You would independently undertake a substantial doctoral programme of individual research leading to a significant original contribution to knowledge or its interpretation. The expected time period from enrolment to submission is normally three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study. The degree is assessed on the basis of the final research output, in the form of a substantial written thesis which must be defended in a viva. The degree is assessed on the basis of a substantial submission embodying a thesis, which is presented and defended in a lucid and scholarly manner.