What's the longest a PhD student can stay without writing?

Question

Have you ever heard of a PhD student who did not write much/anything for a long time and still managed to obtain a degree within a UK 3-year full time PhD programme? For how long? What were the circumstances?

(Of course that is unadvisable and untenable, but at this point I could use some real-life examples)

Answer 1

PhD means producing a thesis within roghly 3 years. That means thinking and writing and being examined on the thesis. No writing no PhD. If all fees for 3 years have been paid, then usually University would accept the student to continue with the research for another one or two years, without paying the fees. But not for ever!


All the best!/

Answer 2

Yes, I have heard of them but they only lasted because they were granted extensions (and they were only granted extensions through extenuating circumstances).

Longest I heard was it taking 5 years. However, as I said, this was only due to extenuating circumstances.