PhD | Doctorate Degrees | United Kingdom Education Centre

Doctorate Degrees

A Doctorate degree is the highest level of tertiary education worldwide that you may study at university. This is a globally recognised and illustrious award for students who pursue in-depth knowledge in their field of study. Graduates of a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) become qualified to teach their subject at university level or to take on specialist roles in their field of work. For medical degrees, students are conferred a Doctorate of Medicine (MD).

Above that, the quality of teaching in the UK is strictly monitored and reviewed constantly by the British Government's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). You can be sure to gain the highest quality of education and research during your time at a UK university. Historically, the UK has produced substantial collection of research at top institutions which is actively used to advance various subject fields and industries.

General structure of a UK PhD

3-5 years Any subject of your choice Two intakes, January and October Diverse sources of funding availed for PhD projects Complementary taught components on relevant subjects and study research methodology Personal supervisor Final project

1. Publish original extended thesis, OR
2. Portfolio of original and related short projects

There are generally two types of PhD project funding

Self-funded

Student proposes original topic of research Student has freedom to apply for broad subject course and specify own project at university International students can apply with any project as long as they can source funding Grants or scholarships can be sourced independently from external bodies or if university department has funding Common for Arts and Social Sciences subjects

Pre-funded

Existing project by university, UK government, or independent bodies Student joins a team of researches to work on a project International applicants may not be eligible if the project uses public funding The final thesis limited to scope of existing research project Common for Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) subjects

Basic requirements before you apply

Previous education

Masters' degree with Merit and good first degree with minimum grade 60+

Students without these qualifications may be accepted by completing additional study, taking a qualification exam, or on the basis of professional qualification and practical experience.

Years of experience

Work or publication experience

While not a strict requirement, some pre-funded projects require prior work or publication experience. This varies by university.

Source a supervisor

Usually a senior professor or research staff at

It is recommended you search for a PhD by supervisor rather than by institution as your PhD depends on your final piece of work and a suitable supervisor is integral in supporting your study

Language proficiency

IELTS 5.5+ / GCSE A*-C /equivalent

While most Masters' programmes have a high requirement for English language proficiency, PhD programmes generally lower the bar. Seemingly strange, since a PhD is a higher qualification. However, in the UK, Masters students produce a thesis at the end of one to two years while PhD students have 3-4 years before they need to publish their final work. This means that PhD students have a longer time to improve any language skills gap while working on their research.

Our Service Procedure

Contact your supervisor

You will need to contact them personally to discuss if your research aligns with the department's research interests and alternative supervisory options.

PhD Research Proposal

This is a piece of initial research ideas, motivation, and strategy you intend to produce as your final project. In the duration of your PhD, your final research is an extension of this initial outline, hence you must produce an original research proposal. This is also for universities to assess the suitability of your academic interests with their department and recommend you for funding if possible.

Application

Narrow down your options of institutes and be aware of the rolling deadline set by individual universities. Be as specific as possible in your application and Personal Statement regarding your choice of institute. You will also need at least two letters of recommendation, one of which is from an academic referee. If you have prior work or publication experience, compile this information into an Academic Resume/CV.

Our turn

Speak to one of our Education Consultants if you are still seeking options. We can help you firm up your choices and proofread your proposal and Personal Statement. Next, when we've got all the documents together, we will put in your application and you can sit back and relax while we track your application progress.

Pathways to a PhD

Programme Fees: Varies by subjects; £10,000-£25,000 per annum (full-time), £2,300-£10,000 (part-time)

Professional Doctorate

The standard PhD is an intensive to full-time course while most students on the former tend be on the part-time programme. The prior suitable students for an academic career while the latter is more suited for currently working professionals and features heavier taught components with a smaller-scale research project. Projects often revolve around a real-time issue that affects one's employer. The duration of Doctorate programmes is relatively shorter in the UK than in any other country which makes PhDs in the UK very attractive.

Eligibility

Master's degree, with Merit Bachelor's degree, with minimum grade 60+ (alternative qualifications may be accepted with additional Pre-Masters or top-up degree qualification) Research Proposal (1,500-3,000 words) IELTS 6.5+ / GCSE English (A*-C) / equivalent

PhD by Publication

This is a more unique pathway for mature students with long years of experience in industry but missed out on studying for the standard PhD. In order to receive the award, the student is required to submit their previously published works - books, book chapters, journal articles, etc - which relate to each other to form a common theme and prove to be a source of original contribution to its subject field. Some universities only accept their own graduates so please thoroughly check the criteria set by the university.

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree (at least 7 years prior) At least 5-8 previously published works Supporting statement (5,000-20,000 words)

Study in the UK, it's easier than you think.

Through our partnerships with over 100 UK universities, UKEC can help you find the best Pre-University application course to suit your needs. Our years of expertise in helping students means we can find the right course for you. We will help you examine all of our options and support you all the way to your dream education.

Ready to apply with us? Get in touch now for expert advice from one of our experienced Education Consultants.

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