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The Plymouth Student Scientist

Journal submission process

Contents

It is very important that all students discuss the suitability of publishing their dissertation with their supervisor(s) first, as your work will appear globally. 

Steps to submitting a paper:

This opportunity applies to undergraduate students from STEM subjects who are studying at the University of Plymouth (ONLY).

Please note that we accept students from across ALL faculties, the degree needs to be classified as STEM:

  1. You have received a 1st (70% or greater) in your final year undergraduate project (in a STEM subject).
  2. There is no guarantee of acceptance. However, all will be seriously considered for publication. You are welcome to express an interest, although we would also ask that you discuss your intentions with your project or dissertation supervisor before proceeding.
  3. When ALL parties are willing, we finally require signed electronic consent (see link below)
  4. After completing the consent form, you will need to convert your dissertation to the format required by this journal then submit this to the Editor for review.

Please note, this link requires a University of Plymouth login to access: Complete the consent here

Further questions are welcomed, Contact the Chief Editor.

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Formatting guidelines

Formatting guidelines can be found on the consent form, where templates and example papers are provided: Complete the consent here. You may also wish to consult other papers in your subject to see how others have converted their dissertations.

Accepted submission formats are MS Word and also LaTeX (for the latter please consult the provided template).

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Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need to make changes to the writing?
    • Re-formatting to the journal style is required, however, there are no expectations for further revisions.
    • Occasionally, some students use this as an opportunity to improve the writing (based on feedback from marking).
    • The Editor may suggest slight changes to ensure the writing is pitched appropriately for its readers.
  • Do I get accepted immediately if I get a first?
    • Gaining a 1st in the project is no guarantee of final acceptance and publication (however, you will be provided guidance in the conversion process by the Editor, to enhance your chances of acceptance).
  • When does my article get published?
    • The publication date for the journal is typically around December each year.
    • Later submissions or those requiring more time to convert are typically moved to June/July the following year.
  • Who can see my paper?
    • The journal is open to the world; anyone with an internet connection can view and download your work. Please consider this before submitting.
  • I have images, figures, tables, or maps that are copied, or not my own work, can I still use it with a reference/citation?
    • ‘Re-publishing’ others’ work externally usually requires direct permission from the original author(s); a reference/citation is not always enough.
    • To overcome this, some students contact the owners for re-publishing/printing permission.
    • There are exceptions where publishers provide Creative Commons licensing options, and students are encouraged to discuss this with the Editor and/or your subject-specific Information Specialist.
    • For map-specific questions on copyright, licensing and map use please consult with the GeoMapping team. Students, please use the GeoMapping team’s general email, state it is for The Plymouth Student Scientist, and share the maps and any information you can provide to help speed up the process.
    • Further questions welcomed: Contact the Chief Editor.

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