A PhD is a research degree and is the highest award available at universities in the UK. The study is based on a substantial research project on an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis, which then must be defended in an oral examination in front of a panel of experts. Students are assigned a supervisor, and a PhD duration is typically three years full-time and six years part-time.
Very few research degrees feature taught modules, so students are expected to take more responsibility for their work and schedule.
UK universities are free to admit anyone, with PhD admission generally conditional on the prospective student having completed an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours and a master's degree. English language ability must be proved; a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is generally required.
All students who apply for a PhD must submit a research proposal (). The proposal should address the research you wish to undertake, how you will do it, and why it is important. A panel of experts must accept the proposal before your programme can begin.
If you wish to study for a PhD, you may first need to begin an MPhil and then transfer to a PhD programme after 12-18 months. An MPhil is also a qualification in its own right and is generally thesis-only, lasting one year full-time and two years part-time. The thesis must present the results of a study and research and be a maximum of 60,000 words.
Students choose to study an MPhil if the proposed research has insufficient scope for a full PhD.
An MRes is an advanced postgraduate research degree in the areas of art, humanities, and social sciences. Some Ph.D. Programs require an MRes qualification before beginning a PhD. The programme proper, and the student is required to complete a 40,000-word dissertation.
An MRes is a good way to see if you enjoy conducting research without fully committing to and funding a full PhD.
Professional doctorates are similar to PhDs but are intended to advance professional practice rather than improve academic ability. Joint professional doctorates include law, education, business, engineering, and medicine.
A PhD in the UK usually takes three to four years if you study full-time. However, it can vary depending on the subject and how quickly you make progress. If you study part-time, it may take longer, typically five to seven years.
Funding and researching a PhD can be expensive, with EU students paying up to £6,000 per year, and international students more.
It is rare for a PhD student to not be supported by some form of bursary, grant or scholarship though, and many universities and research councils provide monetary support for part or all of a PhD programme.
Once you have decided on an area of research and have looked into how you will fund your study, you will need to fill out several documents required when submitting your application. They can include:
Students will also need to identify a supervisor who will oversee their PhD.
The DPhil in Computer Science at Oxford University offers students the chance to do advanced research in a beautiful setting. You can study topics like linguistics, biology, medicine, and quantum computation alongside computer science, get one-on-one guidance from experienced supervisors, attend lectures, and gain transferable skills.
The PhD in Computer Science at Cambridge University is research-focused. Students work on their research projects under the guidance of a supervisor for three to four years. When admitted, students undergo a probationary period and are registered for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS).
The Imperial College Business School offers a Master's in Research (MRes) that introduces students to theory and research methods in Finance, Economics, and Management, providing a solid foundation for future doctoral studies. Depending on the chosen research area, the MRes programme can be completed in one or two years.
The Management MRes + MPhil/PhD programme at UCL School of Management offers a prestigious research experience for students seeking scholarly careers in management studies. With a strong reputation for world-leading research, the programme provides rigorous academic training and personalised research mentorship.
The University of Edinburgh’s PhD in Informatics focuses on training researchers with comprehensive knowledge in their discipline and a specialised area. During the first year, you will attend relevant lectures, submit a thesis proposal, and receive annual progress reviews. Successful completion of a thesis and oral examination leads to the award of a doctorate. Regular talks and seminars provide additional learning opportunities.
If you are interested in studying for a research degree in the UK, arrange a free consultation today. The PhD Service can also help you apply with expert application advice, interview practice and research proposal editing.
PhD funding for international students in the UK varies. Some universities offer full funding, while others require students to find funding. Scholarships, grants, and assistantships are available, but not all PhD programmes are fully funded.
To study for a PhD in the UK, you generally need a master's degree or an equivalent qualification in a related field. You'll also need to write a detailed research proposal explaining your research objectives and academic references that assess your research abilities. Additionally, you must secure funding to cover your tuition fees and living expenses, which can come from scholarships, grants, personal funds, or sponsorship. Requirements may vary, so it's best to check with individual universities.
international students can apply for a PhD in the UK. UK universities accept applications from students worldwide.
PhD tuition fees for international students in the UK depend on factors such as the university, field of study, and location. On average, fees range from £15,000 to £35,000 per year. However, it's important to note that actual fees can vary significantly.
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