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A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. 

It normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is also possible to undertake a PhD part time, over five to six years.

The main activity of a PhD is to carry out an original research project under the direction of one or more supervisors, to be written up as a thesis.

Different routes to achieving a PhD

There are a number of ways to achieving a PhD at Imperial:

• by undertaking a course of study based on your own research proposal
• by joining a research project that comes with funding attached (known as a studentship)
• by combining it with Master's study in an integrated route that typically lasts four years

Pursuing your own research idea

To search for PhD opportunities based on your own research proposal you first need to identify a research group within Imperial whose area of expertise best matches your idea.

Use the links below to search the different PhD opportunities within our academic departments, centres and institutes. This includes information about current studentships and often guidance on finding a supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach means our expertise often spans departmental boundaries – and so do our courses – so you may find opportunities in an unexpected area of the university.

Faculty of Engineering

• Aeronautics
• Bioengineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• School of Design Engineering
• Earth Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Medicine

• Department of Brain Sciences
• Department of Immunology and Inflammation
• Department of Infectious Disease
• Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
• Department of Surgery and Cancer
• National Heart and Lung Institute
• School of Public Health

Faculty of Natural Sciences

• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Centre for Environmental Policy

Imperial College Business School

• Doctoral programme

Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication

• PhD in Arabic, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish Studies
• PhD in science communication studies

Global Challenge institutes

We have six Global Challenge institutes, which were created to address some of society's biggest challenges.

If you have an idea for a PhD that falls within the remit of one of our Global Challenge institutes please contact them directly to discuss before making a formal application.

• Data Science Institute
• Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment
• Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering
• Institute for Security Science and Technology
• Institute of Global Health Innovation

Energy Futures Lab  does not offer PhD programmes, but does deliver the  MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures .

Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies | Imperial College London-Technical University of Munich

We have recently formed  a strategic partnership in education, research and innovation  with the Technical University of Munich, one of Germany’s most international and entrepreneurial universities, producing highly ranked research, like Imperial, in science, engineering and medicine.

As part of the partnership, Imperial and TUM have launched a 'Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies' with the aim of co-developing cross-disciplinary clusters of PhD students who will have access to world-leading academic supervisors and state-of-the art facilities at both institutions.

The first round of the programme will focus on the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Robotics'.

Find out more about the Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies and apply

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Guide to PhD study

A PhD is a research degree where you spend a significant amount of time investigating and analysing your chosen topic. Find out who will supervise you and the typical structure of a PhD at Sussex.

PhD, Integrated PhD or MPhil?

• A PhD usually takes four years full time and up to six years part time. You conduct a piece of research that makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field. You graduate with the degree title Doctor of Philosophy.
• An Integrated PhD takes up to five years full time and eight years part time. It includes an initial year of rigorous training in the research skills needed to become a skilled practitioner. You'll need to satisfactorily complete all the required elements in the first year in order to progress to the research phase of the PhD.
• An MPhil typically takes three years full time and four years part time. You still conduct an independent piece of research but in less depth than with a PhD. You graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. If you choose an MPhil, you might be able to change to a PhD during your studies.

Who supervises me during my PhD?

You are matched with two supervisors or a supervisory team experienced in the field of your research interests.

They help you to refine your research project and produce a realistic research plan.

You need to work well independently to complete a PhD, as your supervisors will not tell you exactly what to read or how to design and carry out work on your thesis.

Search for faculty members on our PhD prospectus

What is the typical structure of a PhD?

Plan your research.

In your first year, after your induction and meetings with your supervisors, you write a detailed research plan.

For some research projects, you may need to gain ethical approval before any fieldwork or data collection can start.

Your supervisor will advise you on this.

Complete your annual review and progress reports

Each year you submit a report outlining your progess to your supervisors. This is called the annual review.

In your report, you need to show a suitable amount of progression in order to continue with your PhD.

Your supervisors also write a report on your progress.

Write your thesis

You need to write up your research in a thesis. After your third year (if you are doing a full-time PhD), you may be able to apply for a writing-up year.

You can only apply for a writing-up year if you have finished conducting your formal research and your supervisors agree to this.

This is called pre-submission status and you need to pay a reduced fee. If you have pre-submission status, you can spend an extra year writing up your research.

Submit your thesis

You submit the thesis to be reviewed by two examiners with expertise in your area of research.

Usually, your work is reviewed by one University of Sussex examiner and one external examiner.

Complete your viva

After the examiners have reviewed your written thesis, you have a viva (oral exam).

During the viva, the examiners ask you questions about your research.

Make corrections

After the viva, the examiners may ask you to make some changes to your thesis (known as corrections).

You must make these corrections before you can graduate.

When you've passed your viva and made any corrections to your PhD thesis, you are awarded with the degree title Doctor of Philosophy.

Graduate visa route

The government’s Graduate visa route allows you to work in the UK after you graduate for three years, if you are a PhD student.

Learn more about working as a graduate on the Student Hub .

Part-time PhD study

The majority of our PhD degrees can be studied part time.  See our PhD prospectus to find out if we offer your PhD part-time

You have full access to campus facilities, although we don’t offer University-managed accommodation to part-time students.

Find out more about fees for PhD students

Distance learning

If you’re a PhD candidate with a job in your own country and you can’t attend full time in the UK for the whole period of study, you may be able to register as an independent distant student. 

You might also be interested in:

• how to apply for a PhD
• PhD scholarships
• PhD degrees

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments.

A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research.

In most faculties, a candidate is expected to have completed one year of postgraduate study, normally on a research preparation master's course, prior to starting a PhD.

Completion normally requires three or four years of full-time study, or at least five years of part-time study, including a probationary period.

