england phd programs

Choose start date: Start date: September 2024 Duration: Five to six years Deadline: Applications are now closed Fee: Fully funded Location: London, UK Admissions Funding and scholarships

A fully-funded PhD for aspiring scholars seeking an academic career 

We believe that rigorous academic analysis can provide practical solutions to complex problems in society. Our fully-funded PhD programme provides students with the opportunity to conduct their own research in a world-leading university, finding solutions to key challenges in modern business. As a Business School, we rank first in the UK for research environment and second for management and business students, while Imperial College London ranks first in the UK overall for research (REF 2021). 

Starting with a one or two-year Master’s in Research (MRes), depending on your chosen research area, you will gain a strong theoretical grounding and thorough research training to prepare you for the PhD. As a doctoral student you will have the benefit of supervision from leading world scholars. You will develop the expertise and research skills necessary to pursue a career in academia with previous Imperial doctoral graduates finding success in other leading universities such as Copenhagen Business School, Tsinghua University, University of Amsterdam, University College London, and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

97% world-leading or internationally excellent research (REF 2021) #1 in the UK for research (Imperial College London, REF 2021) 1% top one per cent of business schools worldwide to have achieved triple accreditation 6 research areas Explore the programme

Advance your academic success at a world class research institution

3rd in Europe (Imperial College London, Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)

6th in the world (Imperial College London, QS World University Rankings 2024)

#1 city for students (London, QS Best Student City Rankings 2024)

Build your career with our global reputation

With particular expertise in finance, entrepreneurship, health, and sustainable business, the Business School is recognised as leading the field. Benefit from strong industry partnerships and a diverse alumni network. 

A fully-funded programme

Every student on our Doctoral programme is offered full funding, including a full tuition fee waiver (Home/EU or Overseas fees) plus a living stipend for up to five years. Funding for a 6th year can be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the potential to undertake a teaching or research assistant studentship with one of the Business Schools research centres.  

World-class faculty

Our internationally admired faculty are leaders in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of experience and academic distinction. They are deeply invested in developing the research interests of our PhD students, fostering an environment of intellectual growth and innovation. 

Impact on industry

Working closely with businesses and governments, we drive policy and practice through inspiring collaboration and research excellence, giving you the opportunity to observe the impact of research on business and society. 

Inspiring intellectual community

Engage with a diverse cohort of fellow PhD students and researchers, creating an inspiring and collaborative environment that encourages intellectual development and professional connections. 

Programme content

The Business School Master’s in Research (MRes) is an integral part of the PhD, introducing theory and research methods in Finance, Economics and Management, providing you with a solid foundation for your doctoral studies. Depending on the research area you choose to specialise in, you will embark on a one or two-year MRes programme as shown below. 

*Please note programme content is subject to change. The modules mentioned below are just a sample of what is available in the programme.

Data Analysis Tools

This course provides students with a basic foundation in mathematics and statistics required to undertake further quantitative research methods courses. This course consists of two parts, statistics and mathematics. Topics covered include: matrix algebra; optimization; differential equations; random variables and probability distributions; moments of a random variable; probability distributions; joint, marginal and conditional distributions; functions and transformation of a random variable; hypothesis testing; univariate regression.

Systematic Reviews

When starting new research, the first step is usually a literature review: scanning what is already known about a given topic and figuring out where the gaps are. However, novice researchers tend to be anything but systematic in their literature review: they have no method for scanning the literature, and they usually have little idea of what is relevant and what is not. The Systematic Review method opens a way to create research syntheses that add real value and novel insight – in a way that is potentially publishable in its own right.

Specialist Modules

Optimisation

Stochastic Processes - This module introduces you to basic tools for modelling stochastic phenomena. The focus of the module is the theory of stochastic processes, but applications will be drawn from operations research, analytics / ML, and finance to illustrate the usage of the models for studying real-world business problems

Machine Learning for Analytics - This module gives you an overview of machine learning methods for analytics. Applications in the module will be drawn from various sources including medical applications (e.g. patient discharge from hospitals), recommender systems and the Netflix prize, advertising and marketing, estimating scofflaw rates, reputations systems and Google's PageRank algorithm, filtering, text mining, sports analytics etc.

