MPhil / PhD

PhD and MPhil Research Degrees

The subject areas that the School can offer to candidates for research degrees relate directly to the research fields that the staff at the School are engaged in. For more information on research carried out at the wsa, please refer to the School's research groups. The research topics of postgraduate students at the School, both past and present, are wide and varied.

The aim of a research student's work is to produce a valuable written piece of research (a thesis) which embodies the methods and results of research. In the case of a PhD degree, the results should amount to an origination contribution to learning in the field. A research degree is confirmation that its holder has gained expertise in developing and employing research methodology and drawing conclusions from its results. It is excellent training for those wishing to pursue a career in research in higher education and industry.

Candidates may study at the School for research degrees full-time or part-time. There is also the option of studying externally, that is to say, away from the School. Full-time PhD candidates normally study for 3 years and part-time PhD candidates normally study for 5 years. Full-time study of the MPhil degree is normally 1 year but can be 2 years. Part-time study tends to take place over 2 years but can be over 3 years. The length of time quoted above refers to the time spent in completing a planned programme of research. There is additional time allowed for writing up the research in the form of a thesis but this is governed by strict time limits.

Candidates are guided through their research by experienced supervisors with suitable knowledge of the candidate's chosen research area.

Throughout the study period, the candidate's progress is monitored at 6 monthly intervals in accordance with the University's Research Student Monitoring Procedure. This involves the student completing a self-assessment form and their supervisor producing a progress report, which is available for review by the School's Research Committee. The Committee also carries out a formal review of the progress of research students every 12 months, normally based on the submission by the student of a written piece of work. The candidate's written thesis is examined by an internal and external examiner. In the case of a PhD and MPhil, an oral examination is required. If successful, the candidate is informed that they are approved for the degree they have studied.