Journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science are regarded as a benchmark for scientific publications at the international level. For scientists preparing a doctoral dissertation, an article in such a journal is often among the conditions for admission to the defence. At the same time, the lists of journals in both databases are reviewed periodically, and publication requirements depend on the field of knowledge and the rules of a particular university.
How can journal indexing be checked in Scopus and Web of Science?
The status of a journal in Scopus can be checked on the Scopus Sources page by title or ISSN: it shows subject areas, metrics and the coverage period. For Web of Science, a similar tool is the Master Journal List, which shows in which Core Collection indexes a journal is included: SCIE, SSCI, AHCI or ESCI. University requirements regarding the index may differ.
Scopus periodically discontinues coverage of journals, so a journal that was indexed previously may lose this status. As a rule, articles already included remain in the database, while new materials are not indexed, and during the re-evaluation of a journal the intake of articles may be suspended. Up-to-date information on discontinued journals is available in the monthly updated Scopus source list and in reviews of discontinued journals. The check can be carried out in the following order:
- Find the journal in Scopus Sources or the Master Journal List.
- Make sure that the journal has a current status and coverage period.
- Compare the journal’s quartile with the university’s requirements.
Journal quartiles in Scopus and Web of Science
A quartile shows the position of a journal among journals in the same subject category: Q1 corresponds to the top 25%, Q4 – to the bottom 25%. In Scopus, the quartile is calculated on the basis of CiteScore; in Web of Science (Journal Citation Reports) – on the basis of the Journal Impact Factor. The databases use different metrics and sets of journals, so quartile values may not coincide.
A journal may belong to several subject categories, and its quartile changes from year to year; therefore, it is important to look at the relevant category and year. The Journal Impact Factor is also assigned to ESCI journals, so its presence does not mean that a journal is included in SCIE or SSCI.
What publication requirements do universities set?
In Georgia, the academic degree of Doctor is awarded upon completion of a doctoral programme and defence of a dissertation. According to the Eurydice platform, the general doctoral education framework approved in 2024 provides for the publication of at least two scientific articles before the defence, one of which must appear in a peer-reviewed journal with international indexing. Universities and faculties may specify these conditions further.
For example, according to the guide for doctoral students of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, at least one of the two publications on the dissertation topic must appear in a journal indexed in Scopus or Web of Science, or in ERIH PLUS (the latter option is provided for Kartvelology and Caucasiology). Some faculties may apply additional requirements regarding the number of publications and authorship; therefore, it is advisable to study the doctoral regulations of one’s own faculty in advance.
Choosing a journal by article subject and editorial policy
A journal with a high quartile may not be suitable if the subject of the article does not correspond to its profile. Before submission, it is useful to study the Aims and Scope section, recent issues and instructions for authors.
In addition, the following parameters should be assessed:
- editorial board composition and the publisher’s reputation
- peer review model and approximate review times
- publication terms, including open access and article processing charges
- requirements for the structure, length and formatting of the manuscript
Review times may vary depending on the editorial workload; therefore, it is recommended to allow additional time when planning the defence.
How can an unreliable journal be recognised when choosing a publication?
A claimed indexing status may not correspond to reality. Warning signs may include the absence of a journal from Scopus Sources or the Master Journal List despite a claim of indexing, a promise of guaranteed acceptance of an article, unusually short peer review times, mass invitations sent by email and unclear payment terms.
Choosing a journal includes verifying indexing, assessing the quartile, comparing the journal with the university’s requirements and analysing the fit with the article’s subject. This approach helps to reduce the risk of rejection and loss of time when dissertation preparation deadlines are limited. Before submitting a manuscript, it is advisable to check the journal’s status again, since journal lists are updated.
Are you planning to publish in Scopus or Web of Science journals? Specialists of the company Scientific Publications will check the status of journals, select a journal taking into account the subject of the article and the requirements of your university, and support you at the stages of manuscript submission. To receive a free consultation, please fill in the form below, and our manager will contact you shortly. Onwards to new scientific achievements!
