The Ph.D. - An Examiner's Perspective

Abstract

In some disciplines it is standard for aspiring academics to do a Ph.D. but in law it is less common. Many people in India, as in the UK, who do Ph.D.s are quite mature, perhaps after a number of years in the teaching profession. Many people - including the present author - begin doctoral degrees but never finish them. And a significant number find the experience a frustrating one, while some actually fail to obtain the degree or are required to resubmit their thesis or dissertation1 although they have worked hard. On the other hand, readers of many theses also feel a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration. This author - despite never having finished her own dissertation - has been a supervisor of half a dozen doctoral students, and an examiner for about 10, of which around half have been from Indian universities. And in around half the cases the author has recommended that the candidate should be required to resubmit the thesis. She has reflected on this experience, and feels that it may be worth exploring, for the benefit perhaps of future supervisors and candidates, why candidates fail, why even successful Ph.D. theses are often so disappointing, and what can be done to improve the situation.