The attached paper is a proposal from The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) to amend the wording of GSA’s programme regulations concerning the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by published work, as contained in the GSA section of the University of Glasgow Calendar. This proposal was approved by GSA Academic Council at its meeting on 3 May 2017.

In September 2014, GSA introduced a requirement that both a print and digital copy of a thesis (or research project, extended written texts and portfolio documentation) be deposited with GSA. This updated the previous requirement that two print copies be deposited. However, following the submission of the first PhD by published work to GSA, GSA considers that it has become necessary to clarify what constitutes a ‘digital copy of a thesis’, where the examined texts supporting the critical text/synthesis of the PhD by published work are concerned. This is due to the fact that copyright laws do not permit published works to be digitised for this purpose.

The University Calendar currently states, within Schedule D: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work at The Glasgow School of Art:

‘6. If a full application is permitted by the RDSC, a candidate must then submit two copies of the work to be examined; both copies, if approved for the degree, shall become the property of The Glasgow School of Art.’

[Clerk’s note: – RDSC is the Research Degrees Sub-Committee.’]

GSA now considers that the above wording is not sufficiently clear regarding the deposit of ‘digital copies’ of examined texts and therefore proposes that a minor amendment be made to the current wording of paragraph 6, as follows, with a view to clarifying requirements (the proposed additional text is highlighted in bold italics):

‘6. If a full application is permitted by the RDSC, a candidate must then submit two copies of the work to be examined, one print and one digital; both copies, if approved for the degree, shall become the property of The Glasgow School of Art.’

For PhD by publication, an electronic copy of the critical text/synthesis should form the digital element, with a print copy of the critical text/synthesis and all examined texts forming the print element.’

Academic Standards Committee is asked to consider and approve the above amendment to the wording of Schedule D: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work at The Glasgow School of Art, in the GSA section of the University Calendar.

GSA in liaison with the Senate Office.

No resource implications have been identified.

The proposed amendment is for inclusion in the 2017-18 Calendar.

No equality implications have been identified.