Terms of research are normally consecutive and, for full-time students, require residency in Cambridge. Not all departments offer part-time research degrees.

Various routes to the PhD are possible and, if you are made an offer of admission, it will be made clear whether you are required to study for a master's degree or certificate in the first instance, or will be admitted directly to the probationary year for the PhD. You are registered for the PhD only after a satisfactory progress assessment at the end of the probationary year (five terms for part-time degrees). The assessment is designed also to focus your mind on the stages necessary for the completion of your research within the normal time limit and to address any structural problems that have arisen during the first year. Students must pass the first year assessment in order to continue their PhD study.

During your PhD, your effort will be focused on writing a dissertation. The word count of the dissertation is dependent on the department and the Student Registry or Educational Student Policy will be able to tell you the maximum word limit. This must represent a significant contribution to learning, for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views, and must take account of previously published work on the subject. Some Cambridge dissertations go on to form the basis of significant publications.

Although you will spend long hours working independently, your department and College will both support you throughout your PhD. You are also able to attend regular seminars in your subject area and could be involved in teaching, perhaps giving seminars or supervising, or in the social life of your department and College.

PhD course search

Go to the Course Directory and filter courses using the relevant checkboxes.

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What is a PhD?

As the highest degree level achievable at university, completing a PhD shows that you've made a meaningful new contribution to your chosen research field

PhDs at a glance

• Involves three or four years of full-time study, or up to seven part time.
• Typically undertaken after achieving a Masters degree.
• Can either be funded or self-funded.
• Assessed through a written thesis and oral exam.
• Many Doctoral graduates choose to pursue an academic or research career.

What is the meaning of PhD?

The term PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'philosophiae doctor'.

A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis.

While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are almost always assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in their independent research project.

How long is a PhD in the UK?

Full-time PhDs usually last for three or four years, while part-time PhDs can take up to six or seven. However, the thesis deadline can be extended by up to four years at the institution's discretion. Indeed, many students who enrol on three-year PhDs only finish their thesis in their fourth year.

While most PhD studentships begin in September or October, both funded and self-funded PhDs can be undertaken at any point during the year.

If you're planning on studying for a PhD abroad, take a look at our individual country profiles .

Do I need a Masters to do a PhD?

The majority of institutions require PhD candidates to possess a Masters degree , plus a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above. However, some universities demand only the latter, while self-funded PhD students or those with significant professional experience may also be accepted with lower grades.

You may need to initially register for a one or two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Master of Research (MRes) degree rather than a PhD. If you make sufficient progress, you and your work will then be 'upgraded' to a PhD programme. If not, you may be able to graduate with a Masters degree.

If you need an MPhil or MRes before enrolling on your PhD, search Masters degrees .

What does a PhD involve?

A standard PhD degree is typically split into three stages. A three-year PhD may follow this pattern:

• First year - You'll meet with your supervisor to discuss your research proposal and agree an action plan with deadlines. You'll then complete your literature review, in which you'll evaluate and critique existing works to inform the direction of your project and ensure that your research will be original.
• Second year - Your focus will shift to gathering results and developing your thesis, and potentially begin writing chapters of your thesis. You may also present your results and ideas at academic conferences, gain teaching experience, collaborate with other students on similar projects, communicate the benefits of your research to the general public through workshops, lectures and presentations, or submit work for publication in an academic journal or book.
• Third year - Primarily involves writing your thesis, though your research may still be in progress. After your supervisor gives their approval, you'll submit your thesis before undertaking a one to three-hour oral exam ( viva voce ) in which you'll discuss and defend your thesis in the presence of at least one internal and external examiner.

How do I find a PhD?

As a PhD is different to other degrees, you're committing to more than simply an advanced qualification. You've chosen to engage in a large-scale independent research project and so you'll need to take into account a range of factors that will drive your search.

A methodical approach to the process is required and you'll need to consider the subject you're interested in carrying out research in and the type of Doctorate you're looking for, making sure this is the right project for you. Only when you're fully prepared and have a good idea of your research proposal should you search for PhD opportunities .

What other types of Doctorate are there?

Alternative types of PhD include:

• Higher Doctorate - These are usually granted on the recommendation of a committee of internal and external examiners, which assesses a portfolio of published, peer-reviewed research you've undertaken over the course of many years. This type of Doctorate is usually for those with several years of academic experience. Common award titles include the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL), Doctor of Divinity (DD), Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD/LittD), Doctor of Music (DMus/MusD), Doctor of Science (DS/SD/DSc/ScD) and Doctor of Law (LLD).
• Integrated/New Route PhD - This four-year PhD course is offered by over 30 universities and involves taking a one-year MRes before studying a three-year PhD. It combines taught elements with independent research, allowing students to learn different methodologies while building their transferable skills.
• Professional Doctorate - Geared towards students of vocational subjects such as medicine, education and engineering, professional Doctorates are focused on teaching and so normally involve smaller research projects and thesis component. They're often favoured by those aiming for a career outside of academia and are usually supported by employers.

How much does a PhD cost?

Tuition fees vary, but usually fall between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students and those from the European Union (EU) with settled status. UK Research Councils pay universities £4,596 per year (from 2022/23) on behalf of each funded PhD student, so this gives a good indication of the average figure.

For EU students looking to pursue a Doctorate in 2022/23, you'll need to have gained settled or pre-settled status to be eligible for student finance - see PhD loans .

Non-EU students may pay considerably more for their tuition fees.

Despite this, many PhD students are now part or fully funded - scholarships and bursaries are widely available, and particular attention should be paid to Research Council grants .

PhD studentships and assistantships involving a mixture of research and teaching are also common, with scientific studentships usually paid at a higher rate.

How do I apply for a PhD?

