The introduction of the Thesis with Publications submission model is one of a number of projects belonging to the Programme Management Framework theme of the Education and Skills Strategy. The Programme Management Framework aims to establish programme design rules, programme ‘building blocks’ and risk-based, streamlined quality assurance processes to enable agile development and enhancement of programmes. 

One of the key commitments of Education and Skills Strategy, as part of Strategy 2030, is to educate global citizens through a transformative student experience and develop graduates who are sought after by employers. The Thesis with Publications option provides research students with the choice and flexibility to include work in their submission that they have published during their registration on their current research degree programme. It will enhance their skill set and employability prospects by allowing them to acquire and develop skills in academic writing, peer review and response to critique during doctoral study and in preparation for assessment. The ‘With Publications’ option has the added benefit of allowing students to include work in their submission that they have published without having to rewrite it to the traditional thesis format.