Decision Making Under Uncertainty - This module gives you an overview of different paradigms of decision making in dynamic uncertain environments, including dynamic programming, stochastic optimisation and robust optimisation. Along with theory, applications in operations management and analytics will be introduced, with the aim of preparing you for research in these areas.

Industrial Organisation

Sustainable Behaviour - This module aims to provide you with an in-depth exposure to the emerging academic field of sustainable behaviour. You will be presented with the main methodological tool used in behavioural research (lab and field experiments) as well with the multiple articles and journals which have published cutting-edge experimental research on sustainable behaviour across a wide variety of contexts.

Consumer Behaviour - This module aims to give you a robust foundation in consumer behaviour and how it relates to marketing. The module covers topics such as how consumers process marketing communications, how consumer involvement affects decision making, and how external factors impact consumer behaviour.

Microeconomics 1

Microeconomics 2

Research methods modules

Applied Microeconometrics

Applied Microeconometrics 2

Econometrics 1

Econometrics 2

Qualitative Methods 1

Qualitative Methods 2

Quantitative Methods 2

Other elective modules

You can choose from a range of elective modules relevant to your pathway.

Asset Pricing Theory 

Corporate Finance

Consumer Behaviour

Empirical Asset Pricing

Entrepreneurship 

Financial Economics of Climate Sustainability

Machine Learning for Analytics

Machine Learning for Economic Analysis

Macroeconomics

Macro-Finance

Micro Development Economics

Organisational Behaviour

Organisation Theory 

Topics in Empirical Banking 

Topics in Environmental Resource Economics 

Topics in Health Economics

Topics in Household Finance 

Business Models and Intellectual Property*

Contemporary Topics in Health Policy*

Digital Marketing Analytics*

Healthcare and Medical Analytics*

Logistics and Supply Chain Analytics*

Optimisation and Decision Models*

Retail and Marketing Analysis*

Workforce Analytics*

*These modules are available subject to capacity and timetabling constraints in other faculties and are differently weighted to the MRes Business electives

Year one compulsory modules for Economics and Public Policy pathway

Applied Microeconometrics I  - This module will provide an introduction to the practice of applied microeconometrics. Students will learn the standard empirical methods in current use by applied researchers and be exposed to a handful of frontier approaches. The focus will be on implementation beyond simply estimating a parameter of interest: getting the standard errors right, validation and conducting appropriate robustness exercises, and adapting methods to fit new contexts.

Applied Microeconometrics II  - This module will be an introduction to some of the most important themes for students wishing to conduct their own research in Empirical Corporate Finance. For other students, this module will help students gain a better understanding of research related to your own field. Topics covered include: regression refresher, causality and randomized experiments, instrumental variables, difference-in-difference, regression discontinuity, standard errors, event studies, discrete response models, matching methods, and non-parametric methods

Econometrics I  - The module has the objective to provide the students with econometric tools necessary to conduct their empirical research and discuss fundamentals of econometric theory behind them. Students will learn how to conduct - and how to critique - empirical studies in finance, economics and related fields.

Macroeconomics  - This course covers research issues that arise in the intersection of macroeconomics and finance. Topics include portfolio choice, general equilibrium models with heterogeneous agents and dynamic asset pricing models.

Microeconomics I  - The module covers the main tools of microeconomic theory and focuses on preferences, consumer theory, choice under uncertainty, producer theory, and game theory. Time permitting, it introduces general equilibrium in competitive markets. The emphasis is on economic intuition as well as techniques. The fundamental concepts of microeconomic theory are discussed.

Microeconomics II  -   This module covers competitive equilibrium, markets with imperfect, competition and asymmetric information, general equilibrium, Social choice and mechanism design

Research Experience  – This module is intended to give students practical experience of research preparation for their dissertation the following year.  They will undertake research tasks under the supervision of a faculty member on a topic chosen by the faculty member.  Students can select those projects that fit their research interests.

