Research Degrees

All Schools within Cardiff University provide opportunities and facilities for postgraduate research degrees. By undertaking this research you will have the chance to engage in active and relevant research under the supervision of some of the leading experts in your subject.

Cardiff is an internationally renowned centre of research, and a member of the elite Russell Group, and is therefore the ideal environment for you to widen and deepen your knowledge and understanding of a subject area. The exact focus of your research project is decided with your supervisor who provides academic and practical guidance throughout.

Research degrees at Cardiff can start on the first calendar day of the following four months: October, January, April and July (subject to the approval of the School). PhD degrees are normally three years in length (full-time); MPhil degrees are usually one year full-time. However, many Schools offer the possibility of part-time study, typically over five years for a PhD. This may be ideal if you need to structure your research around work or family commitments, and though it will take longer, the financial cost is generally proportionate and spread out over the longer period.

Entry requirements for a research degree are usually a degree from an approved UK or overseas university. Some Schools require a first or 2.1 Honours degree; others simply a good Honours degree in an appropriate subject. Please see the Course Finder facility for subject-specific information.