Some students propose their own research area and apply for funding, while in some cases a supervisor may already have funding for a project and advertise it like a job. When making a PhD application, you'll typically be asked to submit:

• an academic CV
• your academic transcripts
• two or three academic references
• a personal statement
• a research proposal.

International students without settled UK status looking to study certain courses in medicine, mathematics, engineering and material sciences are required to comply with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) . This involves undergoing a security clearance process with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. International students may also have to prove their English proficiency.

What can I do next?

Your ability to critically analyse, display intellectual maturity, and research independently and honestly is highly valued within academia and the workplace.

Many students who undertake a PhD get an academic job or become an industry researcher, possibly following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.

Other career options will depend on your study area.

Discover what a PhD degree can lead to at your PhD, what next?

Find out more

• Consider your PhD options at 5 routes to getting a Doctorate .
• Get help with choosing your PhD supervisor .
• Explore funding postgraduate study .

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PhD Structure

A full-time PhD generally runs for three years and your study will take place within a demanding and rigorous research environment.

Your initial registration is as MPhil/PhD under the supervision of an academic team. You will be expected to transfer to full PhD registration around the mid-point of your project, depending on your performance.

Progression through the programme

We have a monitoring and assessment process (including regular report writing and oral examinations) to ensure the successful progress of our postgraduates through their PhD studies. We encourage our postgraduates to present their work at international conferences, and journal and conference publications can be submitted as part of the monitoring and assessment process. The PhD degree itself is examined by thesis and viva examination.

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PhD programme

The School of English is an ideal place to pursue PhD research. Our experts specialise in literature, language, linguistics, theatre, film and creative writing, and the interdisciplinary nature of the School provides unique opportunities for cross-departmental and collaborative research.

The PhD programme in the School of English is a course of supervised independent research, leading to a thesis of around 75,000 words, and culminating in an oral examination (a viva). It will take you three to three and a half years to complete a full-time PhD programme with us; part-time study lasts from six to seven years.  The key feature of the PhD is that it is yours : the topic, planning, motivation, and thinking come from you. The PhD offers an exciting opportunity for you to push forward the boundaries of knowledge and to become an authority in your chosen field.

Our creative writing PhD program leads to a full-scale creative project, such as a novel, collection of short stories or poetry collection, accompanied by a 40,000-word critical project. 

The creative element must be complete and potentially publishable, whilst the critical element is a free-standing research project, with specific research question(s), methodology, and a set of primary and secondary texts for analysis. We welcome interdisciplinary, mixed media and multimedia projects, and are able to host complex projects with co-supervision from specialists in music, architecture, theatre and film.

The critical component makes up 40% of your PhD and typically comprises three chapters of 10,000 words, an introduction and conclusion.

The creative component makes up 60% of your PhD. As a guide, you would be expected to produce a full collection of stories or a novel, ranging in length from 60,000 - 80,000 words. For poetry, the submission needs to be a full collection of around 50 poems or equivalent.

Your research will be supported by a primary supervisor, an expert in the area of research, who facilitates your progress along the way. You can expect research supervision every four to six weeks.

You will have an additional supervisor whose role is to support your training and development and to guide your progress towards timely completion of your thesis.

The supervisory team is completed by a Personal Tutor whose role is to support your well-being.

Find a supervisor

What are the entry requirements?

• A good first degree (2:1 or equivalent)
• A Masters level qualification (Merit or equivalent)
• English as your first language, or an overall IELTS grade of 7.5 with a minimum score of 7.0 in each component.

What do I need to submit?

You must submit a PhD Supporting Statement and Research Proposal , and a sample of your academic writing (6000-8000 words). You will also need proof of your previous degrees, two academic references, your English language certificates (if required), and a CV.

What is the process for applying?

Applications are made via an Online Application form. Before you apply, make sure you know about key deadlines .

Next steps to apply

There are several scholarship and funding options available to PhD applicants interested in studying at the School of English, both from the University of Sheffield and from external funding bodies.

Find out more

As a PhD student you’ll have access to a range of training and development opportunities to help you get the best out of your research and develop professionally. The School aims to create a research culture where your ideas can develop and flourish, and provide you with the facilities and support to complete your research project successfully.

How we support you

Students have access to the Graduate School Centre . The University Library subscribes to the major databases and peer-reviewed journals, and there is a regular free minibus to the British Library’s depository at Boston Spa. We also have strong links with Sheffield’s museums and theatres, contacts which we use in our research and teaching.

The School of English is a vibrant and welcoming research community of over 100 academic staff, postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers. We are home to several research centres, with many opportunities to hear from others and share your research.

Our postgraduate community and research culture

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

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PhD Programme Structure

A PhD offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of supervised work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to knowledge in a particular field. 

Year by Year

First year: mphil.

All students registering for a programme of study leading to a PhD begin under MPhil registration. The opportunity to upgrade this registration to PhD typically comes in the second year.

The following courses are mandatory:

• ST505 Statistical Modelling and Data Analysis 
• ST552 Probability and Mathematical Statistics I

and one of:

• ST510 Foundations of Machine Learning
• ST553 Probability and Mathematical Statistics II

Students are expected to attend courses suggested to them by their supervisor and perform well in any mandatory assessments. They should also complete any necessary training in research techniques and/or computing.

Throughout their first year students perform literature searches and become more familiar with their chosen research topic. By the end of the year they are expected to have written up an introductory chapter for their thesis, as well as any new results they may have obtained. Assessment by the supervisor is based on these. Students will be asked to present their research topics at the annual PhD presentation event.

All MPhil/PhD students at the London School of Economics have the opportunity to take advantage of research methodology courses provided by the  Department of Methodology . Further courses are available at the  London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance  and the  London Taught Course Centre (LTCC) . MPhil/PhD students are encouraged to make full use of these additional opportunities.