Year one compulsory modules for Finance pathway

Empirical Corporate Finance  - This module will provide an introduction to the practice of applied microeconometrics. Students will learn the standard empirical methods in current use by applied researchers and be exposed to a handful of frontier approaches. The focus will be on implementation beyond simply estimating a parameter of interest: getting the standard errors right, validation and conducting appropriate robustness exercises, and adapting methods to fit new contexts.

Econometrics II    - This module will be an introduction to some of the most important themes for students wishing to conduct their own research in Empirical Corporate Finance. For other students, this module will help students gain a better understanding of research related to your own field. Topics covered include: regression refresher, causality and randomized experiments, instrumental variables, difference-in-difference, regression discontinuity, standard errors, event studies, discrete response models, matching methods, and non-parametric methods. 

Econometrics I  - The module has the objective to provide the students with econometric tools necessary to conduct their empirical research and discuss fundamentals of econometric theory behind them. Students will learn how to conduct - and how to critique - empirical studies in finance, economics and related fields.

Microeconomics I  - The module covers the main tools of microeconomic theory and focuses on preferences, consumer theory, choice under uncertainty, producer theory, and game theory. Time permitting, it introduces general equilibrium in competitive markets. The emphasis is on economic intuition as well as techniques. The fundamental concepts of microeconomic theory are discussed.

Corporate Finance  - This module is taught in two parts, starting with a historical background, and then considering the theory of investment decisions, capital structure, financial innovation, and corporate governance.

Asset Pricing Theory  - The first part of this module deals with representative investors, portfolio choice and dynamic securities markets in discrete time before covering portfolio choice in continuous time and option pricing. The second part starts from the asset pricing implications of a general equilibrium Lucas-tree economy. Then, it discusses the main asset pricing puzzles implied by these economies. Finally, we will explore optimal portfolio choice, multiple trees economies and some of the latest attempts in the asset pricing literature to solve some of these puzzles.

Empirical Asset Pricing  -   The module is intended for students with a prior knowledge of asset pricing theory, capital markets and econometrics, and will concentrate on discrete-time methods and use a variety of econometric techniques. The module will cover these econometric tools in order to empirically address meaningful economic questions.

Research Experience  - This module is intended to give students practical experience of research preparation for their dissertation the following year.  They will undertake research tasks under the supervision of a faculty member on a topic chosen by the faculty member.  Students can select those projects that fit their research interests.

Year one compulsory modules for Innovation and Entrepreneurship pathway

Introduction to the Practice of Research  - This module will introduce you to the craft of research. You will develop the skills and knowledge you need to effectively produce research questions and hypotheses, ensuring consistency between theory, research design, methods and measures, and developing a clear and compelling argument.

Qualitative Methods I  - This module covers research methods required in qualitative research. You will develop skills in all aspects of the research process, including research design, data collection, data analysis, theory building, writing up as well as reviewing papers and responding to referees. The module is essential for those who wish to author qualitative research but will also be useful for quantitative researchers.

Quantitative Methods I  - This module provides an overview of the primary quantitative methods employed in management research. It will enable you to develop the ability to interpret the results of your own research as well as to critically assess the findings presented in other studies. The emphasis will be on the practical application of different estimation models using STATA rather than on the econometrics and mathematical specification.

Organisational Behaviour  - In this module you will be introduced to a selection of most seminal papers in organisational behaviour with a particular focus on classic and contemporary theories, ongoing controversies, and ground-breaking empirical studies. The emphasis is on providing a foundational overview of the field.

Organisational Theory  - This module will expose you to the major theoretical perspectives and issues studied in organisation theory research. You will also be exposed to a set of approaches to understanding how and why organisations form, survive and grow.

Strategy  - In this module you will develop the fundamentals of strategy including the theories of competitive advantage, industry analysis, understanding of resource based view/knowledge based view, and corporate strategy.

Innovation Management  - This module will offer a thorough theoretical understanding of the key themes of innovation research, combined with practical insights into the challenges of innovation management in organisations. You will address topics ranging from technological change, creativity, the role of networks in innovation, and appropriability/value capture from innovation.

Entrepreneurship  - This module introduces students to the major theoretical threads and debates in the field of entrepreneurship. Students will learn to make connections between theory and empirical research, practice critiquing and identifying insight in research, engage with fundamental debates in the field and formulate directions how the field may be further advanced.

