Which of the following would be the best alternative to assessing PhD students by thesis writing?

Assessment by manuscripts, e.g. an interview with examiners once three manuscripts have been submitted to journals, with the student being first author on at least one of the works. 36% (56 votes)
Criteria based assessment, e.g. a student could only pass if they have demonstrated proficiency in particular research skills, published or submitted X number of manuscripts and presented at X number of internal and external conferences. 18% (27 votes)
Continuous assessment e.g. a short report is submitted to internal and external examiners every year throughout the PhD detailing knowledge, research, publishing and presentations. 16% (24 votes)
Report and public presentation, e.g. the same as above but with a presentation and questions open to examiners, academics and the general public. 14% (22 votes)
Report and academic presentation, e.g. a brief report submitted to examiners followed by a presentation and questions open only to the examiners and other academics. 8% (13 votes)
Other: Please state in the comments if you feel a different system would be better. 8% (12 votes)

Total Votes: 154

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Kurtis Baute - 9 years ago

I think it is about time that Universities start to allow for options. There doesn't need to be just one way to assess a PhD thesis, there can be many 'correct' ways. For example, I do not think I will do a PhD unless I could submit videos in lieu of a traditional thesis. Some people have already done that - and people actually viewed it, unlike a written thesis.

Give others the chance to vote.