The Experience of Examining the PhD: An International Comparative Study of Processes and Standards of Doctoral Examination

This book provides an authoritative overview of the criteria and standards of the doctorate across a wide range of international settings, with a particular focus on the practices of examining.

Presenting case studies and research from 13 universities in 13 countries across Africa, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and Europe, the book is based on in-depth interviews and comparative analyses of the PhD examining experience. It reveals the variations and similarities in different academic traditions and investigates the extent to which there are comparable expectations and standards across countries. It suggests that criteria and standards – both written and unwritten – are broadly similar, but shows that there is a need for much more explicitly formulated criteria and standards for an internationalised approach to doctoral assessment.

Following on from the 2019 book The Doctorate as Experience in Europe and Beyond, this book will be of great interest to current and potential doctoral examiners, researchers of higher education, and university administrators.

Michael Byram is Professor Emeritus of Education, Durham University, England.

Maria Stoicheva is Jean Monnet Chair and Professor of Political Science, Department of European Studies, Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria.