phd by published works uk

Existing Published or Creative Work PhD -->

Apply online.

Students must apply via one of the following online application forms:-

Closing date for applications is 1st August 2024. 

Course starts: 01 October 2024 Apply now

Take the fastest route to a PhD. Convert your previous research outputs into a qualification which will increase your employability and open up new opportunities. Progress your academic career and add credibility in applications for research funding.

A PhD by Published or Creative Work is designed for individuals with an existing portfolio of published work addressing a central research question. This degree will be awarded to a candidate who has critically investigated an approved topic and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field.

A submission for PhD by Published or Creative Work may comprise of academic papers, chapters, and monographs, scholarly editions of texts, creative practice, artefacts, or curatorial production.

• A PhD is “probably the most internationally transferable qualification” according to the Higher Education Policy Institute 
• Typically, candidates are academics with high-quality research outputs who have not previously undertaken a PhD
• This is the fastest route to a PhD, usually taking less than 12 months to complete
• Based on outputs that you have already produced, such as articles in peer-reviewed journals

Course structure

A submission for PhD by Published or Creative Works may be awarded on the basis of existing published work or creative output that shows evidence of originality and independent critical judgment at the level appropriate for the award. All work should normally have been published in the last ten years and be traceable in publicly available databases such as catalogues and must be accessible to scholars or other interested persons. The work submitted must have been subjected to peer review by the relevant academic community.   

There is no defined number of publications but candidates need to ensure that the range of publications demonstrates that their work forms a coherent and significant contribution to knowledge. This should be of an acceptable national, or preferably international, standing.  For a substantial proportion of all the publications submitted, the candidate must be the sole or senior author.

If your application is successful, you will be assigned one or more supervisors who will advise on which of your publications should form your final submission to be examined and how your commentary should be written. The commentary (usually between 10,000 and 20,000 words) describes the aims of the research you have undertaken to produce your publications, incorporates a critical discussion of the impact of your work and will be examined through an oral defence.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on [email protected] or 0191 515 3154.

• Details of Published or Creative works
• Statement of Authorship  - This statement is made by collaborating researcher(s) confirming the contribution you have made to the research. This statement is only required if all or parts of the work are the result of collaborative research. Please arrange for the collaborators to complete the pro-forma if this applies to your work
• Qualification certificates
• Birth certificate or personal details page of the passport
• Curriculum Vitae
• How and in what respect the work has made a significant and coherent contribution of knowledge.
• The impact within its discipline
• The methodologies used
• An appropriate contextualisation of the research
• Clear indication of any parts of the work which may have been carried out in collaboration with other parties/authors

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

• £6,000 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled
• £7,000 if you are an international student

Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our  Help and Advice article .

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

There is pressure on teaching staff at universities to demonstrate that they have higher qualifications than those whom they are teaching. A PhD is often required for academic posts in research-intensive institutions.

A doctorate is becoming an increasingly common requirement for recruitment and promotion in university teaching roles.

A PhD also adds credibility in applications for research funding.

Doctorates are now held by at least eight out of ten full-time teaching staff in top institutions, based on data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

The PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work is a fast track for you to gain doctorate-level recognition for work that you have already done. It is therefore well suited to academic staff who would like to develop their careers.

More broadly, the achievement of a doctorate demonstrates your ability to make a major contribution to the development of new ideas, techniques and approaches. There is a strong association between successful postgraduate study and professional employment, according to the Higher Education Policy Institute.

Meet the team — PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work

Related courses.

For more information please contact the Graduate Research Support team at: [email protected]

Page last updated: 08 February 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

PhD by published work

The PhD by published work route is intended primarily for mid-career research-active academics who, for one reason or another, haven’t had the opportunity to undertake a research programme leading to a PhD.

Submissions for this award will consist of a coherent body of work which is of the same quality, rigour and volume as required of a standard PhD in your field and which constitutes an original contribution to knowledge.

We welcome applications from Westminster staff and from outside the University. Applications are considered on their merits within the relevant colleges and applicants are advised to approach the relevant members of academic staff for an informal discussion before applying.

If your application is successful, you will be assigned one or more supervisors who will advise on which of your publications should form your final submission to be examined and how your commentary should be written. The commentary (15,000 words) describes the aims of the research you’ve undertaken to produce your publications, incorporates an analytical discussion of the main results and puts the total work submitted in context.

What kind of publications are considered to be appropriate for a submission via this route?

• books and book chapters
• refereed journal papers
• Other media/other public output (eg architectural or engineering designs)
• The submission of a single book, work or artefact is also possible
• The body of work may not include any material produced more than ten years before the date of submission

How do I apply?

You should first make contact with the relevant academic or  relevant College  for an informal discussion of your publications and how they might be considered for a PhD by Published Work. If you decide to apply, you will make an application in the normal way.

What should my application consist of?

In addition to the standard application process, your application should also include a portfolio of publications, accompanied by a proposal not exceeding 2,000 words in length, which contextualises the selected publications, demonstrates their coherence and outlines the intended contribution to knowledge.

View the guidance on  how to write your PhD by published work research proposal .

What happens after I’ve applied?

Your application will be considered by a College panel, which will assess the quality and the coherence of your publications and your proposal, and if the panel wishes to take your application further, it will invite you to interview, following which you will receive a decision.

How long will it take from initial enrolment to final submission of the work for examination?

This is a part-time programme which takes a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 24 months.

What should I do next?

• Check that you meet the entry requirements and review your options for funding your programme
• Find out if we cover your proposed area of research and if there is a supervisory team available

If you decide to proceed, you can find links to apply and all the information you need on our Research area pages .

Related pages

Fees and funding.

How much will it cost to study a research degree?

Entry requirements

Find out if you can apply for a Research Degree at the University of Westminster.

Research degree by distance learning

Find out about Research Degree distance learning options at the University of Westminster.

We use cookies to ensure the best experience on our website.

By accepting you agree to cookies being stored on your device.

Some of these cookies are essential to the running of the site, while others help us to improve your experience.

Functional cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.

Analytics cookies help us improve our website based on user needs by collecting information, which does not directly identify anyone.

Marketing cookies send information on your visit to third parties so that they can make their advertising more relevant to you when you visit other websites.

PhD by publication

PhD awards for published researchers

Explore how you can turn your existing peer reviewed research publications into a PhD qualification

What is a PhD by publication?

A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree that's based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.

Depending on the subject area, peer reviewed  academic papers, complete books, chapters in anthologies, or equivalent materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed  may be  eligibl e. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6–12 months after registering with us.

These materials will be accompanied by a commentary of 5,000–10,000 words, which outlines your work's coherence, significance and contribution to knowledge, and you'll be examined through an oral defence of your research, known as a viva voce. Applicants must have held a first or higher degree from a UK higher education institute – or a recognised equivalent non-UK degree of the same standard – for at least 5 years.

Once you've been awarded a PhD by publication, you'll be in a great position to move onto further research or to use your new postgraduate qualification to progress your career.

The cost of getting a PhD by publication in most of our subject areas is £4,500 for external candidates – check your research subject area page  for more details.

How to apply

To be considered for a PhD by publication, you'll need to have held an undergraduate or postgraduate degree – awarded either by a UK higher education institute or a recognised non-UK equivalent – for at least 5 years.

To apply you'll need:

• A CV and the names of two referees
• A title of the proposed PhD
• A listing of the published work on which the application is based
• A statement of not more than 1000 words setting out your view of the nature and significance of the work submitted

Apply from the relevant subject area page .

If your application is successful, you'll need to submit the already-published materials – those that you wish to be considered as part of your PhD by publication award – between 6–12 months after registering with us.

Recommended pages

• Undergraduate open days
• Postgraduate open days
• Accommodation
• Information for teachers
• Maps and directions
• Sport and fitness

PhD by Papers

Rather than writing a single book-like thesis examining a single topic, a PhD by Papers gives you the choice of writing a thesis comprising of several separate (though thematically unified) papers, in the style of philosophy journal articles.

Birmingham is one of the first philosophy departments in the UK to offer a PhD by Papers option and, although this style of PhD thesis is very popular at top US departments and offers many advantages for students, it is rare in the UK. The advantages include:

• Ideas don’t always come in book-shaped packages. Our PhD by Papers format recognises that, allowing you greater scope to follow your interests
• If you would like to become an academic philosopher, you will need to publish in philosophical journals, preferably before finishing your PhD. Our PhD by Papers means your work towards publishable papers is always work towards the PhD thesis, improving your academic job prospects along the way

The Department of Philosophy was ranked 1st in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).

PhD by Published Works

Candidates seeking a Doctorate by Published Work must be University of Buckingham graduates or members of staff. Graduates of other universities seeking to obtain a Doctorate by Published Work should contact the university from which they graduated.

The candidate must submit published scholarly work which gives clear proof of a significant and original contribution to the knowledge of the discipline. This contribution should consist of the discovery of new knowledge, or the exercise of a new and independent critical approach, e.g. the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of new theory, or the revision of previously held views. The candidate must show, by means of a 20,000 word commentary on the submitted work and in a viva (oral examination), that they appreciate the relationship of their special work to a wider field of knowledge.

Registration must be for a period of one year, during which time the candidate will have regular supervisions with the Supervisor and be guided in accordance with the same process and provision as if registered for a PhD by research programme.

The degree of PhD by Published Work may be conferred on:

(a) graduates of this university of not less than five years standing;

(b) graduates of another university of not less than five years standing who have also held an appointment as a member of staff of this university for at least two years;

(c) graduates of another university of not less than five years standing who have also held a Fellowship of this university for at least two year.

The degree of Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) by Published Work may be conferred on:

(a) holders of the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS), or equivalent approved medical qualifications, of not less than five years standing who have held an appointment as a member of staff of this university for at least two years;

(b) holders of the degrees of MB BS, or equivalent approved medical qualifications, of not less than five years standing who have held a Fellowship of this university for at least two years.

In the first instance, a person wishing to pursue a Doctorate by Published Work should submit an application through the University website for the PhD in the discipline in which they wish to be considered, including, in place of the usual research proposal, a summary of their published work and an explanation of how it meets the criteria for the award.

This application will be forwarded for consideration to the appropriate Research Officer. If the application is approved, the Research Officer will identify a supervisory team, who will be appointed for a term of 12 months and be responsible for providing assistance to the student in preparing the submission for the degree. The fee shall be equivalent to one year at the typical PhD fee rate.

Further details can be found in the University’s Research Degrees Handbook , Section 1.3.

• Accessibility Tools
• The home of current students
• Academic Life
• Academic Regulations
• Research Guidance

Guide to PhD by Published Work

• Student News
• IT Service Desk
• Study Spaces
• Postgraduate Research
• Students' Union

Guide to PhD/MD by Published Work and Senior Doctorate

1. admission to degree.

Applicants for a PhD by Published Work should meet the general entry conditions for a doctoral level research degree as defined in the Guide to Research Student Admissions .

An applicant will be required to submit a detailed list of published works which they intend to be included in the final submission together with a statement of their contribution to any multi-authored papers/collaborative work to the relevant Executive Dean or nominee.

The applicant must also provide a brief critical summary of the publications to be submitted which contextualises the works, demonstrates the coherence of the works and identifies the contribution to the advancement of knowledge which the works represent. The brief critical summary should also indicate the methodology adopted in the research. The brief critical summary should be no more than one page in length.

The relevant Executive Dean or nominee will reach a decision on whether the applicant should be permitted to register for the degree of PhD by Published Work.

2. Duration of Candidature

A candidate shall be required to complete a minimum period of candidature of six months from the date of enrolment during which the candidate will prepare the submission and critical review under the guidance of an adviser.

All candidates are required to submit for the degree no later than 12 months after the date of enrolment.

3. Definition of Published Work

In order to be eligible for consideration as a “published work”, a piece of work must have been published in such a way as to be generally available for consultation by scholars or other interested persons and must be traceable in ordinary catalogues. All work must have been internationally peer reviewed and must have been published no more than seven years prior to the date of submission.

Examples of eligible published work include, but are not limited to: 

• Academic paper;
• Journal article;
• Technical report;
• Book chapter;
• Scholarly text book;
• A single book.

Electronic works may be considered as eligible, but the candidate should provide evidence that the work will continue to be publicly available for the foreseeable future in the present form.

The published work submitted for the degree must constitute a corpus of publication tending towards a coherent thesis, rather than a series of disconnected publications.

The published work submitted for the degree must be substantially different from any work which may have previously been submitted for any degree at this or any other institution.

The published works should be of a standard equivalent to that of a “traditional” PhD in the relevant academic area and should demonstrate the candidate’s original contribution to knowledge.

4. Quantity of Work

The number of works will depend on both the academic area and the type of published works included in the submission, but the submission should normally comprise between three and ten works. However, the issue of number is subservient to the question of the quality and impact of the output. 

The overall volume of work submitted should be approximately equivalent to a “traditional” PhD (see Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a thesis for research Students for more details on word count).

5. Format of Submission

The work to be submitted shall comprise:

a) An abstract providing a summary of the published work containing all of the main concepts and conclusions of the published work that shall be no more than 300 words in length;

b) A summary sheet listing all of the published work submitted together with a statement of the extent of the candidate’s contribution to multi-authored work, substantiated by all the co-authors;

c) A copy of each publication numbered in accordance with point b) above;

d) A critical review stating the aims and nature of the research, the inter-relationship between the published work and the main contribution and/or addition to learning of the published work;

e) Evidence of the status of all the published work submitted.

The submission should be presented as a single bound volume where possible. Where complete books are presented as part of the submission, these must be provided separately in the original binding. Chapters of books and articles/papers should be presented as reprints and be bound into the main submission. See the Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students for more details on binding conventions.

