at a laptop.

How to write a good PhD proposal

How to choose a PhD topic

How to decide on a PhD topic

Doctoral graduate in gown and graduation tam, looking at phone with friend

Do you get paid to do a PhD?

Follow your passion for research.

Register your interest and we'll send you everything you need to know about applying for a research degree at UQ.

We will use your information to keep you informed about UQ programs, news, events and scholarships. By submitting this form, you consent to the terms of UQ's Marketing consent and privacy notice .

Do you have questions?

The Graduate School can help.

IMAGES

  1. UQ PhD Scholarships in Predicting Plant Success for Generations to Come

    phd by publication uq

  2. UQ International PhD Positionsin Methods for Siting Low and Zero

    phd by publication uq

  3. UQ PhD International Scholarships in Meeting Challenges of Big Data

    phd by publication uq

  4. UQ International PhD Scholarship in Australia, 2021

    phd by publication uq

  5. Should You Do a PhD by Publication? (VIEWER QUESTION)

    phd by publication uq

  6. UQ PhD International Scholarships in Social Services, Australia

    phd by publication uq

VIDEO

  1. Should You Do a PhD by Publication? (VIEWER QUESTION)

  2. PhD by Publication

  3. Publication Strategy

  4. EndNote 20 for thesis and publication writing

  5. What is a Research

  6. PhD by Published Work: Book Review

COMMENTS

  1. Thesis with publications

    The scope and quality of the published work must be commensurate with the contribution of knowledge expected of a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) …

  2. Doctor of Philosophy

    A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an internationally recognised graduate research program that will enable you to become an independent researcher. With the guidance of an advisory team, you'll undertake a research project, …

  3. Structuring your thesis

    program – a PhD thesis requires a more extensive literature review than an MPhil thesis; discipline – analyse well-written examples from your discipline to learn the conventions for …

  4. 1. Thesis preparation

    1. Preparing for the Thesis Examination Process. The best way to understand the requirements for a successful thesis is to study some examples of recently written theses in your own …

  5. Submit your application for a research degree

    Once you’ve prepared your information and documents, you’re ready to submit your application. Use the online application form to apply. You can send an application at any time. Apply now. …

  6. 1. Thesis preparation

    Including publications in your thesis. A thesis with publications must reflect the same level of effort and rigour required for a conventional thesis without publications. It is not sufficient to …

  7. Higher Degree by Research Examination Guideline

    Section 1 - Including Scholarly Works in the Thesis. (1) As part of the thesis, a candidate may submit work that has been published or accepted for publication or manuscripts submitted …

  8. Find out about PhD, MPhil and Postgraduate Doctorate …

    Higher degrees by research (HDR) at UQ. Study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or professional doctorate at UQ, one of the world’s leading research universities.

  9. How to apply: Higher Degree by Research (PhD)

    Joining the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) PhD program at the School of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) is a 5 step process, and there are a few things to prepare before you commence your application.