76-Year-Old Student Earns Doctorate After Studying PhD for 52 Years
Dr Nick Axten has recently been awarded his doctorate degree more than fifty years after beginning his PhD.
The 76-year-old mathematician initially started his thesis on mathematical sociology at the University of Pittsburgh in 1970, but he returned to the UK after five years without finishing it.
The University of Bristol recently conferred Dr Axten with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in front of his wife, Claire Axten, and his eleven-year-old granddaughter, Freya.
Dr Axten is a proud recipient of the Fulbright scholarship but had to deal with exceptionally difficult research, which took him over fifty years to complete. His research presents a new theory for understanding human behaviour, based on the values that each person holds.
Dr Axten believes this new theory has the potential to revolutionize the view of behavioural psychology.
A dad of two and grandfather of four, Dr Axten started his undergraduate degree at the University of Leeds in 1967. The period was still the time of flower power, with a revolutionary feel, student sit-ins, the Vietnam War, Paris, and Prague.
Sociological and psychological subjects were gaining interest, and Dr Axten wanted to understand people better.
Throughout his career, Dr Axten had to relocate to various parts of the UK. He was the creator and principal author of the school teaching programme, Oxford Primary Science.
Dr Axten loved his time at the University of Bristol between 2016 and 2022, where he worked as a mature student. Despite the significant age gap, he felt accepted and part of the philosophy graduate student community, who were all around 23 years old.
He enjoyed talking with them and exchanging ideas, especially at the pub in the afternoon.
According to Dr Axten, “some problems are so great it takes the best part of a lifetime to get your head around them. They need a long hard think.”
The University of Bristol’s recent recognition is a testament to his dedication and hard work over the past fifty years. His research presents a new theory for understanding human behaviour, which could shape the future of behavioural psychology.
76-Year-Old Student Earns Doctorate After Studying PhD for 52 Years