6. The Critical Review

The critical review should be between 5,000 and 10,000 words in length. The critical review should set the published works in the context of existing literature and should evaluate the contribution that the research in the submitted published works makes in the advancement of the research area. The critical review should indicate the coherence of the works, linking the works to the research methodology adopted by the candidate.

The critical review of the published works is fundamental to the establishment of the coherence and quality of the submission and hence to the case for the award of the degree. 

In particular the critical review should: 

• Show how the works make a significant and coherent contribution to knowledge;
• Provide an assessment of the impact of the works contained in the submission;
• Explain the relevance and criteria for selection of any methodologies used;
• Outline the themes that give the works their defining coherence;
• Clearly state the candidate’s role in all co-­authored works;
• Show how specific publications have been tailored for publication (editing out of experimental data, for example);
• Review any referenced publications which are not presented as part of the submission. 

Particular attention should be paid to ensuring that factors such as availability of raw data from which cited works draw conclusions are fully taken into account in the critical review.

7. Role of Adviser

Every candidate will have an adviser appointed by the candidate’s Executive Dean or nominee. The adviser must be a member of staff at Swansea University. The adviser will support, advise and guide the candidate through the drafting of the critical review and the process of submission and examination of the published work.

The role of the adviser is to:

• Support and advise on the development of the critical review;
• Guide the candidate in relation to the coherence of the body of work to be submitted;
• Offer guidance on the preparation of the oral examination;
• Suggest suitable examiners to the Executive Dean.

8. Assessment

Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work shall be assessed through an oral examination (Viva Voce).

9. Oral Examination

A PhD by Published Work should reflect the same academic standards as those that operate for a PhD based upon an approved programme of supervised research. Examiners should assess the scope and significance of the body of published work and should consider its strengths and weaknesses.

In examining a submission, the examiners should:

• Evaluate the intellectual merit of the candidate’s submitted published work;
• Establish if a satisfactory case is made for coherence between the publications in the critical review;
• Assess the contribution to knowledge represented by the publications and made apparent in the critical review;
• Evaluate the rigour with which the candidate has contextualised and analysed their publications in the critical review;
• Evaluate the appropriateness of the methods employed in the research and the correctness of their application;
• Assess the candidate’s contribution to the research embodied in multi-authored works and establish the candidate’s ‘ownership’ of the published work;
• Establish the candidate’s appreciation of the state of historical and current knowledge within the candidate’s research area.

In some cases the examiners may consider that the works do not contain sufficient detail to allow some of the above judgments to be made. This may particularly be the case for journal articles where a journal’s policy may not allow inclusion of detailed data. This lack of detailed data should be addressed in the critical review accompanying the submission of published work and in the oral examination. Candidates may also include relevant raw data as appendices to the submission.

• The University of Warwick

PhD by Published Work

What we’re looking for.

Competition to join our PhD programme is very strong; you’ll need to demonstrate you have the intellectual capabilities, stamina, drive and commitment to complete a ground-breaking piece of work through independent study.

Academic requirements for our PhD by Published Work  programme:

• Bachelors degree: 1st class (recommended)
• Masters degree: Distinction (recommended) in social sciences, behavioral sciences, or engineering. In exceptional circumstances, we will consider MBAs without a social/behavioural science or engineering background or candidates without a Masters who hold a strong 1st class honours degree supported by a very strong CV and academic references. Decisions on these and other exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• GMAT or GRE score required. No predefined threshold established, score merely to support application.

English Language Requirements

With no more than two at 6.0/6.5, and the rest 7.0+ 

(CEFR level C2) or above

Scoring 60+ with no worse than 3 component results at borderline and 1 at weak

With 51+ in every section

If English is not your first language, you must meet a minimum overall standard in a recognised test of English. You must show a good balance across all sections of the test and it must have been taken within two years of starting the course. We will require your certificates as evidence. 

Educated in the English language?

If you are a non-native speaker of English but have been educated entirely in English for your degree, and completed this within the last two years, this may satisfy the University of your language skills. 

Please note: 

We cannot review individual eligibility before you apply.

Our course selectors only consider applications when submitted complete with all supporting documents. 

For further information please see the  University’s page for English language requirements .

International students

We have a hugely international student body, which makes for a vibrant and interesting campus. We welcome students from outside the UK and value the international perspective they bring. No matter who you are, or where you’re from, you can be a Change Maker. 

Visas 

An offer of a place on a course does not guarantee entry to the UK. You will be issued with appropriate documents to apply for a student visa from the Home Office (UK Visas and Immigration). It is important that you ensure you have an appropriate visa or immigration permission for studying in the UK. All information on Visa and Immigration matters can be found on our  Immigration website . 

• Postgraduate
• Research degrees
• PhD (by Published Work)
• Apply for 2024
• Find a course
• Accessibility

Postgraduate course

Doctor of Philosophy (by Published Work)

This PhD award is a recognition of your previously published research, your work and your knowledge. Immerse yourself in writing a critical review of your chosen specialism and showcasing your passion for your chosen topic. Study on campus or by distance learning.

This PhD option is based on a track record of previous published research, demonstrating a novel and independent contribution to a particular discipline or topic area. The published research may have been produced as part of your practice or time in industry. Depending on the subject area, it might include peer-reviewed academic journal articles, and books, or equivalent published materials from exhibitions or performances. Our expert supervisors will help you select from this body of work and curate a PhD thesis.

Course location York campus or by distance learning

• Duration – 3 months to 1 year, part time
• Start date – February 2025, June 2024, October 2024

Minimum entry requirements

2:1 degree in a related subject

Master's qualification

Tuition fees

UK 2024-25 £2,356 per year full time --> part time

International 2024-25 £6,500 per year full time --> part time

Course overview

This course is not a traditional route to a PhD. Instead it functions as a recognition of your knowledge that has developed throughout your career. You will be assessed on a diverse body of work that has been published in the academic and/or public sphere before the start of this course.

When you choose to study with us, you will gain plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional skills. These could include:

• Gaining teaching experience
• Presenting your research at conferences and events
• Working with the community
• Engaging in networking and knowledge exchange

Professional development and training

During your PhD, you will discuss additional training needs with your supervisory team. Your supervisors will help you identify your strengths and highlight areas for development.

The University delivers a blended training programme that will help you to develop your research and professional skills, enhancing your CV and your employability.

Distance learning

Our PhD is also available by distance learning. Studying by distance learning will enable candidates to work remotely and engage with their supervisor through online meetings.

The PhD by distance learning is available to study full time or part time. Fees, assessment requirements and milestones are the same as PhDs on campus, and so are the expectations of time commitment and supervisory meetings.

Course structure

How you will study.