Second year: MPhil/PhD

In the second year students become more deeply involved with their research topic, producing and writing up new results. During this time students need to meet with supervisors on a regular basis to discuss their academic development and at some stage during the year there will be a formal review their progress.

Following the successful assessment of their work, students may be recommended for upgrade to PhD. Students should also be able to present their current research at departmental seminars and will be asked to present their research findings at the annual PhD presentation event. 

Third Year: PhD

The third year demands considerable and rapid progress with your research.A substantial part of the year should be spent consolidating material that you have already assembled. You may be in a position to begin writing your thesis.

Fourth Year: PhD

The final year is primarily focused on writing up your thesis. The role of your supervisor is to ensure the thesis is of a high standard. Towards the end of the year you will be required to submit your thesis. 

Thesis Examination

When a thesis is nearly ready for submission, the supervisor will nominate a suitable internal examiner and external examiner. The internal examiner will be from the LSE or another college of the University of London, while the external examiner will be from another university. The appointed examiners will normally require at least two months to read a thesis once it has reached them. After the examiners have read the thesis, a date will be arranged for a viva examination. Students should expect to give a short presentation of their work and answer general questions on their area of research, as well as on the details of their thesis. Students may request the attendance of their supervisor at the viva, but the supervisor will speak only if asked to do so by the examiner.

At the conclusion of the viva, examiners will usually inform candidates of the unofficial outcome of the examination. In the best circumstances the thesis will be accepted without change or subject only to minor corrections. Once these are made, an electronic copy (PDF format) must be submitted and official confirmation of the award will follow. In less ideal circumstances a student might be required to undertake more substantial revision of their thesis or an award of MPhil may be decreed instead. In some cases a thesis may be rejected completely.

Please note that the maximum period of full-time registration is four years .

Supervision

Each student is assigned a first and second supervisor with whom they meet frequently to discuss their research. There is also plenty of opportunity to participate in poster presentations, give seminars and attend advanced training and conferences.

PhD Open Day 2022 View the slides and video of the day

PhD Overview Back to PhD homepage

PhD Application Process

PhD Funding Opportunities

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

PhD Handbook Our guide for current students

Past PhD students A listing of our PhD graduates

Visiting Research Students How to apply

PhD Academy A dedicated space for LSE PhD students

Graduate Career Destinations What our PhD graduates have done next

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PhD programme structure

You can apply to study a PhD degree (often referred to as a doctorate) with any of our seven institutes. If you are successful, you'll be assigned two supervisors who will have the knowledge and experience required to guide and support your research journey.

What is involved?

Our PhD programmes take place over 3 years full-time, or 6 years part-time and are usually undertaken after a master’s degree. In some special cases, having a master’s degree is not necessary.

A typical PhD normally involves:

• The completion of a literature review
• Original research with the collection of results
• Producing a thesis that outlines your conclusions
• Developing your thesis and submitting it as a written study
• Elaborating on your thesis in an oral exam or presentation

These stages may vary depending on the nature of your research and the Institute you are studying with.

The first year

The first year of any PhD is designed to develop your skills and knowledge as a researcher, and will ensure you have a solid understanding of your chosen subject area.

You’ll have initial meetings with your supervisor and will decide on an action plan based on your research proposal.

The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review. With the guidance of your supervisor, you will investigate and explore existing literature to ensure the research you undertake will be an original contribution to your chosen subject area.

The second year 

The second year of a PhD is usually when most students conduct the majority of their core research. The process will vary depending on your research methods, but typically involves collecting results from experiments, artefacts, archives, surveys or other means. 

You’ll continue to meet with your supervisor to give updates on your progress and get feedback on your ideas. As your results develop, you may start to notice patterns in your findings and may decide to start drafting some early conclusions.

The third year 

In your third and final year, you will analyse your results and develop your thesis into a written dissertation. The length of your thesis can be between 40,000 and 120,000 words and should make a unique contribution to your field of study.

On completion of their thesis, you may be asked to participate in a viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and an opportunity for you to defend your research in front of at least one internal and external examiner. 

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PhD by research

Research groups

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PhD structure 

• Candidates who are self-funding or who are funded through schemes limited to three years of financial support will generally be offered a three year PhD programme
• Candidates funded through the Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTC will generally follow a one year MSc in Social Science Research Methods followed by three years as a PhD student (1+3). However, candidates who already have this or an equivalent qualification or part of the qualification may be offered a three year or three and a half year programme
• Candidates who are on the MGS ESRC DTC Digital Society pathway will be on a four year programme
• Candidates who enter through the BBSRC DTP are offered a four year PhD programme

Potential supervisors can advise on what options would suit you best.

Outstanding facilities

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• An extensive library of test materials
• Observation studio with one-way mirror
• Dedicated system for motion capture used in behaviour analysis
• A multiple video camera rig for facial behaviour analysis
• Wide selection of eye-tracking equipment
• Full-motion driving simulator
• Anechoic chamber for hearing research
• Laboratories for work on the physiological, psychophysical and computational investigation of the visual system
• Dedicated experimental labs for research in neuroscience, fitted with EEG and TMS facilities
• Doctoral candidates in psychology can also gain access to the world class facilities for brain imaging (7T fMRI and MEG) at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre in the University
• Laboratories for the study of animal behaviour through located in the University Biomedical Services Unit in the Queen's Medical Centre
• Behavioural laboratories are equipped with state of the art skinner box and maze environments

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Structured doctoral training programmes in the UK

Two key developments in UK doctoral programmes have been the establishment of graduate schools and structured doctoral training . These approaches offer doctoral candidates access to a structured programme including taught courses and professional development training aimed at enhancing their employability in or outside research. These approaches also encourage collegiality between doctoral researchers and often interdisciplinary working.