Year one compulsory modules for Strategy and Organisational Behaviour pathway

Elective modules for economics and public policy pathway.

Asset Pricing Theory

Decision Making Under Certainty

Econometrics I

Econometrics II 

Financial Economics of Climate and Sustainability

Machine Learning for Economics Analysis

Macroeconomics 

Microeconomics I

Microeconomics II 

Sustainable Behaviour

Topics in Empirical Banking

Topics in Environmental Resource Economics

Topics in Household Finance

Elective modules for Finance pathway

Advanced Financial Statistics

Asset Allocation and Investment Strategies

Big Data in Finance I

Big Data in Finance II

Decision Making Under Uncertainty

Econometrics II

Financial Economics for Climate Sustainability

Microeconomics II

Elective modules for Innovation and Entrepreneurship pathway

Advanced Topics in Organisational Behaviour

Corporate Sustainability

Interdisciplinary Research

Qualitative Methods II

Readings in Digital Business

Readings in Social Networks/Social Capital

Social Network Analysis

Social Data Science

Special Topics in Organisational Theory/Strategy

Elective modules for Strategy and Organisational behaviour pathway

Advanced Topics in Organisational Behaviour 

Social Network Analysis 

Research Project

During the second year, students work on their MRes project which is formally assessed and counts towards the overall MRes mark. Students are expected to approach potential supervisors from within the department’s academic staff. Students submit their proposed research project title and a brief outline by the end of September of Year two. Students submit a Progress Report in February, outlining their progress to date with the thesis. During the Summer Term, students will submit their MRes dissertation. This will be followed by an oral exam

Research plan 

When you progress from the MRes to the PhD, you will work with your supervisors, chosen based on your research interests. Your supervisors will help you develop your research question, identify research and teaching opportunities and support you through your studies and the academic job application process.  

Seminars and conferences

Being part of the School’s inspirational research community is a crucial aspect of the doctoral experience – as is gaining familiarity with cutting edge research from world-leading academics. Each department runs seminars where internal and external academics discuss their latest work.  

As well as providing insight into yet-to-be-published research, the seminars offer networking opportunities and visiting academics often lead special topic workshops for research students. The Doctoral programme also supports the participation of research students in international conferences where you can present your own research and participate in doctoral consortia. 

Early Stage Assessment 

The Early Stage Assessment (ESA) takes place in the summer of year one of the PhD and is assessed by a panel of faculty. The ESA outlines the research question, the work you have done to date and the future research activities to be carried out to complete the project. 

It consists of a written report and presentation to which all PhD students and research department faculty are invited. The purpose of the ESA is not only to assess your personal progress but it also gives you the opportunity to discuss your work at its early stages and get feedback and ideas from faculty to improve your research. 

Armed with feedback from the Early Stage Assessment, you will work intensely on your thesis, focusing on the collection and analysis of empirical data and developing theoretical frameworks. Under the guidance of your supervisors, the thesis gives you the opportunity to conduct a substantial piece of original research. 

Late stage review

The Late Stage Review (LSR) takes place in the summer of year two of the PhD and follows the same principle as the Early Stage Assessment, in that its purpose is to assess your progress and provide you with feedback and advice on the direction and scope of your research. 

Our research areas

What our students say

“The programme structure is different from many other business schools because during the first year at Imperial we study the Master’s of Research (MRes), which is focused on developing strong foundations before continuing to the PhD programme. This also gives us additional time to discover opportunities and find the right paths for our research.”

Class profile 2022

20 new students per year

51% female students

20 nationalities represented

Funding and scholarships

Request a brochure, career impact.

In recent years, our PhD students have joined leading universities, research centres and institutions such as Tsinghua University, University College London, Copenhagen Business School, the Bank of England, the University of Bath, King’s College London, National Chengchi University, the University of Sussex and Renmin University in China. Others have sought top positions in industry or founded successful start-ups.

The doctoral programme has been re-structured in recent years to focus more on academic development and it is anticipated that over the coming years placements will focus more on academia than industry.

