Research Degrees of the University

Summary of Regulations (for initial enquiries)

The full regulatory framework is available here

1. General

In respect of supervised programmes of research the University will award degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

1.1 Scope

Programmes of research may be proposed in any field of study subject to the requirement that the proposed programme is capable of leading to scholarly research and to its presentation for assessment by appropriate examiners.

1.2 The MPhil Award

The MPhil is awarded to a candidate who, having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, has presented and defended a thesis, by oral examination, to the satisfaction of the examiners.

1.3 The PhD Award

The PhD is awarded to a candidate who, having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, has presented and defended a thesis, by oral examination, to the satisfaction of the examiners.

2. Registration

2.1 Students, who must be formally enrolled with the University, may register for:

a) Master of Philosophy (MPhil); or

b) Doctor of Philosophy via transfer from Master of Philosophy

(MPhil/PhD); or

c) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Direct).

In considering applications for registration, the University will satisfy itself:

(i) that candidates are suitably qualified;

(ii) that candidates are embarking on viable research programmes;

(iii) that supervision is adequate and likely to be sustained;

(iv) that the research environment is suitable; and

(v) that, taking into account considerations (i) – (iv) above, the project is capable of completion within the maximum period of registration.

2.2 An applicant for the degree of MPhil or PhD via transfer from MPhil shall normally hold an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK university or a qualification which is regarded by the Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer Committee as equivalent to such an honours degree (including overseas qualifications) and, preferably a Masters degree. An applicant whose secondary-level education has not been conducted in the medium of English should also demonstrate evidence of appropriate English language proficiency, normally defined as minimum IELTS scores of 6.5 (Overall Band Score) with not less than 6 in any of the individual elements, or equivalent.

2.3 Research degree candidates shall be admitted to the University on the understanding that their enrolment will be on the route MPhil with possible transfer to PhD. Only in the most exceptional circumstances and on the basis of a detailed case presented to the Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer Committee by the Director of Studies prior to admission will a candidate be permitted to enrol on the route PhD Direct. Exceptional circumstances shall be defined by the University but might include the possession of a Master of Philosophy degree; evidence of substantial research or professional experience which has resulted in publications, reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment; or equivalent. The decision as to which route a candidate should be enrolled upon shall be the decision of the University.

2.4 The Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer Committee may approve an application from a person proposing to work outside the UK, including persons enrolled under the External Research Degree Study (ERDS) Scheme, and provided that:

a) There is satisfactory evidence to confirm the appropriateness of facilities available for the research both in the University and abroad; and

b) The arrangements proposed for supervision enable frequent and substantial contact between the candidate and the supervisor(s) based in the UK, including adequate face-to-face contact with the supervisor(s). The candidate should normally spend an average (over the entire registration period) of two months per year at the University (or longer, where specified by the School where the candidate is enrolled).

3. Registration Period

3.1 The minimum and maximum periods of full-time and part-time registration shall normally be as follows:

Full Time Study

Degree Registration	Minimum period of registration permitted	Maximum period of registration permitted
MPhil	18 months	36 months
PhD via MPhil	33 months (Transfer to PhD must have taken place at this point)	48 months (incl. period of MPhil/PhD registration)
PhD Direct	24 months	48 months

Part-Time Study

Degree Registration	Minimum period of registration permitted	Maximum period of registration permitted
MPhil	30 months	60 months
PhD via MPhil	45 months (Transfer to PhD must have taken place at this point)	96 months (incl. period of MPhil/PhD registration)
PhD Direct	36 months	96 months

3.2 The timing of the submission of the Application to Transfer to PhD shall be:

For full-time students - not earlier than 12 months nor later than 24 months from the start date of the approved registration period for MPhil/PhD;

For part-time students - not earlier than 24 months nor later than 48 months from the start date of the approved registration period for MPhil/PhD.  

4. Supervision

All research degree candidates will have at least two and not normally more than three suitably qualified supervisors, one of whom will be the Director of Studies.

5. Examination

5.1 Examination arrangements for research degrees will be approved by the Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer Committee.

5.2 Examiners appointed by the University will be experienced in research in the general area of the candidate’s thesis and, where practicable, have experience as a specialist in the topic(s) to be examined.

5.3 All research degree candidates will be examined by at least two and not normally more than three suitably qualified and experienced examiners, of whom at least one will be an external examiner.

5.4 The examination for the MPhil and the PhD shall have two stages: firstly the submission and preliminary assessment of the thesis and secondly its defence by oral or approved alternative examination.

5.5 Each examiner shall prepare and submit to the University independent preliminary written reports on the thesis to assist in the conduct of the oral examination or approved alternative examination. Following the oral examination, a joint report shall be prepared by the examiners for submission to the University.

6. Conferment

The Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer Committee shall ensure that all examinations are conducted and the recommendations of the examiners presented wholly in accordance with the University’s regulations. The authority to confer the award shall rest with the Academic Council, whose authority in this respect is delegated to the Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer Committee.

7. Thesis

7.1 The thesis must be submitted in the form specified by the University’s regulations.

7.2 The submission of the thesis for examination is at the sole discretion of the candidate.

8. Re-examination

The University may permit re-examination for the award in accordance with its regulations.

9. Appeals against examination decisions

Candidates may in certain circumstances appeal against an examination decision, according to the University’s established procedures for the hearing of such appeals.

10. Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer Committee

Academic Council has appointed a Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer Committee to act on its behalf in matters relating to research degrees and research strategy and policy, as outlined above