Saif Gaddafi PhD: investigation into the allegations of irregularity

30 November 2011

The University of London has completed its investigation into the allegations of irregularity in relation to the thesis awarded to Saif Gaddafi and has passed its decision to The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

During the whole of this investigation the University’s concern has been to ensure the continued high standard and integrity of a University of London PhD. The investigation into the allegation of irregularity was conducted according to the University’s normal procedures, as laid out in Regulation 1 Annex 2 [PDF 57pgs, 285KB] and without regard for the background of the person in question.

The investigation was necessarily not a quick process given the large number of allegations which had been made in the media and the need to sort speculation and hearsay from fact. A panel was convened to obtain and consider the evidence.

The proceedings and outcomes of all such reviews are regarded as confidential and are covered by the Data Protection Act.

– Ends –

For further information contact:

Andy Williamson
Head of Communications
University of London
Tel: +44 (0)20 7862 8020; Email: andy.williamson@london.ac.uk

Notes for editors
The Collegiate Council, comprising the Vice-Chancellor, the Heads of the 19 Colleges of the University and the Dean of the School of Advanced Study, has responsibility for the academic affairs of the University of London and may make Regulations governing these matters.

Regulation 1, Section C sets out the “Requirements for University Of London Degrees and Other Awards”.

The following are the requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):

• The minimum period of study shall be two calendar years' full-time study or the part-time equivalent.
• Assessment for the award shall in all cases be by submission of a thesis and an oral examination, which shall be conducted in English. The scope of the thesis shall be what might reasonably be expected after three or at most four years of full-time study, and the length shall not, other than in the most exceptional circumstances, exceed 100,000 words.
• The thesis shall:
  
  • consist of the candidate's own account of his/her investigations, the greater proportion of which shall have been undertaken during the period of registration under supervision for the degree; and [The part played by the candidate in any work done jointly with the supervisor(s) and/or fellow research workers must be clearly stated by the candidate and certified by the supervisor.]
  • form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality by the discovery of new facts and/or by the exercise of independent critical power; and
  • be an integrated whole and present a coherent argument; and [A series of papers, whether published or otherwise, is not acceptable for submission as a thesis.
    Research work already published, or submitted for publication, at the time of submission of the thesis, either by the candidate alone or jointly with others, may be included in the thesis. The published papers themselves may not be included in the body of the thesis, but may be adapted to form an integral part of the thesis and thereby make a relevant contribution to the main theme of the thesis. Publications derived from the work in the thesis may be bound as supplementary material at the back of the thesis.]
  • give a critical assessment of the relevant literature, describe the method of research and its findings, include discussion on those findings and indicate in what respects they appear to the candidate to advance the study of the subject; and, in so doing, demonstrate a deep and synoptic understanding of the field of study, (the candidate being able to place the thesis in a wider context), objectivity and the capacity for judgement in complex situations and autonomous work in that field; and
  • be written in English and the literary presentation shall be satisfactory, although the College/School of Advanced Study at which the candidate is or will be registered may permit on an exceptional basis only a thesis in the field of modern foreign languages and literatures only to be written in the language of study; in such cases the thesis shall include additionally a submission of between 10,000 and 20,000 words which shall be written in English and shall summarise the main arguments of the thesis; and
  • demonstrate research skills relevant to the thesis being presented; and
  • be of a standard to merit publication in whole or in part or in a revised form (for example, as a monograph or as a number of articles in learned journals).
  • In certain specified fields other forms of material may be required to be submitted in addition to the thesis.
    

Despite Saif Gaddafi’s supervision and examination being entirely at the LSE, his registration predates the LSE exercising its own degree awarding powers. Consequently the aegis of the review falls within the University’s responsibilities and was undertaken under its regulations.