Find out more about career outcomes

Meet your faculty

Our PhD programme provides close collaboration between leading Analytics & Operations faculty and doctoral students, developing your research interests and providing continuous support and guidance throughout the programme.  

Alexander Michaelides

Kalyan Talluri

Wolfram Wiesemann

Edward Anderson

Martin Haugh

Xiaocheng Li

Reza Skandari

Jiankun Sun

Carol Propper

Franco Sassi

Jonathan Haskel

Marisa Miraldo

Richard Green

Pedro Rosa Dias

Esther Bøler

Franklin Allen

Patrick Bolton

Ramana Nanda

Lara Cathcart

Enrico Biffis

Christopher Hansman

Clara Martinez-Toledano

Alan Hughes

Celia Moore

Markus Perkmann

Christopher Tucci

James Barlow

Ileana Stigliani

Mark Kennedy

James Eteen

Eduardo B. Andrade

Andreas Eisingerich

Rajesh Bhargave

Sven Mikolon

Michelle Rogan

Frequently asked questions, how long does it take to complete the doctoral programme.

The Doctoral programme is structured to take between four to six years full-time. In the first year, all students undertake a one or two year MRes programme depending on their chosen research area specialism. Subject to satisfactory academic progress, students then progress to the PhD which takes between 3-4 years.

When does the academic year start?

The Doctoral programme has one intake each year in September and is spread over four to six years.

Do you offer any distance learning or part-time research programmes?

It is not possible to enrol on the Doctoral programme on a part-time or distance learning basis. Students must be in attendance throughout the full period of study.

Can I transfer from my current Doctoral programme to Imperial College Business School's Doctoral programme?

It is not usually possible to transfer onto the Doctoral programme as it is unlikely that previous studies would perfectly overlap with the School’s expertise.

Can I come to Imperial College Business School as a visiting student?

Please visit Imperial College London's visiting students page .

Can I have a part-time job whilst enrolled in the programme?

The Doctoral programme is full time. Students are able to undertake part-time work if this does not break any relevant visa and/or scholarship conditions, however the programme offers a living stipend to support students during their studies.

How many students do you accept onto the Doctoral programme every year?

Admission onto the Doctoral programme is highly competitive as we accept around 15 students each year, from a total of approximately 200 applications.

Is there a workspace assigned to Doctoral students?

There is a designated workspace which includes a computer and relevant software assigned to all enrolled Doctoral students. You will share working space with other PhD students in your cohort.

How do I apply and what documents do I need to submit with my application?

All applications to the Doctoral programme are made via our online platform. You will either need to select 'Business (MRes 1YFT)' or 'Business (MRes 2YFT)' based on your research area of interest. Further information can be found on our  Doctoral programme page.

Please refer to the  How to apply page  to see application deadlines, what documents you are required to submit with your application and to view the selection process.

When is the application deadline?

To find out more about application deadlines for our Doctoral programme please  visit the How to apply page .

What do I need to include in my statement of purpose?

One of the most important parts of our application form is the ‘statement of purpose’ section. It should be no more than one or two A4 pages and should cover the following points:

Your motivation for undertaking the programme

A discussion of possible research areas that you might pursue and how these are a good fit for Imperial College Business School

What interests you most about your chosen field of study

Relevant past study, industry, or research projects

Long-term career goals

I haven't decided what area I want to specialise in for my PhD, what should I do?

You should browse the description of the different research groups in the Business School and the webpages of faculty members. This will give an overview of their research interests and current projects. The MRes gives you an opportunity to pursue potential interests through courses and a project prior to committing to the PhD

Do I need a willing supervisor prior to application?

No, although in your application you should list a member of  faculty  you have identified as a potential supervisor. You can demonstrate in your statement of purpose how your research interests are aligned to a potential supervisor and the Business School.

Checking the research profiles of faculty members and Business School projects will give you an indication of whether the Business School is a good fit for you. If no faculty are working in your area of interest it is unlikely that you would be shortlisted, as we may not be able to provide supervisory support during your PhD.

During the MRes year, you will become part of the research community at Imperial College Business School and interact with faculty and other PhD students during taught courses and at seminars, which we hope will influence and help shape your research ideas for the PhD.

