Content of the thesis

The most common type of thesis at KI is the compilation thesis, which consists of a comprehensive summary (“kappa”) and separate constituent papers.

Below is information regarding compilation theses. For information on monograph theses, see Rules for doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet, section 7.2.2.

The procured printing company for theses has produced a template for theses based on instructions from KI. The printing company needs to be contacted to get access to the template and for printing of the thesis. Information about templates and printing.

The constituent papers

Number of papers

The number of papers in a doctoral thesis may vary, but in total they must have a scope corresponding to four years of full-time studies in doctoral education (two years of full-time studies for licentiate theses). 

Publication requirements

At least two original papers (at least one in licentiate theses) must be published, or accepted for publication, in a peer-reviewed journal. It is part of the doctoral education to take an active part in the publication process. 

Order of authorship

At least one of the original papers, published or in manuscript, shall have the doctoral student as first author (does not apply to licentiate theses). Shared first authorship is accepted. Please note that the requirement for first authorship only applies to those admitted to doctoral education from 1 March 2024.

Type of papers 

In addition to original papers, published or manuscript, a thesis may also include other scientific papers accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Examples of such publications are case reports, non-systematic review articles, method descriptions and study protocols.

Original papers means results from empirical research studies presented for the first time and structured according to IMRaD (i.e. Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion). Note that systematic review articles that include a meta-analysis or other comprehensive qualitative or quantitative synthesis and where established reporting guidelines have been followed are original work.

Comprehensive summary/"Kappa"

It is recommended to include the following headings in the kappa (comprehensive summary):

  • POPULAR SCIENCE SUMMARY OF THE THESIS
    • It is strongly recommended that the thesis contains a popular science summary in English
    • It is permitted for anyone who so wishes to additionally write a popular science summary in Swedish or in another optional language. 
  • ABSTRACT
  • LIST OF SCIENTIFIC PAPERS
  • CONTENTS
  • LIST OF ABBREVATIONS
  • INTRODUCTION
  • LITERATURE REVIEW
  • RESEARCH AIMS
  • MATERIALS AND METHODS
    • It is strongly recommended to include ”Ethical considerations”
  • RESULTS
  • DISCUSSION
  • CONCLUSIONS
  • POINTS OF PERSPECTIVES
    • e.g. for future research, clinical implications, or health policy
  • ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
  • REFERENCES

The original papers numbered I, II, III etc. are put in the end after the references. 

To have in mind when composing the kappa

The purpose of the kappa (comprehensive summary of the thesis) can be summarised as following:

  • To demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of the research field, and ability to identify a need for further knowledge in the field
  • To encapsulate the aim of the research project and the hypotheses/points of enquiry that have been addressed
  • To demonstrate familiarity with the methods applied in the research field
  • To demonstrate an ability to place their own research in a wider context of the latest research in the field

The kappa should be weighted towards a reflective discussion and contextualisation of the student’s own research results. 

The text of the kappa must be the student’s own original work without the extensive reproduction of extracts from the constituent papers. Failing to acknowledge sources when quoting from the work of others constitutes plagiarism. 

Composing the kappa contributes to achieving the intended learning outcomes (ILOs) for doctoral education set out by the Higher Education Ordinance and is a possibility for the doctoral student to show that the objectives for degree have been achieved (see also below).

The kappa is a public document and is published digitally. It may be used to present preliminary (unpublished) results, but its public nature should be borne in mind if, for example, the research group is considering patenting any aspect of their work. Including preliminary results in the kappa might also cause difficulties for the group should they wish to have their results published in certain journals at a later date.

Support for writing the thesis

Additional support to write a good thesis/kappa:

  1. The document Support for writing the thesis 
  2. Workshops and seminars organised by KI University Library (KIB). Keep your eyes open for additional educational opportunities regarding writing of the kappa, for example organised by your department or a doctoral programme. 
  3. Text matching system iThenticate

Intended learning outcomes and the kappa

The kappa (comprehensive summary of the thesis) is part of the examination and is included in the assessment of whether the ILOs set out by the Higher Education Ordinance for doctoral education have been achieved.

The doctoral student can show achievement of the ILOs for doctoral degree (and in a corresponding way for ILOs for Licentiate degree) in the following sections of the kappa:

Table of Intended learning outcomes for the Degree of Doctor according to annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance

Intended learning outcomes for the Degree of Doctor according to annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance

Sections in the kappa
A. Knowledge and understanding
A1. demonstrate broad knowledge and systematic understanding of his/her research field as well as deep and current specialist knowledge in a particular aspect of this field; and
  • Introduction
  • Literatur review
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions
A2. demonstrate familiarity with scientific methodology in general and with the methods of his/her specific field of research in particular.
  • Materials and methods
  • Discussion
  • "Points of perspective", e.g. regarding future research with revised or new methodology
B. Proficiency and ability
B1. demonstrate a capacity for scientific analysis and synthesis and the independent critical review and assessment of new and complex phenomena, issues and situations;
  • Literature review
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions
B2. demonstrate an ability to identify and formulate research questions critically, independently, creatively and with scientific rigour, and to plan and conduct research and other advanced tasks using appropriate methods and within given time frames as well as to review and evaluate such work;
  • Literature review
  • Research aims
  • Material and methods
B3. demonstrate through the writing of a thesis the ability to make a significant contribution to the development of knowledge through his/her own research;
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions
B4. demonstrate an ability to present and discuss research and research results, orally and in writing and with authority, both in national and international contexts and in dialogue with the scientific community and society in general;
  • The kappa in its enterity (the scientific community)
  • Popular science summary of the thesis (society in general)
B5. demonstrate an ability to identify the need for further knowledge; and
  • Discussion (both regarding methods and results)
  • "Points of perspective", e.g. regarding future research and implementation of research results
B6. demonstrate an ability to contribute to the development of society and to support the learning of others in research, education and other advanced professional contexts.
  • Popular science summary of the thesis
  • ”Points of perspective” e.g. by describing (future) implications
C. Judgement and approach
C1. demonstrate intellectual independence and scientific integrity as well as an ability to make ethical judgements in research; and
  • By having composed the kappa independently with minimal text overlap with the papers you are a co-author for and no plagiarism
  • Ethical reflections
C2. demonstrate deeper insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual in its application.
  • Popular science summary of the thesis
  • Discussion
  • “Points of perspective” e.g. by reflecting on the researchers’ responsibility to draw the right conclusions based on existing scientific evidence, on future interventions and their possible risks

Documents