Research students are expected to pursue an investigation of a specific aspect of a subject in depth, under the supervision of a member of staff with similar research interests and the experience to provide guidance at the appropriate level. The student is required to complete a period of study as follows:

• Full-time MPhil – two years, PhD – three years

• Part-time MPhil – four years, PhD – six years

The programme of work is structured to enable the student to acquire competence in the methods of research and scholarship, and to produce a thesis demonstrating originality and sustained independent effort. During the study period, the student may attend courses in research methodology and will undertake an investigation as described above. 

A candidate for the degree of MPhil will evaluate satisfactorily a chosen topic and will present a thesis clearly showing an understanding of the significance and context of the work. 

A candidate for the degree of PhD will, in addition, be required to show that the work makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field. 

Within the Faculty of Arts, candidates are permitted – subject to certain restrictions – to submit a practical element in accompaniment to the thesis. Details of these requirements are available in the Research Studies Handbook and from the research Office.

Professional Doctorates

These programmes, normally offered on a part-time basis (although full-time study may be available), are based upon the conduct of a research project that demonstrates a contribution to knowledge which is relevant in a professional context. Candidates must submit a thesis which will be examined at doctoral level. The duration of these programmes is four years (part-time) or two years (full-time).

The University currently has seven Professional Doctorates available to candidates with appropriate academic and post-qualification professional experience. These are:

Doctor of Medical Science (DMedSc) 
Doctor of Environmental Science (DEnvSc) 
Doctor of Biological Sciences (DBiolSc)
Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc)
Doctor of Engineering/Technology/ Informatics (DTech/DEng/DInf)

All of the degrees above will only be awarded following the successful outcome of an examination of the thesis and the candidate by an appropriately constituted Board of Examiners.