Thesis Content and Style

The University has detailed guidance about the style, formatting, and sequence of material standards for your thesis. You can read the online guidance on preparing and formatting your thesis on the Format your thesis webpage. In addition, there are courses to help you through IT Services and through BRIC (see below).

Since 2019, the University of York has required its PhD postgraduate researchers to submit an e-thesis, rather than a hard copy, printed thesis.

You should take particular care to ensure that your thesis is accessible and easy for anyone to read. PGRA provides guidance on making on this. You can view the Google document online, which you can also download.

In Philosophy, these are the word counts for each degree:

• MA by Research: 20,000 to 30,000 words

• MPhil: 40,000 to 60,000 words

• PhD: 60,000 to 80,000 words

• PhD by Distance Learning:  60,000 to 80,000 words

NB: The word count does not include the bibliography, but does include footnotes, appendices, and anything else that is not a bibliography.

Referencing

In preparing the final manuscript of your thesis you will need to follow a recognised style guide. The usual ones for philosophy are Harvard or MLA. If your work (as is slightly more common in philosophy now) presents or reviews scientific data the American Psychological Association style (APA) may be suitable. If you are in doubt, or think that some other style is better suited to your work, discuss the issue with your supervisor.

The Building Research and Innovation Capacity (BRIC) Team, Library and Archives, IT and Online Services and the Academic Skills Community (ASC) provide support and advice to help you thrive as an independent researcher. We can help you learn to:

• communicate your research to specialists and non-specialists;

• engage with those who can assist, promote and act upon your research;

• manage your time and resources;

• take responsibility for the legal and ethical aspects of your research;

• collaborate and network effectively;

• demonstrate enthusiasm, integrity and flexibility.

The IT skills training webpage has information about training events and more.