You will analyse and review the published work you have chosen to be a part of your PhD assessment. You will be expected to obtain ethical approval and coherent chapters for your thesis. During this period you will still be able to present your work at conferences. You will have a formal annual review to ensure your project is progressing.

You will have a final formal review alongside your regular supervisor meetings. At the end of your final phase, you will submit your thesis and undertake your viva voce. During this oral examination you will discuss and critically defend your thesis and research you have previously published. An independent chair and examiners will be present to assess your research and findings.

Each piece of published research should be an original piece, providing novelty and breadth of research, and there should be evidence of rigorous peer-review processes in place for the published works.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications.

2:1 degree in a related subject See full entry requirements including GCSEs

International Students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 7.0 (with no skill below 6.0) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Applying for Doctor of Philosophy (by Published Work)

Alongside the standard PhD entry requirements, you will also need to demonstrate that you can study successfully remotely. This includes showing that you:

• Can conduct your research with the resources available at your study site
• Have access to appropriate IT facilities
• Have the time, commitment and attitude to study successfully off-campus
• Have access to support for study-related disabilities, if appropriate

You will need to agree a commitment statement to confirm these requirements before you enrol.

Fees and funding

Uk 2024 - 2025.

The tuition fee for this PhD in the 2024 - 2025 academic year course is £2,356 for UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Doctoral loans are available to help you pay for your course. Find out more about UK Government Doctoral loans .

More information about funding your PhD is available on our Funding your research degree page.

International 2024 - 2025

The tuition fee for this PhD course is £6,500 in the 2024 - 2025 academic year for international candidates.

More information about funding your PhD is available on our International Fees and Funding page.

International Visa and Immigration

UK 2024-25 £2,356 per year full time --> part time

Additional costs

Depending upon the nature of your research project, a bench fee might be applied as a separate cost to your tuition fee. Bench fees are normally incurred for laboratory consumables and other significant project costs and any goods will remain under the property of the University.

If you have any queries regarding bench fees, please speak to your potential supervisor during the application process.

Any bench fees will be included in your offer letter and if you accept, the charge will be in addition to your tuition fees.

Contact us to discuss your proposal

If you know what subject you want your PhD to be on, or you just want to find out more, contacting a School Postgraduate Research Lead is a great first step.

Our School Postgraduate Research Leads are the right people to talk to about a research degree. They can put you in contact with an academic who is researching a similar subject, and who could be your research supervisor during your course.

School Postgraduate Research Leads

School Postgraduate Research Lead : Claire Hind - [email protected]

Contact Claire if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Drama and theatre
• Music performance and production
• Fine art, illustration and photography
• Media production
• Visual communication

School Postgraduate Research Lead: Dr Emma Clarke - [email protected]  

Contact Emma if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Language and linguistics
• Children, young people and families
• Teaching and education
• Psychology and mental health

School Postgraduate Research Lead:  Robert Edgar -  [email protected]  

Contact Robert if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• History and American studies
• Politics and international relations
• Religion, theology, philosophy and ethics
• English literature and media studies

School Postgraduate Research Lead:  Adam Odell -  [email protected]  

Contact Adam if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Maths and data science
• Computer science
• Biomedical science
• Sport and exercise science
• Health sciences

School Postgraduate Research Lead: Rosie Binfield-Smith - [email protected]

Contact Rosie if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Business and management
• Sociology, criminology and policing
• Accounting, economics and finance
• Tourism, hospitality and events

School Postgraduate Research Lead: Dr Khaled Kesseba -  [email protected]

Contact Khaled if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Management, Business Management and International Business
• Management Studies Research
• Public Health and Global Healthcare Management
• Digital Marketing
• Project Management
• Computer and Data Science

How to apply

• About the University
• Our culture and values
• Academic schools
• Academic dates
• Press office

Our wider work

• Business support
• Work in the community
• Donate or support

Connect with us

York St John University

Lord Mayor’s Walk

[email protected]

01904 624 624

York St John London Campus

6th Floor Export Building

1 Clove Crescent

[email protected]

01904 876 944

• Policies and documents
• Module documents
• Programme specifications
• Quality gateway
• Admissions documents
• Access and Participation Plan
• Freedom of information
• Accessibility statement
• Modern slavery and human trafficking statement

© York St John University 2024

Colour Picker

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Dui id ornare arcu odio.

Felis bibendum ut tristique et egestas quis ipsum. Et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Faucibus pulvinar elementum integer enim neque volutpat ac. Hac habitasse platea dictumst vestibulum rhoncus.

Nec ullamcorper sit amet risus nullam eget felis eget. Eget felis eget nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus.

• PhD by Publication
• Research with us
• Postgraduate Research
• Postgraduate Qualifications Explained
• Culture, Creativity and Belief
• Healthy living and ageing
• Rethinking Society
• Securing Energy, Food and Water
• Understanding Human and Natural Environments
• Understanding the Fundamentals
• What to expect from your PhD
• Application Deadlines
• How to write your research degree proposal
• Latest PhDs and Research Studentships
• How To Apply
• Make An Enquiry
• Find a PhD Supervisor
• Studentships and Stipends
• Stipends and Fee Levels
• Self-Funded PhD Research
• ARIES - Environmental Sciences
• CHASE - Arts and Humanities
• NRPDTP - Biosciences
• Agri-FoRwArdS Researchers
• Critical Decade for Climate Change Leverhulme Doctoral Scholars programme
• EDESIA Supervisors
• Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Research Studentships
• EDESIA FAQs
• EDESIA Case Studies
• MRC DART iCASE - Antimicrobial Resistance
• SENSS - Social Sciences
• Environment
• Funding and how to apply
• Professional Doctorates
• Postgraduate Research Themes
• Master's by Research
• Arts and Humanities Graduate School
• Medicine and Health Graduate School
• Science Graduate School
• Social Sciences Graduate School
• Earlham Institute
• John Innes Centre
• Quadram Institute Bioscience
• The Sainsbury Laboratory
• Training Programme
• Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership
• John Innes Centre /The Sainsbury Laboratory Rotation
• EDESIA - Plants, Food and Health
• University of Suffolk Graduate School
• Training Pathways
• Facilities for Postgraduate Researchers
• Annual Reports
• Meet our Research Students
• New Students FAQs
• Make an enquiry
• How to Apply
• Arts and Humanities Fellowships
• Social Sciences Fellowships
• Science Fellowships
• Archives and Collections Visiting Fellowships
• Meet our Fellows
• Working at UEA
• Performance
• UEA’s AHRC Impact Acceleration Account
• Deictic Communication
• Climate-relevant Ocean Measurements and Processes on the Antarctic Continental Shelf and Slope (COMPASS)
• Social Influence and Disruptive Low Carbon Innovations (SILCI)
• Volcanoes: eruptive style, pre-eruptive evolution and risk (VESPER)
• Global Challenges Research Fund
• Newton Fund
• Quality Related GCRF
• Global Research Translation Award
• Partnerships
• UEA REF21 Impact
• Norwich Research Park
• Research Portal
• Open research: Microfinance misconceptions
• Open research: Brain evolution
• Open research: A royal shipwreck
• Research Culture Timeline
• Research groups and centres

The PhD by Publication is an accelerated, part-time PhD award intended for those who have carried out extensive research over a significant period of time and have a number of publications arising from this work which have already been published in high-quality journals.

