Many students aspire to publish their thesis or research findings in scientific journals or healthcare institutions, as this can significantly enhance their professional profile. Below is guidance on Learna’s policies regarding publication.

Authorship

The standard practice is that you, the student, are listed as the first author, while your supervisor is the senior author (named last in the author list).

• Additional authorship can be discussed within the authorship team.
• Most journals require a statement of contribution from each named author.
• All authors must be contacted as part of the submission and publication process.

As part of the submission declaration, you must include the following statement:

"This work was completed in partial fulfillment of an MSc in [Subject] at [Awarding University]."

Supervisors may provide additional support in preparing an article for publication but are not required to do so. If your supervisor cannot assist, you may contact Student Services, who can help find volunteer tutors to co-author with you.

Personal Details

When submitting, use your current employment details/address. Your tutor or supervisor may use their professional practice address or the Awarding University address.

Ethics Approval

Most journals require confirmation of ethics approval for research projects.

• All research follows the Declaration of Helsinki’s ethical principles.
• If you need clarification regarding ethical approval, contact Student Services.
• No projects should progress beyond the Project Proposal stage if deemed high risk—these must be reformulated into low-risk projects.

Publication Costs & Bursary Support

Some journals charge publication fees or require payment upon submission. In most cases, students cover these costs. However, Learna offers a bursary for eligible students.

Bursary Details

• A £200 bursary is available towards publication costs.
• To qualify, students must:
  • Include Learna Ltd and their dissertation supervisor in their acknowledgments.
  • Publish in a Scopus-indexed journal or present at a reputable organisation.
• By accepting the bursary, students grant Learna permission to feature their publication on its website, blog, and social media.
• Students must pay the publication fee upfront and provide proof of publication to receive reimbursement from Learna’s Finance Team.

Publishing Before Marking or Graduation

Students are permitted to publish their work before their project submission deadline.

• Publishing prior to submission can strengthen your project but will not impact your final grade.
• Publication is not a requirement, and students will not be penalised for choosing not to publish.
• All ethical approvals must be in place before publication. The required statement must be included:

"This work was undertaken towards the requirements of an MSc in [Subject] at [Awarding University]."

Let Us Know About Your Publication!

To paraphrase the American physicist John Archibald Wheeler, we live on an island surrounded by a sea of ignorance. Every publication is a new grain of sand adding to our island of knowledge.

If you publish your work, we would love to hear about it! Please email Student Services at support@learna.ac.uk to share your achievement.

For further questions, contact Student Services, who will be happy to assist or direct your query to the relevant team.