To allow the student to write a high quality, original academic thesis which can be published either individually as articles, or as an entire book after graduation
To widen the breadth of the student’s knowledge in their chosen area.
To generally improve the student’s awareness of research methodology
To train the student up to a professional level of academic writing
To qualify the student for work either as a university professor, or for work in areas such as government administration and independent research groups
To assist the student in securing high level publications of research outside their thesis