This page contains information for students completing research degrees at the University of Southampton.
For examination, the University requires students to submit one electronic copy of their thesis - see Submitting your thesis - a guide for research students (available below) for further details.
The University requires students to submit one electronic copy of their final thesis for catalouging and storage in the Library. The electronic thesis should be saved as a searchable and accessible PDF file (see https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/teams/CreatingaccessiblePDFs for guidance).
The thesis will be made freely available on the Web through our Institutional Research Repository e-Prints Soton. Guidance for students on the preparation and process to deposit their thesis are outlined in the Submitting your thesis - a guide for research students (available below). Guidance on depositing research data is available from the Library webpages.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Adjustments to research projects are a common part of doctoral study, but the Covid-19 pandemic has, in many cases, created noteworthy changes to projects. Where possible, research students should adapt their research activities to address disruptions caused by Covid-19 restrictions, but it may be necessary to submit a statement with their thesis on the impact of disruptions on their work. Examiners will consider this statement in relation to the scope and volume of the student's work but will always uphold the requirements for the award of research degrees. The quality threshold for the award remains unchanged and there must be no compromise in the integrity of the examination or award. The Research degree theses and the impact of Covid-19 restrictions policy covers all research degrees and is in force for submissions (or resubmissions) made on or after 8th February 2021 until 31st July 2023.
Useful Documents
Submission of a Research Paper PhD Thesis: Guidance
Research degree theses and the impact of Covid-19 restrictions policy
Intention to submit research thesis form
Producing your thesis - a guide for research students
Example of thesis abstract page
Example of declaration of authorship form
Submitting your thesis - a guide for research students
Permission to deposit thesis form - guidance
Permission to deposit thesis - form