Graduate schools are now common in UK institutions and provide training in research skills and other support for postgraduates either across a whole institution or within a faculty.

Researchers funded by the UK Research Councils or other research funders, such as the Wellcome Trust are likely to experience a structured doctoral training programme. The main structured doctoral programmes in the UK are Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP), which usually involve a consortium of institutions and research institutions, and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT), which are focused on a particular research area, often located within one institution.

Although there has been recent growth in structured doctoral training, not all doctoral candidates in an institution will be part of such a programme. Additional development opportunities can be a valuable addition to a doctoral programme and it's worth finding out what's likely to be available to you when looking into research degree opportunities.

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Postgraduate research PhDs

What is a phd.

PhD stands for 'Doctor of Philosophy'. To be awarded a PhD you must undertake a piece of independent and original research that results in a significant contribution to a field of knowledge in a specific area. You must write a thesis and defend your findings in an oral examination (viva).

Is a PhD right for you?

Do you have a passion and a curiosity about a field of research.

A deep passion and an enquiring mind are critical to successfully navigating a PhD.

You’ll need to be determined and resilient because your research will go on for three to four years. But remember, although this is about independent research, you will not travel the journey alone. With the support of expert supervisors, our comprehensive researcher development programme and the community provided by Strathclyde Doctoral School you will be well equipped for success.

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• UK Universities – Academic Titles and Hierarchy Explained
• Doing a PhD

In UK universities, the academic titles and the order of their academic rank are: PhD student, postdoc research fellow, assistant lecturer, lecturer, senior lecturer, reader, professor, named professor and head of department.

Introduction

Understanding the academic titles and ranking hierarchy of UK universities is fundamental if you want a smooth start to your PhD. It’s a pity it’s also a topic which is commonly overlooked and not explained well nearly anywhere. With this in mind, we’ve outlined what the typical academic titles are, what they mean and where they sit in the overall hierarchy.

It’s important to note that not all UK universities follow the same terminology for academic titles. In fact, we’re increasingly seeing several universities adapt some of these titles to their own version. This is especially the case among Russell Group universities such as the London School of Economics (LSE) and University College London (UCL). Despite this, they still resemble their more traditional titles, so it’s still possible to distinguish the position and academic rank of a member of staff.

PhD Student

A PhD student is a postgraduate who is actively undertaking a research degree with a recognised institution.

The length of their studies depends on both their discipline and whether they are enrolled in a full or part-time programme. Usually, a PhD student will spend three to four years completing their degree.

During this time, they will undertake original research, produce a thesis and defend their work during an interview known as a ‘ viva ’. Besides this, they may also attend seminars and conferences, deliver presentations to their industry and collaborate with external institutions.

Upon successfully completing their doctorate, the individual will carry the title of Doctor (denoted by the initials ‘Dr’). This is true for all individuals regardless of which discipline their research relates to.

It’s worth noting that although a PhD is the most common doctoral degree, doctorate students could be anyone undertaking a DPhil, DBA, DProf, EdD, EngD, MD etc.

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

PostDoc Research Fellow/Research Assistant

A PostDoc Research Fellow or Research Assistant is a postgraduate doctorate holder working in research.

Whilst both positions undertake similar work, a PostDoc Research Fellow typically has greater independence and responsibilities. This means they can influence the overall direction of the research, and whilst a Research Assistant can do so as well it will be to a lesser extent.

Assistant Lecturer

An Assistant Lecturer is the most junior teaching position regarding the overall ranking of academic titles. They are usually only temporary positions, such as an individual covering for another lecturer during a period of absence.

Some Assistant Lecturers will be PhD students on Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs). GTAs are programmes which, alongside their studies, require a doctoral student to assist in the learning of undergraduate students. This will typically involve leading tutorials, marking coursework and hosting laboratory sessions. Besides this, they may also support lectures if their knowledge and relevant experience allow for it.

A Lecturer is also considered a junior academic staff member. Their primary responsibilities are on meeting the educational needs of students. As such, their most common duty is to teach but may also extend to undertaking research and minor administrative tasks.

Most lecturers will be PhD holders and so would be referred to as ‘Dr’. However, this isn’t always the case with some individuals who haven’t undertaken a doctorate but still possess extensive experience and knowledge to teach. Although these individuals are few, they are more common in non-STEM fields.

Senior Lecturer

The responsibilities of a Senior Lecturer extend further than that of a normal Lecturer, with the addition of leading and supervising research and greater administrative tasks.

A Reader is an academic individual with both senior-level experience and an international reputation for their academic or research contributions. In terms of hierarchy, they are more distinguished than Senior Lecturers, largely because of their international presence, but below Professors due to not having yet contributed as a substantial amount.

Interestingly, universities established after 1992 use the title ‘Principle Lecturer’ in place of Reader. Other than the terminology, the titles refer to the same position.

Note: Some universities adopt the academic title ‘Associate Professor’ instead of Senior Lecturer.

A professor is the highest academic title and denotes an individual at the top of their respective field. This individual would have made significant scholarly contributions to their field.

In EU countries such as Germany and France, a faculty member has to sit and pass a review before they can become a Professor. This review is undertaken by a panel of highly experienced academic professionals and requires the individual to produce a document outlining their contributions to their field before they can even be considered.

In the UK, a different approach is taken. Rather than being appointed by an independent review, it instead comes down to the university’s discretion whether they should be upgraded to a full professorship. However, nearly all UK universities mirror a very similar review process, with some universities also utilising independent panel members to ensure fair professoriate decisions are made.

