It is composed of already-published journal articles, conference papers and book chapters; and, occasionally, not-yet-published manuscripts.
[3] Today, article theses are the standard format in natural, medical, and engineering sciences (e.g., in the Nordic countries), while in social and cultural sciences, there is a strong but decreasing tradition to produce coherent monographs, i.e., thesis as a series of linked chapters.
[clarification needed] A further reason for writing a compilation thesis is that some of the articles can be written together with other authors, which may be especially helpful for new doctoral students.
A majority of the articles should be reviewed by referees outside of the student's own department, supplementing the audit carried out by the supervisory staff and dissertation opponent, thus assuring international standards.
They should include an extensive annotated bibliography or literature review, placing the scope and results of the articles in the wider context of the current state of international research.