European / International Joint Ph.D. in
Social Representation and Communication

The ‘three papers’ Format of PhD thesis

1. Introduction

This short guide introduces the idea of a PhD thesis consisting of ‘three papers’ as an alternative format for writing-up the results of three years’ PhD research. It compares and contrasts the conventional PhD thesis with the ‘three papers’ model, highlighting the main differences between them. It then suggests a rough timetable for producing a ‘three papers’ thesis in three years. Finally, it provides answers to some frequently asked questions.

 

2. The conventional PhD thesis

The conventional PhD thesis has (typically) the following elements:

Thesis founded upon empirical research Thesis founded upon theoretical research
  • Theoretical context with references and introduction
  • Objectives and hypotheses
  • Research plan
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Introduction
  • Objectives
  • Research plan
  • Results
  • Conclusion

 

For further information on the conventional thesis please consult the dedicated section (paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2)

 

3. The ‘three papers’ model

Under the ‘three papers’ model, a PhD thesis consists of three separate, publishable, papers. The papers should be of normal journal article length (say, between 5,000 and 10,000 words), depending on the editorial norms of the journal chosen jointly with the project leader (who is also the main supervisor). The three papers are each free standing (in the sense that each can be read and understood independently) but should be on related themes. The three papers are normally preceded in the thesis by a short introduction to the overall topic, which may contain essential background information. There may also be a general literature review.

Therefore, the ‘three papers’ PhD thesis looks like this:

  1. Cover page: All in English, setting out the name of the institution, the title of the thesis, the year of enrolment, the first name(s) and family name of the national tutor and the two foreign supervisors, the name of the candidate and the academic year in which it is to be presented. The model to be used is available at: http://www2.europhd.net/modalities-delivery-final-thesis-and-short-article
  2. Acknowledgment to any sponsor(s) of the research contained in the paper, along with grant number(s) and eventual disclaimer
  3. I.P.R. Agreement
  4. Outline: Containing the content of the thesis in chapters and paragraphs with the corresponding page numbers. The thesis must be divided into chapters and paragraphs (and if necessary into sub-paragraphs), all of which must be enumerated in the following sequential fashion: 1, 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2; 1.2, 1.2.1, 1,2.2; 2,2.1, etc.
  5. Abstract: Containing a brief description (Max. 2 pages) of the objectives and the results of the research and acknowledgements that may be due.
  6. Keywords: four to five keywords should be listed below the abstract
  7. Introduction and background to the general topic area.
  8. First paper.
  9. Second paper.
  10. Third paper.
  11. Conclusion and implications for policy and/or further research
  12. Bibliography: Containing a complete list of works consulted and referred to in the text as set out in point 2.6 of the following page: http://www2.europhd.net/typologies-and-conventional-book-format-thesis
  13. Appendices (where relevant): Containing detailed information of the various aspects of the empirical research and how it was compiled (e.g. a copy of the instructions and explanations relating to the research participants, the materials and/or the methodology of the experiment, the questionnaire or weighting method employed, tables with raw data, transcriptions of audio material and or video recordings etc.)

The total number of chapters is thus usually five, and the total length approaches 150 pages of A4 (a maximum of about 35,000 words). As with the conventional PhD thesis, appendices of unlimited length may be added, but these appendices are commonly appendices to each paper, rather than appendices to the thesis as a whole.

 

NOTE

Regardless on the format chosen - conventional or three-paper model - a short version of the thesis should be submitted by the same deadline indicated for the full thesis.

The short version of the thesis in Article Format is aimed at presenting the concise summary of the whole thesis and must be understandable without references to the extended version of the thesis (both conventional or three-paper model)