Is It Possible to Write a PhD Thesis Without Being Enrolled in a University?
No. You need to be enrolled in a graduate program that confers the PhD degree. Obtaining this degree typically requires about 6 years of your life, which includes rigorous coursework and independent research.
Requirements Across Different Countries
The process may vary depending on the country and specific university. In Sweden, you can apply for a position as a PhD student. If you’re selected, you’ll be accepted and enrolled as a PhD student, with a contract for the duration of the study. However, the requirements are highly structured, involving extensive coursework, research, and support from a supervisor.
In the UK, it’s possible to register for a PhD and write your thesis, provided that you can demonstrate that the research is original and conducted independently.
In the United States, generally, the answer is no. Achieving a PhD involves numerous requirements beyond just writing the thesis. Any dissertation beginning with 'submitted as part of the requirement of a doctorate in philosophy' reflects this broader scope. Additional requirements include teaching, oral exams, presentations at conferences, and classes. The document alone does not encompass the full story of the PhD process.
Key Elements of a PhD Program
The first four years of a PhD program are often dedicated to coursework. If you were to write a thesis outside an enrolled state, you would miss out on valuable sessions where you ask questions, understand material, and pass classes. Not attending these classes would result in failure and likely lead to being advised to drop out of the program.
In some cases, such as in my program, it was possible but not particularly likely. While there were no specific course requirements, you still needed to pass four three-hour written exams and one oral exam, covering material equivalent to two or three semesters of graduate-level classwork. Attendance was crucial throughout the program.
Conclusion: While there are ways to write research papers or books outside formal university programs, obtaining a PhD typically requires formal enrollment and adherence to a specific set of academic and research standards.