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency ( HESA ), approximately one in ten academic teaching staff members is a Professor.

Named Professor

A Named Professor is a Professor who has the honour of sitting in a ‘chair’. A ‘chair’ is a position named after an individual who made significant achievements in their field, and in some cases, dates back to individuals in the 16th century. Being a Named Professor is a prestigious professorship reserved for academics who have made achievements beyond that of a typical Professor role.

Note: Some universities, such as the University of Sheffield, adopt the academic title ‘Honorary Professor’ instead of Named Professor.

Head of Department

The Head of Department provides academic leadership to the department and is responsible for ensuring it upholds its high standards. The key activities of a Head of Department will differ depending on the breadth of its discipline and number of staff. However, their responsibilities will include ensuring the development of students, maintaining department-wide communication and overseeing research opportunities, financial management and overall quality assurance etc.

Faculty Dean

A Dean is in charge of the academic administration of a collection of related university departments known as a faculty.

There are many responsibilities to being a Dean, including:

• Representing all permanent staff members of the faculty.
• Undertaking strategic planning for the faculty’s direction and growth.
• Participating in internal review panels for staff title promotions.
• Lead research initiatives and facilitating faculty collaborations.

UK vs US Academic Titles

Other (not as common) professor positions.

Although not as common, a few universities also make use of the following titles:

• Visiting Professor  – A Visiting Professor is a professor who teaches on a short-term basis at one university, but officially belongs to another university.
• Professor Emeritus – A Professor Emeritus is an academic title in the UK given to retired professors who have made distinguished contributions to their field. Professors who are given this title usually continue to work with their university voluntarily.
• Research Professor  – A Research Professor is a full professor who specialises in research. Although they may teach from time to time, they will usually have very little ‘formal’ teaching responsibilities.
• Adjunct Professor  – An Adjunct Professor is a professor who primarily focuses on teaching and has a non-permanent contract. They are typically  non-tenured faculty positions and form most of the academic positions in US Higher Education Institutions.

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The English Department here at King’s, one of the largest and oldest in the UK, was ranked 8th in the UK for the quality and quantity of its research in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.   

The Department of English is home to a large and diverse body of postgraduate researchers. Students are fully integrated into the intellectual and social life of the Department as researchers and teachers. Many of our students study part-time, commute or have caring responsibilities and the programmes allow flexibility.

Current and recent research projects include: Indian writing of WW2; the bedchamber in late medieval literature; African migrant literature and US politics, and telegraphy and Victorian culture.

In second year (or part-time equivalent) students have the opportunity to work as Graduate Teaching Assistants and are supported in this through a full programme of training and mentoring events.

We offer a staged and comprehensive programme of training from the initial Research Workshops, through our ‘Skills Lunches’ and then final year professionalization workshops on applying for jobs or further funding. Doctoral students play a full role in organising the postgraduate seminar, ‘The Abstract’, and an annual postgraduate conference. The PhD in Creative Writing  also places emphasis on professionalisation through guest lectures, a ‘Thesis Workshop’ and the ‘Agents and Editors in Residence’ scheme.

Our graduates have gone on to academic positions (recently at the University of Birmingham, the Universität Bonn and UCL) and careers in media, creative arts, teaching and publishing.

We are part of the London Arts and Humanities Partnership which offers scholarships as well as training.

Please browse our webpages, identify a potential supervisor(s) and get in touch with an initial query. Alternatively, send an inquiry to the PGR Lead via the Department office ( [email protected] ).

Creative Writing Research

Take our new PhD in creative writing in Department of English at King's College London.

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English Research

MPhil/PhD English Research from the Department of English at King's College London, option of joint PhD with Hong Kong University or National University of Singapore or Humboldt.

Postgraduate Research Hub

Explore careers, doctoral training schemes and funding opportunities.

Key English Department research information, including current/past projects and their impact

First King's Creative Writing PhD graduate publishes debut novel

Scott Preston's novel The Borrowed Hills, published in April 2024, formed the main part of his Creative Writing PhD thesis. As the first graduate of the programme, Scott left with an impressive portfolio of creative and scholarly work, as well as valuable teaching experience.

• Read more about Scott's career

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Writing your PhD research proposal

Find guidance on how to write your PhD research proposal and a template form for you to use to submit your research proposal.

By asking you for an outline  research proposal we hope to get a good picture of your research interests and your understanding of what such research is likely to entail.

The University's application form is designed to enable you to give an overview of your academic experience and qualifications for study at postgraduate level. Your outline research proposal then gives us an idea of the kind of research you want to undertake. This, together with information from your referees, will help us assess whether the Moray House School of Education and Sport would be the appropriate place for you to pursue your research interests.

At  the application stage, you are unlikely to be in a position to provide a comprehensive research proposal; the detailed shaping up of a research plan would be done in conjunction with your supervisor(s). But it is important for us to appreciate what you are hoping to investigate, how you plan to carry out the research, and what the results might be expected to contribute to current knowledge and understanding in the relevant academic field(s) of study. In writing your proposal, please indicate any prior academic or employment experience relevant to your planned research.

In your research proposal, please also ensure that you clearly identify the Moray House research cluster your proposal falls under, as well as two to three staff members  with expertise in this area. We also encourage you to contact potential supervisors within your area of proposed research before submitting your application to gauge their interest and availability.

How to write your research proposal

The description of your proposed research should consist of 4-5 typed A4 sheets. It can take whatever form seems best, but should include some information about the following:

• The general area within which you wish to conduct research, and why (you might find it helpful to explain what stimulated your interest in your chosen research field, and any study or research in the area that you have already undertaken)
• The kind of research questions that you would hope to address, and why (in explaining what is likely to be the main focus of your research, it may be helpful to indicate, for example, why these issues are of particular concern and the way in which they relate to existing literature)
• The sources of information and type of research methods you plan to use (for example, how you plan to collect your data, which sources you will be targeting and how you will access these data sources).