This should not be confused with the standard PhD (3-4 years full-time).

If you have any questions about the PhD by Publication degree which are not answered on this page, please email us  or call us .

What should the word length of the submitted publications be?

Where written publications are being submitted as evidence in the application for admission to the PhD by Publication, the total word length of publications when combined with the critical analysis (15,000 words) should be broadly comparable to that of a submission for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, which is typically between 80,000 and 100,000 words. The quality of the journals within which publications have been published will be assessed as part of the application procedure.

Can only standard academic publications be considered?

As well as standard academic or creative publications, for Schools in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, ‘published work’ may include performance, exhibition, installation, media of various kinds as defined in the University’s Award Regulations, provided that it is made available in an appropriate digital or other recorded format.

How is the PhD by Publication assessed?

As well as submitting the published work, candidates for the PhD by Publication need to prepare a critical analysis of around 15,000 words and to undertake an oral examination (viva) on the critical analysis and the published work. The University provides supervisory support for this.

Can it be done in every subject?

UEA currently offer the PhD by Publication within all Schools and Institutes, except for the following:

• The School of Education and Lifelong Learning only accept PhD by Publication applications from current members of UEA staff subject also to further conditions listed on the Course Catalogue  page, in the Entry Requirements section.
• The School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing is not currently accepting any PhD by Publication applications.

How long does it take?

The period of study is six months part-time (0.5FTE), extendable at the discretion of the School or Institute to a maximum of twelve months part-time study.

Who is the PhD by Publication suitable for?

The PhD by Publication may be appropriate for you if:

You have been carrying out research over a long period of time (at least seven years)

This work is already published in high-quality journals (or equivalent as above), forms a coherent programme of research and represents a significant contribution to understanding

You want to seek academic recognition for this work by a doctoral award.

What are the academic requirements of the programme?

The minimum University academic requirement for a PhD by Publication degree is the same as that required for a PhD: you need the equivalent of a 2:1 in a UK Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study. However, depending on which School you are studying in, some may set a higher or more specific entry requirement. If English is not your first language, you may also be asked to provide evidence of proficiency in English language. This will be listed as a condition on your offer letter.

What should I do if I want to apply?

To apply for a PhD by Publication degree, we advise that you take a look at the research areas UEA offers  and then contact at least one potential academic supervisor you would be interested in working with, stating your interest. At this point it would be a good idea to read up on your potential supervisor’s research papers that are related to your interests. You will then be able to fill in an application form which needs to contain your formal research proposal. Take a look at our guidance on how to write a research degree proposal .

• Advanced search
• Faculties and schools
• Services for business
• How to find us
• Undergraduate study
• Postgraduate study
• International students

Home > Research > Research degrees > Available degrees > PhD by prior publication/portfolio

• Research degrees:
• Available degrees
• Why choose a research degree?
• Teaching quality
• Research student facilities
• How to apply
• Research student profiles
• Research student case studies
• Pre-enrolment information
• Available degrees:
• MA and MSc by Research
• PhD by prior publication/portfolio
• Practice-based PhD

A PhD by prior publication/portfolio will typically take one year. The award allows people who have not followed the traditional academic route towards a PhD to obtain academic recognition for having undertaken and produced research, and developed their research skills and subject knowledge to doctoral level. 

This may include people entering higher education in mid-career, especially in practice-based disciplines.   Word length for the PhD thesis varies according to discipline; it will include substantial published work and an introductory section of about 10,000 words. On completion it will be the subject of an oral examination, in which you will show how you have:

• critically investigated your area of research; and
• made an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

Further guidance is available in our PhD by prior publication/portfolio guidelines (PDF).

Students applying to the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment or the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry should also read the additional subject-specific guidance:  SEC PhD publication guidelines for PhD by prior publication /portfolio (PDF)

• For queries relating to research degree admissions, contact the relevant faculty .
• For non-admissions enquiries regarding research programmes, email Rachel Graham .
• How to get to Kingston University
• About research at Kingston
• Coronavirus research and support
• News and events
• Policies and guides
• Research and enterprise
• Research showcase
• Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
• Vacancies and studentships

Find a researcher >

Research repository >

How to apply >

Research student profiles >

Research degrees by faculty.

• Kingston School of Art
• Business and Social Sciences
• Health, Science, Social Care and Education
• Engineering,  Computing  and the Environment
• Website accessibility
• Website feedback
• Freedom of Information
• Wider Information Set
• Privacy Notice
• Charitable status

Kingston University , Holmwood House, Grove Crescent, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE . Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 9000

• PhD by Publication – Explained
• Types of Doctorates

Introduction

Obtaining a PhD by publication is relatively uncommon in higher education. It can, however, be especially useful for established researchers who have published work but don’t yet have a PhD. This article gives information on exactly what a PhD by publication is, how it works and what the advantages and disadvantages are. Read on to learn more.

What is a PhD by Publication?

A PhD by publication is a doctoral degree awarded to a person who has several peer-reviewed publications that have been put together as separate ‘chapters’, contributing to a unified research theme within a specific field.

This format typically consists of a significant introductory chapter, up to 10,000 words, similar to a traditional thesis, followed by around five published research papers and a final chapter to bring things to a conclusion. Although these papers will be separate bodies of work, it’s important that they’re connected along one research theme.

This route to PhD can be attractive to researchers that have published a lot in their academic career but have not followed the traditional PhD path. It helps them gain recognition for their contributions to their research field and recognition that the work they have done has been of a doctoral level without having to write a separate PhD thesis.

A PhD by publication is awarded following a  viva (also known as an oral examination) with examiners, similar to the process of a traditional PhD.

What are the Advantages?

A clear advantage of a PhD by publication is that you’re submitting a portfolio of work that has already gone through extensive peer review. This means that by the time you come to defend your work at a viva, it’s much easier. For example, the questions your examiners may ask you could be very similar to the questions you were asked by your reviewers during your paper publication phase and so you will already have prepared suitable responses to these.

Another advantage of this route is that it’s a much quicker way of obtaining a PhD degree; traditional PhD programmes take between three and four years from registration to completion whereas you can get a PhD by publication within one year of registration with the University, assuming that you enrol on this degree having already published all the papers that you will include in your portfolio of work. The shorter duration means that you often will only have to pay for one year of University fees, meaning that this approach is cheaper than a traditional method. It’s often possible that you can work any part-time job alongside preparing your publication portfolio for viva examination submission.

What are the Disadvantages?

