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Studying a postgraduate research programme

Find out about the types of research degrees we offer and how to apply.

Our postgraduate research programmes provide you with the opportunity to prepare for careers both within and beyond academia.

You will immerse yourself in a specific area of interest, acquire new transferable skills that are useful and adaptable for many different careers, and make a valuable contribution to new knowledge.

Choosing a programme

Research programmes (including PhD and MPhil)

Research programmes are available in all academic schools at Cardiff University. Programmes are:

  • an in-depth study of a specified field of interest over an extensive period, normally one year full-time for MPhil and three-four years full-time for PhD
  • often available full-time or part-time
  • written up in the form of a thesis or dissertation and assessed by an oral viva voce examination
  • an opportunity to demonstrate your original contribution of knowledge or practice to your chosen field

Your experience and type of research will differ depending on whether you’re studying a lab-based or desk-based programme.

Research programmes with a taught element (including MRes and Professional Doctorates)

Research programmes with a taught element:

  • require the results of your research to be written up in the form of a thesis or dissertation
  • provide advanced research training and specialist knowledge through a taught element before you embark on your research project

Application routes

There are two main application routes for you to consider:

For this option, you apply for an advertised PhD position that comeswith a pre-defined project and an allocated supervisor. You do not typically need to submit a research proposal. Since the project is already defined, ensure it aligns closely with your academic interests. These roles are often funded, for example, by research councils.

If you cannot find what you are looking for among our advertised project opportunities and you want to pursue your own research project, then you can apply directly to one of our research programmes.

If you choose this route you would normally need to provide a short initial research proposal and find a potential supervisor that is active in your area of interest.

This route is normally self-funded either from a sponsor or another source.

Browse research programmes

Applying for funding


It's important to know that applying for funding or a studentship is usually a separate step from applying to the university to study.

Sometimes you must apply directly to the funding body first, and then apply to the university afterwards. Other times you apply through the academic school. The school will then select and put forward the best applicants to the funding body.

Find out more about funding for postgraduate research.

Contact

We are here to help with any questions you might have. Contact our enquiries team with your questions.