Regulation XXVII

1.1 Regulations for Higher Doctorates 

The Degree of Doctor of Technology (DTech), Doctor of Science (DSc) or Doctor of Letters (DLitt) may be conferred by the University in Recognition of published work constituting a sustained, substantial and original contribution to knowledge. The degree is conferred on the recommendation of the Examiners.

1.2 Eligibility

To be eligible to submit for a Higher Doctorate a candidate must be a graduate of the University or a Diplomate of the former Loughborough College of Technology or a member or former member of the Academic Staff of the University. Graduates of the University may submit after not less than nine years after having had conferred the degree of Bachelor, or not less than six years after having conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Academic Staff must have been in post not less than seven years.

1.3 Application

A candidate must apply in writing to the Academic Registrar or nominee, stipulating the Degree for which they are applying and enclosing such examination fees as may be determined by Council from time to time.

1.4 Presentation

The Degree is awarded solely on the basis of published work of high merit in fields of research in which the candidate is engaged. The publications should indicate command over a field of study and a sustained contribution to understanding within that field. Three copies must be submitted of books or work published in journals which the candidate wishes to be taken into consideration. Exceptionally, and at the discretion of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), work of more limited circulation may be taken into consideration.

There must also be submitted a statement containing:

1. a list of the candidate’s publications in which are marked those which contain the main substance of the submission;
2. a synopsis of not less than 1000 words which describe how the sustained contribution to the field of study has been made with due reference to the marked publications;
3. a declaration of the nature and extent of the candidate’s own contribution, and that of co-authors and collaborators, to each of the publications submitted;
4. a declaration of what part of the publications, if any, has been submitted by the candidate, or collaborators, for a degree of this or any other university, or of any professional body or learned society.

On the basis of items 1-4 the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) in consultation with the Dean of the appropriate School or other academic staff with appropriate subject expertise shall consider whether there is a prima facie case for the submission to proceed.

1.5 Examinations

The candidate may be invited to identify possible Examiners for the submission, but the University reserves the right to select the Examiners, taking appropriate advice on their suitability. The Examiners are expected to have expert knowledge of the field and normally will possess a higher doctorate themselves.

Three External Examiners will be appointed by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation). The Examiners will take into consideration primarily those publications which are defined by the candidate as containing the main substance of the submission. Each Examiner, separately, will report to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) their assessment of the work submitted and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, having considered the advice of the Examiners will, if appropriate, recommend to Senate that a degree be awarded.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall approve the award of a higher doctorate on the basis of the unanimous recommendation of the Examiners. In the event that this is not possible, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), if appropriate, may recommend that the candidate revises the submission and makes a further submission to a new examination team after an interval of not less than two years. 

1.6 Retention of Publications

The University reserves the right to retain two copies of any successful submission in the University Library. The remaining copy or unsuccessful submissions will be returned to the candidate.