​Master of Philosophy

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) normally requires two years full time study or three to four years part time study. For this award students will have demonstrated to examiners their ability to undertake an appropriate research programme or to produce a critical analysis of existing knowledge in a defined field.

Much of the study undertaken at Masters level will have been at, or informed by, the forefront of an academic or professional discipline. Students will have shown originality in the application of knowledge, and they will understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research. They will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and they will show originality in tackling and solving problems.

They will have the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative, in complex and unpredictable professional environments.

Research Masters

A Research Masters is a Masters level degree which incorporates taught elements and an extended research phase, including research project and dissertation, governed by research degree regulations. It is aimed at overseas students but is also available for home/EU students. The degree is generic and can apply in any discipline across the university.

The ResM is not credit rated and normally requires a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years (18 months study and 6 months writing-up) for full time mode of study, or can be completed in a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years (two years study and 12 months writing-up) in a part time mode of study.

Students taking this award take a minimum of 40 credits of taught modules up to 120 credits maximum (can include up to 30 credits of stage 3 level modules). These optional credits are determined by the supervisor and candidate depending on previous experience and the needs of the proposed research project element.

Compulsory credits include a Research Methods module, appropriate to discipline (20 credits), and taught module applicable to the subject area (20 credits). Optional credits include taught modules as applicable to the student and topic chosen (up to 80 credits). These modules may be chosen from a variety of existing Taught Masters Programmes and can span disciplines and faculties as appropriate, and by prior arrangement could include a module(s) from another institution. If appropriate, then the optional credits may also include the Graduate Teaching Associates (GTA) course and/or courses from the Graduate Skills Programme.

The research project is expected to span 12 months (including writing-up), with each student assigned a Director of Studies, and if necessary, further additional supervisory support. A project thesis must be submitted, with the examination of the dissertation by thesis and viva voce examination, as with other research degrees.

A Research Masters award will only be made on satisfactory completion of the thesis and designated modules. Similar to other research degrees, detailed attainment in the modules will be provided in the Diploma supplement appendix. If the student fails to submit a dissertation thesis, or fails to pass the thesis examination, but has completed and passed 60 Masters-level credits, the compensatory award of Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) may be awarded.

There are progression possibilities for ResM candidates, who can exceptionally apply to continue direct to the 2nd year of a PhD upon the successful submission of a Transfer Report and evidence of full funding for the further years of study (one year for MPhil or two years for PhD full time students). However if a student transfers and continues to PhD then the ResM degree will not be awarded. 

Descriptor for qualifications at Masters (M) level: Masters degree

1. systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice;
2. a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship;
3. originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline; 
4. conceptual understanding that enables the student: 
• to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline; and 
• to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses. 

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: 

1. deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences; 
2. demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level; 
3. continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level;
   and will have: 
4. the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: 
• the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; 
• decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and  
• the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

​Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) normally requires four years full time study or six years part time study. PhD research makes a contribution to the current knowledge of a subject and should be worthy of publication in whole or part.

Doctorates are awarded for the creation and interpretation of knowledge, which extends the forefront of a discipline, usually through original research. Holders of doctorates will be able to conceptualise, design and implement projects for the generation of significant new knowledge and/or understanding.

Holders of doctorates will have the qualities needed for employment requiring the ability to make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, and innovation in tackling and solving problems.

Doctoral programmes, that may include a research component, but which have a substantial taught element lead usually to awards that include the name of the discipline in their title (eg EdD for Doctor of Education). Please refer to Professional Doctorates below.

 

The Integrated PhD: a doctorate with a difference

The Integrated PhD is a national initiative, supported by the UK Government, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the British Council, to provide PhD students with the highest quality of taught materials and practical experience alongside advanced research.

Successful graduates will be able to make a significant contribution in their chosen field, having developed a high level of expertise and gained a competitive edge over others through the development of personal and professional skills which are increasingly in demand within the workplace.

We currently offer three Integrated PhD programmes in Marine and Environmental Sciences, Geosciences and Psychology. This is a four to five years research degree programme that combines extensive research training with the development of professional skills. This integrated approach offers a learning environment in which to broaden and deepen subject knowledge while providing the opportunity for inter-disciplinary study to extend expertise in new directions.

 

Professional Doctorates

A Professional Doctorate is an advanced programme of study and research which, whilst satisfying the university criteria for the award of doctorate, is designed to meet the specific needs of a professional group external to the university, and which develops the capacity to develop individuals to work within a professional context.

The award titles of each Professional Doctorate will reflect the relevant profession. The award titles currently approved by the university are:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)Professional

 Professional Doctorates Regulatory Framework

Descriptor for qualifications at Doctoral (D) level: Doctoral degree

1. the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication,
2. a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice,
3. the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
4. a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

1. make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
2. continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas, or approaches;
and will have:
3. the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.
 

Research Training