Types of degrees we offer

PhD candidates critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic that must result in an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

As a PhD candidate, you'll also be able to demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your field of research. 

Full-time PhD students normally complete within three to four years, while part-time candidates may take up to six years.

MPhil candidates also critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic, and demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field.

Overseas researchers

We're happy to consider applications for PhD/MPhil students to conduct their research overseas. Please be aware that due to the nature of PhD research, we can’t consider all topics for overseas research. We’ll consider the following factors when assessing your application.

1. Do you have access to the necessary facilities and resources to successfully complete your research?
2. Do the arrangements allow for regular face-to-face contact with your supervisory team? This will be either through appointment of a local supervisor, or by having regular meetings with your supervisor(s) online. 

You’ll be required to travel to the UK to attend our Research Development Programme at least once a year during your studies.

If you need a visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a Short Term Study Visa. Our Faculty Research Administrators can give you more details.

An MD (Res) programme is a postgraduate research programme for qualified medical professionals. Our Doctor of Medicine by Research lets you make a substantial contribution to your clinical specialty.

Our Professional Doctorates are research-based programmes designed for experienced professionals and practitioners. They're an opportunity to engage in research that critically examines your practice.

Professional Doctorates are an innovative, flexible alternative to traditional PhDs, and can be studied part-time while you continue to work.

The first part of the Professional Doctorate is a taught programme. You’ll attend workshops or teaching sessions in order to complete the assignments. Once you have passed this stage, you’ll move onto the research part of the course.

We currently offer the following Professional Doctorates:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Education (EdD)
• Health and Social Care
• Practical Theology
• Science and Engineering.

The benefits

By studying a Professional Doctorate you will:

• research an area of particular interest to you and your employer
• gain an internationally recognised doctorate qualification
• make a significant contribution through your research findings to your practice
• enhance your profile
• expand and strengthen your professional network.

Professional Doctorates are divided into two stages.

• Stage 1 involves workshops and seminars on methodology and research design and leads to the preparation of papers totalling a maximum of 21,000 words. This stage develops your understanding of research design, so that you can enter Stage 2 with a detailed research study that's achievable, realistic and impacts positively on your practice.
• Stage 2 involves undertaking original research resulting in a thesis.

Within the Professional Doctorate programme we also offer the following awards:

• Professional Masters
• Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Research