Not all research fields or questions are suitable for a PhD by publication. In some cases, it may be necessary to design, set up and run a new PhD project in the field, recording the generation of further data. Additionally, it may be difficult to expand upon your previous publications and explore different research ideas as you put together your portfolio of papers. As this approach is a relatively uncommon way to get a PhD, some institutions may be unfamiliar or not set up to facilitate a PhD by publication. While the final viva examination will be the same as that in a traditional PhD, there is always the risk that some examiners may not see this publication route as being a ‘real’ PhD.

You’re also likely to miss out on some other aspects of PhD life by going down the publication route, including opportunities to teach or supervise undergraduate students and the experience of working within a research lab alongside other PhD students.

How Long Does a PhD by Publication Take?

You should expect a PhD by publication to take six months to one year to obtain from your point of registration with a UK University. This is on the basis that you have already published work for all the material that you would plan to include within your PhD portfolio, or that it is currently going through the review process. This approach is shorter than pursuing a traditional PhD, which typically takes between three and four years as a full-time student.

What is the Application Process?

You apply using the standard process required by the university to enrol, in the same way as the traditional route of a PhD. In addition, however, you will be asked to submit a portfolio of your prior publication track record and a supporting statement outlining the work of these existing publications, detailing how they tell a coherent story with the relevant subject area you’re applying to. You won’t need to submit a formal PhD research proposal as most, if not all, of the research should already have been completed.

Do you have Supervision?

Yes, in the same way that a traditional PhD student will have a primary supervisor to oversee your project. The role of the supervisor will be to help you establish a clear narrative for the theme you’re putting together of your publications, offering critical appraisal where necessary.

He or she will advise you on how to structure the introductory and concluding bodies of work that are required before you submit your portfolio for external examination and viva. Remember that the supervisor is there to advise and not tell you how to structure your dissertation; this is the same for any research student doing a standard PhD.

With this researcher-supervisor relationship, your options may be open in terms of whether you need to be based at the University in person or if you choose to work remotely as a distance learning student, communicating with your supervisor over email or video calls.

How does Assessment Work?

The body of work that you submit will be read and assessed by two examiners that are experts within your subject area of research. This will be followed by the viva examination with the two examiners, in line with the conventional PhD approach. To be awarded this research degree you will need to demonstrate that your work has made an original contribution to furthering the subject knowledge within your field.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Much Does It Cost?

As a PhD by publication usually takes about a year to complete, most universities typically charge a fee equivalent to one year of PhD study. The exact amount will vary depending on the University, but usually, the tuition fee will be around  £4,500  for one year for UK and EU students, and considerably more if you are an international student. It’s challenging to secure funding for these types of PhD degrees and you will find that you’re unlikely to be eligible for financial support from research councils or other routes of funding.

What Kind of Publications Can I use in my Portfolio?

Universities will have specific guidance about factors such as how many publications you can include in your portfolio and there may be some restrictions on when they should have been published. Typically, you will include 5 publications in your submission to your PhD examiners, but this can in some circumstances be as low as 3 or 4 or as high as 10 separate papers. Most often these will be in the form of  journal articles accepted by peer reviewed journals but can also include published book chapters, scientific or technical reports that have been published or other forms of publication that have gone through a level of peer review.

A PhD by publication is a good way for you to graduate with a doctorate if you enter this research programme having already published several academic papers on a single research theme. You need to demonstrate that you have made a significant contribution to your field through previous research. At this stage it is likely to be the cheapest and fastest route to gaining a PhD. However, applicants should be mindful when they apply that it may be challenging to secure funding for this.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Study Postgraduate

Phd by published work (warwick medical school) (2024 entry).

Course code

See course overview

Flexible (depending on the duration of the admissions process)

1 year full-time

Qualification

Warwick Medical School

University of Warwick

Find out more about our PhD by Published Work course.

Our PhD by Published Work is open to individuals who have already undertaken a portfolio of published research to the standard of a PhD. Warwick Medical School is home to outstanding expertise, with guidance from an academic adviser you will complete and present your published work.

Course overview

An academic advisor will provide guidance on the presentation of your published work and the writing of a covering document linking the publications together.

Your submission should include further contextual information regarding the publications, including, but not limited to, the profile of journals that articles have been published in, the number of citations, and their significance to the field.

Course codes

• Medical Sciences: P-A34P
• Health Sciences: P-B91P
• Clinical education: P-B91F
• Medicine: P-A31P
• Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research: P-B92K
• Nursing: P-B718
• Healthcare: P-B717
• Health and Social Studies: P-L4PC

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree or Merit in Master’s degree.

Please also see our consideration and application process information on the Warwick Medical School website Link opens in a new window .

Further information on entry requirements is also found on the University webpages: PHD by Published work Link opens in a new window

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.
• Overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 and minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

(The above depending on the course title).

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

Two academic references

Our research

Any relevant health-related published research.

Full details of our research interests  are listed on the Warwick Medical School website. Read more about our research strategy, research centres and research programmes.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

Explore our Warwick Medical School List of Approved Supervisors to where you will be able to search by research interests.

You should initially approach a suitable Academic Advisor (supervisor) from this list to discuss their work and to see if they would be willing to provide guidance on the presentation of the proposed Thesis for submission.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website .

Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Established in 2000, Warwick Medical School (WMS) forms part of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine at the University of Warwick. Alongside a range of educational opportunities, WMS has a reputation for research excellence, investigating solutions to significant global health challenges.

Find out more about us on our website Link opens in a new window

Our Graduate Entry Undergraduate course

• Medicine (MBChB - Graduate Entry Undergraduate Course)

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Advanced Clinical Practice (Critical Care) (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
• Advanced Clinical Practice (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
• Diabetes (PGDip/PGCert)
• Health Research (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
• Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research (MSc)
• Medical Education (MMedEd/PG Dip/PGCert)
• Pre-Hospital Critical Care (PGCert)
• Public Health (MPH/PGDip/PGCert)

Our Postgraduate Online courses

• Clinical Research - iheed (PGCert/PGDip/MSc)
• Diabetes Care - iheed (PGDip/MSc)
• Healthcare Leadership - iheed (/PGCert/PGDip/MSc)
• Medical Education for Health Professionals - iheed (/PGCert/PGDip/MSc)
• Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health - iheed (PGCert/PGDip/MSc)
• Public Health - iheed (MPH)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• MD Doctor of Medicine
• MSc by Research (at Warwick Medical School)
• PhD (at Warwick Medical School)
• PhD by Published Work

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted Events Link opens in a new window

Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

Page updates

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

What are you looking for?

​​Engineering MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works​​

• Courses by subject

Postgraduate

MPhil Full Time (on and off-site): 12 months – 3 years MPhil Part Time (on and off-site): 30 months – 5 years PhD Full Time (on and off-site): 2 – 4 years PhD Part Time (on and off-site): 3 – 6 years PhD by Published Works Part Time (on and off-site): 1 – 2 years

October, March

See Fees and Funding

Fees International

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

[email protected] 0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

[email protected] +44 (0)1604 893981

Pursuing a MPhil/ PhD/ PhD by Published works in Engineering is embarking on a quest to become a pioneer in a domain that is pivotal to society’s progress through creative innovation and adept problem-solving.

