Redefining the Doctorate

This paper explains why a national discussion on the nature of the doctorate in the UK is needed and outlines the context within which such a discussion should take place. It outlines drivers of change in the UK doctorate and discussed three main ways in which doctoral education in the UK is adapting to these drivers of change. Finally it summarises the reasons why a national debate on the nature of the doctorate in the UK is now needed and it outlines  what key questions should be addressed in that debate.