Are all applicants interviewed?

Not all applications progress to the interview stage of the selection process, however we interview all shortlisted candidates before making an offer. In the case of overseas candidates we will arrange an interview by telephone or via Skype.

Is GMAT/GRE a compulsory requirement?

Yes. A GMAT/GRE score must be submitted before we will consider an application. Any applications submitted without a GMAT/GRE score will be considered incomplete until we receive a score. Please note that we do not make offers on the condition that a candidate achieves a satisfactory GMAT/GRE score. To see the GMAT/GRE scores we look for, please refer to the  Entry Requirements page .

Do you offer Doctoral funding and stipend?

We offer a fully funded Doctoral programme at Imperial College Business School – this includes a tuition fee waiver and a stipend for up to five years. The 2024-25 rate of the Graduate Teaching Assistant scholarship stipend is £25,000. Rates are reviewed annually and are expected to increase for 2025-26 in line with Research Council UK rates. Stipends are tax-free and the continuation of the stipend will depend on your satisfactory progress on the programme.

What living costs should I allow for in London?

Living costs vary considerably depending on the area of London you choose to live in and your choice of accommodation.

Read more about  estimated London living costs  and  accommodation for postgraduates .

Do you offer Doctoral scholarships?

Within Imperial, we also have funding opportunities from various external studentships, including EPSRC, ESRC, and the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships .

Students who are eligible for other PhD  funding opportunities  that may be available to them are expected to apply for them.

Explore more

Sign up to our newsletter.

Keep up to date about news, events, and application deadlines for our PhD programme by joining our mailing list.

Attend an event

Wherever you are in the world, our Recruitment team holds events where you can meet staff and students, and get your questions answered. 

Start your journey

Study your doctoral programme at a global top 10 university offering world-class faculty, leadership coaching, global business experience, industry connections, specialist careers support and an exciting London location. 

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

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Discover more about this subject area

PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

• We're ranked in the top ten universities in the UK for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
• Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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Postgraduate research

Apply to a research degree

Find out how and when to apply to a research degree at York (PhD, MPhil and MA/MSc by research). Discover what happens after you apply.

Top tip - apply early and make sure you check the funding deadlines. If you're an international student, it's best to apply at least three months prior to your intended start date to avoid any delays in applying for your accommodation and/or visa.

1. Identify a research area of interest

Read extensively around your subject and think about how you can best capitalise on your skills.

Find out whether our departments offer an advertised project which fits your interests. If you’re generating your own research project, seek guidance on its suitability and find out about funding opportunities.

• Search courses
• See all departments

2. Check the entry requirements

Typically you’ll need at least the equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree and, in some cases, a Masters degree. Actual requirements vary by course.

• See the entry requirements for your course
• International applicants

If you're an international applicant, you may also need to consider some additional factors including:

• E nglish language requirements
• Visa requirements , including how to get your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

3. Contact a potential supervisor

Decide  which academic  to contact to discuss the research area you are interested in.

4. Check the application deadlines

In most cases, applications can be submitted year-round. However, we recommend that you apply as early as possible as some areas are particularly competitive.

• Check the deadline for your course

5. Complete your application

Submit an online application. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start it, save it and finish it later.

If you're applying to an advertised project make sure you follow the specific instructions.

Apply now for 2023/24 entry

• Supporting documents

We’ll let you know which documents you need to supply at the start of your online application. This will include a research proposal.   You can prepare in advance using our  supporting documents guide .

Paper applications

You’ll receive a quicker response from us if you apply online. However, if you are unable to do so, you can submit a  paper application .

6. After you apply

Find out  what happens after you've applied , including how to:

• Track your application
• Upload additional supporting documents
• Accept your offer

7. Apply for funding

You normally need to have received an offer before you apply for funding, so be sure you check the  funding application deadlines . They usually fall between January and March.

UK Government loans : you may be entitled to a loan to help fund your research degree.

8. Get ready for your arrival

Now is the time to research your accommodation options and start  planning for your arrival .