This rigorous academic and research-oriented path allows research students to immerse themselves in their selected area of engineering, whether it’s civil, mechanical, electrical or another.

More than a mere academic accolade, a MPhil/ PhD/ PhD by Published works in Engineering is a gateway to participating in the forefront of technology and eco-friendly practices that tackle global issues, from sustainable energy and environmental conservation to medical breakthroughs.

These Engineering programmes empower scholars with the expertise to conduct intricate research, forge new engineering techniques, and make substantial contributions to their field’s evolution. Our research unfolds within our Research Institutes, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that transcends traditional engineering boundaries.​ ​ ​

The application deadline for the October intake is 1 August, and for the March intake, it’s 11 December.

Updated 23/04/2024

• ​​Exceptional guidance in research to foster and enhance your potential.
• ​Tailored supervision designed to meet your specific needs.
• ​Approachable mentors eager to collaborate closely with postgraduate research students.
• ​Scheduled consistent consultations with your supervisor.
• An inclusive ‘open door’ ethos for all postgraduate students, providing instant access to world-leading researchers who are eager to impart their knowledge and insights.
• ​Frequent collaborative sessions with your supervisory team, your research cohort, and experienced advisors.​

Course Content

Embarking on this Engineering MPhil/PhD/ PhD by Published works programme offers a unique opportunity to hone your expertise and elevate your technical prowess. Collaborating with our world-class team of researchers, you will engage in groundbreaking research, devising innovative solutions to pressing societal and industrial challenges. As you navigate the intricacies of research project development, our Engineering PhD programme ensures a solid foundation for your journey to becoming a distinguished researcher. You will receive extensive training encompassing a broad spectrum of skills, from general and discipline-specific to project-oriented training, complemented by instruction in communication, research methodologies, and specialised knowledge. This comprehensive educational approach empowers you to undertake your research endeavours with confidence and autonomy.

The Engineering PhD programme is designed to foster a vibrant community of researchers, offering abundant networking opportunities with peers and prospective employers at both national and international forums. Participation in research initiatives sponsored by our industrial partners further enriches your experience. Upon completion, you will be well-equipped to pursue roles in research and development within various industries, advance to an academic vocation, or ascend to managerial positions in the business sector.

The triumph of our research endeavours is intrinsically tied to the success of our research programmes. Our research groups collaborate with the Graduate School to cultivate an exemplary research environment for our students. Upholding the highest standards of research program delivery remains our topmost commitment, ensuring that our students’ academic pursuits are met with unparalleled support and resources.

​​Candidates are expected to hold a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in engineering or science, or possess a suitable MSc degree or an equivalent international qualification.

​Those with qualifications of a lower level or in a different field may still be considered, provided they have pertinent experience. Evaluation will be conducted on a case-by-case basis.

​Furthermore, an interview is a mandatory step in the selection process for all prospective candidates.

​English Language Requirements 

To enrol in this course, international students must verify their proficiency in English. It’s essential to establish that your English language skills meet the minimum threshold of an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each section, particularly in writing. Please note, applications presenting an IELTS score below 5.5 in any of the components will unfortunately not be eligible for consideration.

​All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

• ​Achieving a successful interview outcome with the university.
• ​Securing appropriate research supervision and support. ​

To discover more about the application process, including how to locate a prospective supervisor and the necessary documentation, please refer to our How to Apply page for further details.​

Doctor of Philosophy degrees , including Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) practice based in the Arts, Master of Philosophy (MPhil):

UK Students

• Full time: £5,340
• Part time: £2,695

International Students

• Full time: £15,480.00
• Part Time: £7,245

Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works , including Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works:

• UK part time: £3,400
• International part time: £7,460

Please visit the funding page   for more details on how to fund your study.

What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?  

​The key difference between a conventional PhD and a PhD by Published Works is the method of obtaining the degree. A PhD by Published Works offers a condensed, part-time route tailored for individuals who have amassed significant research over time. Such candidates possess a collection of published works stemming from their research, which are recognized in esteemed venues or scholarly journals.

Conversely, a traditional PhD, also known as a full PhD, adheres to the standard path of doctoral education. It spans various fields of study. Earning a full PhD entails conducting original, independent research. The zenith of this academic endeavor is the development of a detailed thesis that presents the research outcomes and the scholar’s contributions to their field.

​Is an ATAS certificate necessary for me?

​As a researcher planning to visit or currently residing in the UK with a visa, securing an ATAS certificate may be necessary prior to initiating any pertinent research endeavors. It is your responsibility to ascertain whether ATAS clearance is required for your activities.

​Possession of an ATAS clearance certificate is imperative for the application of your sponsored visa. ​ ​For additional information, consult the ATAS guidance on the UK government’s official website .​

Upcoming Open Days

Open Days give you the best experience and insight to courses, people and facilities that interest you. Make your choice easier and come meet us.

Michael Opoku Agyeman

Professor of Computer Engineering

Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Associate Professor in Engineering

Friedemann Schaber

Senior Lecturer in Product Design

Douglas Mills

Senior Lecturer - Engineering

Nawar Al-Esawi

Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering

Stefan Kaczmarczyk

Professor of Applied Mechanics

Mohammad Ghaleeh

Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering & Design

Jonathan Adams

Abdeldjalil Bennecer

Shafqat Rasool

Mark Johnson

Senior Lecturer - Computing

Mahmoud Moradi

Careers and employability.

​The engineering field offers boundless career prospects, with professionals thriving in diverse sectors such as public service, healthcare, construction, defense, telecommunications, education, finance, and production. Renowned for their eloquence, numerical proficiency, and problem-solving prowess, engineers often report high levels of job fulfillment, competitive salaries, and a vast spectrum of vocational opportunities. Engineering graduates usually enjoy salaries that are considerably above the average when compared to all other graduates.​

Related Courses

Engineering BSc (Hons)

Our Engineering course will give you the foundations, key principles and professional skills you need in modern engineering and related industries.

Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) / MEng

Your degree, your way. Opt to take a placement year or maybe add the integrated postgraduate year and open up a range of engineering careers. Apply today.

Engineering (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Our Engineering course will build on your previous studies at HND or FdSc level to give you the foundations and professional skills you need in modern engineering.

Lift Engineering MSc

This MSc course will benefit lift engineers and consultants as well as members of senior management in the lift industry.

Is this course for you?

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Carers and disability benefits

Disability Benefits system to be overhauled as consultation launched on Personal Independence Payment

Government to reform disability benefits system to ensure they’re targeted at those most in need.

