Thesis formats

Detailed guidelines for § 10 in the Regulations for the degree of philosophiae doctor (PhD) at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO)

The thesis may be submitted in the following forms:

A monograph, a compilation of several written works (article-based thesis) or a compilation of written and performing works (work-based thesis). The level and scope of the work should be the same regardless of whether the thesis is a monograph, article-based or work-based.

A monograph is an independent research work or research and development work that meets international standards with regard to ethical requirements, academic level and method in the field. The thesis must contribute to developing new academic knowledge and be at a level that indicates suitability for publication, or being made public in a suitable format, as part of the discipline’s research-based knowledge development. Monographs are recommended to be between 80,000-100,000 words plus apparatus and footnotes. If a monograph includes extensive empirical material (for example transcripts of interviews, transcripts of primary sources, translations or other sorts of primary material) these can be added to the word count and attached as annexes. The use of the AHO thesis template is recommended but not compulsory.


An article-based thesis should normally include at least three articles in addition to an accompanying binding text known as an exegesis (kappe in Norwegian). The recommended word-count for article-based theses is 30,000-60,000 words plus apparatus, footnotes and submitted articles. At least one article should be accepted for publication in an approved, peer-reviewed scientific publication channel. The publishing channels are selected in consultation with the supervisor(s). If one or several articles are co-authored, the candidate must be the sole author of at least one article, as well as the exegesis. The exegesis should highlight the entirety of the thesis, put the different parts into context and address relevant topics that are difficult to find space for in the articles themselves. The exegesis must also highlight and summarise the thesis’ contribution to the relevant research field and point out any relevant updates as necessary, depending on when the articles were completed.

If an article-based thesis contains extensive empirical material (for example transcripts of interviews, transcripts of primary sources, translations or other sorts of primary material) these can be added to the word count and attached as annexes. Where articles have appeared in printed journals they should be presented as facsimiles of the publication. In cases where journal publishers prevent publication of the print version of the article, the final agreed text version of the article may be used. Refer to existing PhD program detailed guidance for the requirements for publication and authorship relating to article-based theses. The use of the AHO thesis template is recommended but not compulsory.


A work-based thesis consists of both a written and a performing/creative part. The performing/creative part should culminate in a public presentation, exhibition and/or performance and must be documented for posterity. The form and scope of the documentation must be tailored to the individual project's nature, research questions and intention. Process documentation must be included to the extent that it is relevant with regard to the research question and intention. All the material presented in connection with the assessment of the thesis will later be filed in a publicly available archive. The candidate is responsible for obtaining an approved written agreement on such archiving when submitting the thesis for assessment. The scope of the written part of the thesis may vary according to the size of the performing work. If the candidate chooses to write this part in the form of several articles, at least one of the articles should be accepted for publication in an approved, peer-reviewed scientific publication channel. The publishing channels must be chosen in consultation with the supervisor(s).

Works-based theses must include a written exegesis. The recommended word-count for the works-based theses is 30,000-60,000 words plus apparatus, footnotes and submitted works. Works included in the thesis must either be submitted directly as attachments to the exegesis or described in attachments to it (via words, photographs or drawings). Works and descriptions of works may also be accessed through hyperlinks in the submitted works-based thesis. Refer to PhD program detailed guidance for preparation and examination of works-based theses. The use of the AHO thesis template is recommended but not compulsory.


Works published more than five (5) years before the time of admission cannot be accepted as part of the thesis. AHO may grant exemptions from this requirement if extraordinary circumstances so warrant.