In addition to the above, please include any comments you are able to make concerning:

• The approach that you will take to analyse your research data
• The general timetable you would follow for carrying out and writing up your research
• Any plans you may have for undertaking fieldwork away from Edinburgh
• Any problems that might be anticipated in carrying out your proposed research

Please note: This guidance applies to all candidates, except those applying to conduct PhD research as part of a larger, already established research project (for example, in the Institute for Sport, Physical Education & Health Sciences).

In this case, you should provide a two- to three-page description of a research project you have undertaken, to complement information in the application form. If you are in any doubt as to what is appropriate, please contact us:

Email: Education@[email protected]

All doctoral proposals submitted as part of an application will be run through plagiarism detection software.

Template form for your research proposal

All applicants for a PhD or MSc by Research must submit a research proposal as part of their application. Applicants  must   use the template form below for their research proposal. This research proposal should then be submitted online as part of your application. Please use Calibri size 11 font size and do not change the paragraph spacing (single, with 6pt after each paragraph) or the page margins.

Find a PhD opportunity at the University of Dundee

PhD opportunities and funding.

Funded or self-funded project opportunities across a broad range of research areas.

Our PhD programmes offer funded opportunities across a wide range of research areas.

Including taught courses and professional development training.

Postgraduate research areas

On the pages below you can find out how to write your best postgraduate research proposal, entry requirements, English language requirements, fees, links to apply for a research degree, and enquiry contact details.

Doctoral Academy

The Doctoral Academy is the interdisciplinary focal point for postgraduate researchers at the University of Dundee

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HDR UK-Turing Wellcome PhD Programme in Health Data Science

This truly outstanding and generously funded four-year programme at top UK universities provides you a pathway to join the UK’s leaders in health data research.

What this unique PhD programme offers you

Four-year programme: An initial foundation year allows students to gain real experience and insight into health data research.

Hosted by leading universities: Our host universities are among the very best in health data research.

Nurturing each student: Our programme aims to identify the particular abilities and interests of each student, and gear their PhD experience to effectively develop them.

Leadership Programme: Students benefit from a bespoke expert-led programme to develop the skills they need to understand, collaborate and influence others.

Generous funding: Students have their tuition fees (UK Home rate), college fees (where applicable), research expenses and travel costs paid and receive an enhanced, tax-free stipend with increases every year. (Y1 outside London: £23,955, Y1 in London: £25,954)

Building networks and experience: We actively support students in building networks and contacts in academia, the NHS and industry as well as taking internships and other opportunities to gain real-world experience. This includes a post-PhD bursary to support your next career step.

Team spirit: Strong relationships are built between our entire cohort of students through joint activities that build a genuine team spirit.

Personal support:  Each student has their own Director of Studies who is an additional point of contact during their time with us. All students are also further supported by the PhD team.

“The PhD programme has enabled me to gain first-hand experience in modern health data science approaches. It’s a truly unrivalled opportunity.”  Steven Wambua

Who is the PhD programme for?

We recruit enthusiastic, talented students who want to use data-driven research to develop and shape the UK’s response to the most complex health challenges of our times.

Applicants must have (or be on track to obtain):

• A first class or 2:1 undergraduate degree in statistics, mathematics, computer / data science, physics or an allied subject  or
• Another undergraduate degree subject and outcome but can demonstrate their suitability for this programme through additional qualifications or research experience.

Active or currently registered health care professionals   are not eligible and should consider the Wellcome PhD Fellowships for Health Professionals .

Applicants also need to meet the following criteria:

• Successful admission to the specified degree programme at one of our partner universities. Students will be expected to meet the admissions requirements of that department and university but do not need to hold the offer at the point of application.
• Two satisfactory academic or relevant references.
• Proof of a legal right to study in the UK or ability to satisfy the current requirements of UK Visa and Immigration.

Training is in-person, hybrid and virtual throughout the first year.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive research culture . We welcome those who are returning from the workplace, international candidates and everyone underrepresented in STEM and academia. For further details see our FAQs .

We cannot accept applicants who are looking for a part-time PhD or those who are aiming to study whilst continuing to be employed elsewhere.

We aim to accommodate specific needs and personal circumstances. Please make us aware of individual circumstances when applying or contact us directly at  [email protected] . Please note our  applicant privacy notice .

If you have questions or require adjustments to the application process, please contact us below via email or telephone (+44 (0)770 847 8846).

There are no nationality restrictions and international students are able to apply. However, applicants are advised the award only covers fees at the UK/Home level. International students will be required to secure an additional scholarship from Queen’s University Belfast (after receiving a offer from us at interview) to cover the difference between Home and Overseas fees. This will limit the university choices available:

(Please be aware that these are usually highly competitive and will need to be applied for separately in your application to Queen’s University Belfast post-offer. A successful application to the PhD programme does not guarantee a fee waiver or scholarship. We do not accept applications from candidates who are self-funding.)

We are currently only recruiting for Queen’s University Belfast.

These are only initial programmes of study for Year 1. Students may transfer to a new university programme from Year 2 after research projects have been confirmed.

Is this the PhD future for you?

Watch our Applicant Open Day hosted by our current students to find out more about the programme and whether it’s for you.

Applications are currently: Closed

The application process.

Details required:

• Contact details
• Details and transcripts of university qualification(s)
• Any relevant job history
• Answers to personal-statement type questions (250-words maximum for each answer)
• Contact details for two referees
• There is no need to apply to the university, submit a research proposal, provide IELTS scores or contact supervisors at this stage

Submitted applications will first be checked for eligibility and then will undergo a first stage review. This will involve triage by the PhD Team in April 2024 . Successful applicants will be invited to an interview in May 2024 .