• Consultation to be published today on proposals to move away from fixed cash benefit system towards tailored support
• Comes as over 2.6 million people of working age now receiving  PIP  with monthly new claims almost doubling since 2019

Plans to make the disability benefits system fit for the future and overhaul the “one size fits all” approach are set to be published today (Monday 29 April), following the Prime Minister’s speech which set out the government’s wide-ranging ambitions for welfare reform.   

The Modernising Support Green Paper will explore how our welfare system could be redesigned to ensure people with disabilities and long-term health conditions get the support they need to achieve the best outcomes, with an approach that focuses support on those with the greatest needs and extra costs.

The UK’s health landscape has changed since Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) was introduced in 2013 with the intention that it would be a more sustainable benefit that would support disabled people to live independently by helping with the extra costs they face. 

However, the caseload and costs are now spiralling. There are now 2.6 million people of working age claiming  PIP  and  DLA  – with 33,000 new awards for  PIP  each month which is more than double the rate before the pandemic. This is expected to cost the taxpayer £28 billion a year by 2028/29 – a 110% increase in spending since 2019.

This is in part fuelled by the rise in people receiving  PIP  for mental health conditions such as mixed anxiety and depressive disorders, with monthly awards doubling from 2,200 to 5,300 a month since 2019. 

Since 2015, the proportion of the caseload receiving the highest rate of PIPhas increased from 25% to 36%. And many more people being awarded PIPnow have mental health conditions than when it was first introduced.  

In line with the wider reforms to ensure the welfare system is fair and compassionate, the Modernising Support Green Paper proposals centre on targeting and improving the support for those who need it most.

These ideas include removing the  PIP  assessment altogether for people with certain long term health conditions or disabilities, including those with terminal illnesses to reduce bureaucracy and make life easier for those most in need of support.

By more accurately targeting support, we will ensure the large scale of government expenditure on  PIP  translates into better outcomes for disabled people and those with health conditions. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

It’s clear that our disability benefits system isn’t working in the way it was intended, and we’re determined to reform it to ensure it’s sustainable for the future, so we can continue delivering support to those who genuinely need it most.

Today’s Green Paper marks the next chapter of our welfare reforms and is part of our plan to make the benefits system fairer to the taxpayer, better targeted to individual needs and harder to exploit by those who are trying to game the system.

We’re inviting views from across society to ensure everyone has a chance to make their voices heard and shape our welfare reforms.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:   

We’re making the biggest welfare reforms in a generation – protecting those most in need while supporting thousands into work as we modernise our benefit system to reflect the changing health landscape.

A decade on from the introduction of  PIP , this Green Paper opens the next chapter of reform, enhancing the support for people with health conditions and disabilities while ensuring the system is fair to the taxpayer.

The Green Paper sets out proposals across three key priorities to fundamentally reform the system:

Making changes to the eligibility criteria for  PIP , so it is fairer and better targeted

Through previous consultations, we have been told that the criteria currently used in assessments do not always fully reflect how a disability or health condition impacts on a person’s daily life. The criteria have changed over time and no longer capture these different impacts as originally intended.

We will consider whether the current thresholds for entitlement correctly reflect the need for ongoing financial support. This includes considering if current descriptors - such as the need for aids and appliances - are good indicators of extra costs.

We will also look at changing the qualifying period for  PIP  in order to ensure the impact that people’s conditions will have on them over time is fully understood and consider whether we should change the test used to determine if a condition is likely to continue long-term.

Reforming the  PIP  assessment so that it is more closely linked to a person’s condition and exploring removing assessment entirely for those most in need.

PIP  is over a decade old and a lot has changed since the assessment was developed. We know some people continue to find  PIP  assessments difficult and repetitive, and view the assessment as too subjective.

We will consider whether some people could receive  PIP  without needing an assessment by basing entitlement on specific health conditions or disabilities supported by medical evidence.

This includes looking at whether evidence of a formal diagnosis by a medical expert should be a requirement to be assessed as eligible for  PIP . This will make it easier and quicker for people with severe or terminal conditions to get the vital support they need.

We will explore alternative approaches to ensure people are given the right help to fulfil their potential and live independently. The UK has used a fixed cash transfer system since the 1970s but there are a number of international systems that look at the specific extra costs people have and provide more tailored support instead.

For example, in New Zealand, the amount of Disability Allowance is based on a person’s extra costs which are verified by a health practitioner. Norway’s Basic Benefit requires people to provide a letter from a GP outlining the nature of their condition and the associated extra costs. 

We are considering options including one-off grants to better help people with significant costs such as home adaptations or expensive equipment, as well as giving vouchers to contribute towards specific costs, or reimbursing claimants who provide receipts for purchases of aids, appliances or services.

This reflects the fact that some claimants will have significant extra costs related to their disability, and others will have minimal or specific costs.

While these alternative models help people with the extra costs of their disability or health condition, we know other forms of support including health care, social services care provision and respite are also important to help people to realise their full potential and live independently.

We are also considering whether some people receiving  PIP  who have lower, or no extra costs, may have better outcomes from improved access to treatment and support than from a cash payment.

Andy Cook, Chief Executive of the Centre for Social Justice, said:

Our landmark Two Nations report laid bare the lasting impact of the pandemic on our nation’s most vulnerable communities.

With the welfare system now grappling with the combined challenges of economic inactivity, school absence and mental health, this consultation provides a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of Britain’s welfare state.

We owe it to those most struggling to make sure the benefit system provides the best support to those who need it. And with costs skyrocketing, it is time to bring the welfare system into the post-lockdown age.

The Green Paper is the latest of the government’s welfare reforms to ensure disabled people and people with long-term health conditions can live full and independent lives. It builds on last year’s Health and Disability White Paper and the £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan which will break down barriers to work for over one million people.  

The Government is also delivering the largest expansion in mental health services in a generation, with almost £5 billion of extra funding over the past five years, and a near doubling of mental health training places.

Our reforms to the Work Capability Assessment are expected to reduce the number of people put onto the highest tier of incapacity benefits by 424,000, people who will now receive personalised support to prepare for work, while our Chance to Work Guarantee will mean people can try work without fear of losing their benefits. 

Further Information

• The consultation can be found here: Modernising support for independent living: the health and disability green paper - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• This consultation will be open for 12 weeks and we are inviting views from across society to ensure everyone has a chance to shape the modernisation of the welfare system. The findings of the consultation, which closes on Tuesday 23 July, will inform future reforms.
• The UK Government is committed to improving the lives of disabled people and people with long-term health conditions in all parts of the UK.
• In Wales, Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) is the responsibility of the UK Government.
• In Northern Ireland,  PIP  is transferred and is the responsibility of the Department for Communities.
• In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment ( ADP ) has replaced  PIP  and is the responsibility of the Scottish Government. The transfer of existing Scottish  PIP  claimants from  DWP  to Social Security Scotland started in summer 2022 and will continue until 2025.
• We will continue to work with the Devolved Administrations to consider the implications of the proposals in this Green Paper in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

• Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
• Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.