After receiving an offer, applications will be invited to apply to Queen’s University Belfast.

Selection criteria

Applicants should demonstrate that they meet the following criteria:

* These criteria will be assessed at interview via a pre-interview exercise.

HDR UK reserves the right to reject applicants who do not meet the criteria at any stage. Regretfully, we can only provide feedback for candidates who reach interview.

Programme Structure

The four-year programme is divided in two. There is an initial Foundation Year followed by a three-year research project. The first year combines the best in university-based training with HDR UK-led national activities. And we support students to produce game-changing research plans and their projects are backed by substantial research funding.

Foundation year

3-5 day immersion events allow students to gain insight into the work of HDR UK, and our academic, clinical and industry partners. Courses may be residential (expenses provided) with up to a week away from their home university or online. Students undertake an intensive deep dive into an important area of health data science. Immersion topics include risk prediction, oncology, clinical trials, epidemiology and bioinformatics. Past immersion weeks have been hosted by the Universities of Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford and University College London and the European Bioinformatics Institute.

The immersion events encourage students to work together and stimulate new interactions:

• Axes of Prognosis
• The Different Facets of Data

Research areas

PhD research projects can be linked to The Institute’s:

• Research priorities
• Research hubs
• Partnerships

Team working

Students operate as a national cohort and work collaboratively with others, overcoming traditional institutional silos. Students are registered with a  partner university  but can draw on academic expertise from across the HDR UK network and are supported to formulate research activities that bring together experts from across the UK.

• You can contact us at [email protected]   or phone (+44 (0)770 847 8846). 
• For details of how we process applicants’ data see PhD Applicant Privacy Notice .

Students have access to graduate-level courses and research project rotation in their university to introduce them to different areas of health data science and enable them to develop a bespoke research project under the guidance of our expert university leads.

Regular workshops and short courses introduce students to the work of HDR UK experts across our hubs, themes and priority areas and to external organisations. Past contributors have included NHSX, IQVIA and AstraZeneca.

Immersion and workshop events allow students to better understand the wider health and social care landscape and accelerate their potential to become sector leaders. They also enable students to develop more ambitious PhD research projects by stimulating collaboration with external academics, industry-based organisations, or by using national data infrastructure.

Training is provided by academic, industry and NHS experts to promote personal and professional development in leadership capability, cross-sector collaborative skills and inter-disciplinary working. In particular, HDR UK is committed to working with public and patients to build increased trust in health data research as well as designing solutions focused on improving patient outcomes and experience. Students will develop communication and collaborative skills to help put them at the forefront of this mission.

At the end of the Foundation Year students design a bespoke three-year research project and a multi-disciplinary supervision team based on their training experiences.

Research proposals will be rigorously reviewed by expert academics and public-patient representatives to ensure they are of the highest standards in terms of ambition, scientific methodology and impact on patient outcomes.

The research will be carried out at their home university and could be linked to HDR UK  research priorities ,  research hubs  or  partnerships .

This includes short immersions plus  longer practical real-world projects with businesses and other organisations at the cutting edge of everything from medical devices, to life sciences, to vaccines. Students also learn about leadership theory and attend specially-convened seminars from senior figures in relevant areas of healthcare.

Networks and experience: Students will be actively supported in building networks and contacts in academia, the NHS and industry as well as taking internships and other opportunities to gain real-world experience.

Team working: Students operate as a national cohort, building strong relationships through joint activities and overcoming traditional institutional silos.

Workshops: Regular workshops and short courses introduce the work of HDR UK experts and to external organisations.

Immersion events: These allow students to better understand the wider health and social care landscape and accelerate students’ potential to become a sector leader. They also enable them to develop an ambitious PhD research project.

Researcher development: Training is provided by academic, industry and NHS experts to promote personal and professional development in cross-sector collaborative skills, communication and inter-disciplinary working.

“Our Leadership Programme will give PhD students the chance to develop the practical skills they need to bring people together to use health data science to deliver much-needed innovations and advances in health and care,”  Professor Peter Bannister

Our partners

Programme partners include NHS Digital, AstraZeneca, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and University Hospitals Birmingham.

More broadly it will work with winners of the NHSX AI Innovation Award , which funds and supports promising artificial intelligence technologies in health and care. There will also be opportunities with businesses on the DTI listed top 100 digital health innovators which are using big data for healthcare innovation.

Master’s Degree Scholarships

We offer 10 annual Master’s degree scholarships worth £10,000 for students with an interest in dementia or diabetes research.

Undergraduate Summer Internship in Health Data Research

Apply for a summer work placement in health data research at a UK research organisation, with an HDR UK-Wellcome Biomedical Vacation Scholarship

Join the HDR UK Alumni Network

HDR UK’s online Alumni Network brings together the amazing people who have been part of our training and education programmes.

Our host universities

- - - - Meet our PhD students

Our PhD students come from a wide range of backgrounds - discover who they are and what their experiences have been as part of the PhD programme

Meet the PhD Programme team

Our wider team consists of leading experts in disciplines including theoretical physics, computer science, mathematics and statistics, applied mathematics and biochemistry.

• Miguel Bernabeu – University of Edinburgh
• Ioanna Manolopoulou – University College London
• Niels Peek – University of Manchester
• Iain Styles – Queen’s University Belfast
• Paul Taylor – University College London
• Catalina Vallejos – University of Edinburgh
• Angela Wood – University of Cambridge
• David Wong – University of Manchester
• Tom Nichols – University of Oxford
• Magnus Rattray – University of Manchester