Admissions policy

We consider all applications in a fair, transparent and consistent way. Find out more about our  admissions policy .

Got a question about applying to York? Email our friendly Admissions Team for advice and support.

If you've already applied to study at York please use You@York to upload any documents. Please do not email documents to us.

[email protected] +44 (0)1904 322142

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• Find a course
• English language requirements 2023/24
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• After you apply
• After you accept your place

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MPhil/PhD Programmes

There are over 400 research students at the Institute who come from a range of backgrounds including psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work and basic sciences.

Our MPhil/PhD programme allows students to carry out research in any of our 14 departments and in a wide variety of areas;  from molecular genetics and biology, to neuroscience, neuroimaging, clinical research studies, psychological studies and new treatments; from longitudinal studies to clinical trials, bio statistics, epidemiology and health services research and transcultural studies. 

Please see their departmental webpages and online prospectus entries to see research options/areas currently being undertaken:

Is a PhD for me?

Our PhD students come from a variety of backgrounds, with a variety of qualifications and experience. Take a look at the following information and recent/current student profiles, to find out whether a PhD is right for you:

King's College London says:

• All candidates should usually possess the normal minimum entry qualifications for registration prescribed in the King’s  Core Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Degrees . This is normally a 2:1 in a relevant field. 
• Candidates should possess an adequate level of English competence. Candidates for whom English is not the first language will be required to provide proof that they possess an adequate level of English competence . The minimum level accepted is an IELTS score of 6.5. Grade C or above in GCSE English is also acceptable. Candidates must also satisfy their appointment panel of their competence. 

The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) says:

• It is useful to have a Masters degree, or related work experience in your chosen area of interest.  

EU and International students should check the list of equivalent grades for international qualifications . Please contact the  Health Schools Admissions Centre  for further enquiries.

If you wish to study full time:

• You will be expected to submit your thesis within 3 years.
• You are permitted to work part time, but students are expected to work on their PhD for 35 hours a week and we encourage any part time work to be agreed with your supervisors.

If you wish to study part time:

• You will be expected to submit your thesis within 6 years. 
• You are allowed to submit your thesis early (as early as 4 years) but this must be agreed with your supervisors and other conditions apply. Please contact the  Postgraduate Research Team  for more information.

The current fees for the 2022/2023 academic year are:

• Full time Home = £7,050 per year
• Full time Overseas = £26,640 per year
• Part time Home = £3,525 per year
• Part time Overseas = £13,320 per year

If you are a member of staff at the IoPPN you may be eligible for a discount on fees. Please contact the  Postgraduate Research Team  for more information. 

Please note that tuition fees are subject to an annual increase of up to 5%. For more information, see the Fees webpage.

Students can start in either October (when most students start), February or June. 

Students who are being funded by an external source should check whether there are any limitations on start dates.

If you are not able to self fund your PhD studies, then you will need to find funding from another source. 

The IoPPN offers a number of full time studentships on an annual basis, funded by the Institute itself, and partly by the Medical Research Council. These studentships offer students full payment of tuition fees for 3 years and a monthly tax free stipend for living. These studentships are for set projects. 

Individual academics and departments also offer full time fully funded studentships, on an ad hoc basis, if they receive funding themselves. These are also usually for set projects.

All funded studentships are advertised on our Studentships webpage.

If you have your own project in mind and would like to find funding, browse these links:

• Centre for Doctoral Studies Funding Database
• Research & Development Office
• Research grants office
• Medical Research Council
• Economic and Social Research Council
• British Council
• Government Loans

For more information on funding at Kings, please see the  Funding  webpage.

Student Profiles

Students take classes together in their first year and all have offices on the same floor, which makes it a very social and friendly place to study. It also means that students researching different areas of psychiatry, psychology, neuroimaging, and genetics are in constant contact, which helps to broaden your exposure to research. 

Students and staff alike are always keen to get involved in collaborative projects, whether small or large, allowing students to explore areas of interest outside those strictly relevant to their PhD. 

The PhD itself is usually very independent, driven by the student's own ideas and interests. These collaborations often also extend beyond the Centre, allowing for research and conference opportunities abroad. 

All in all, it's a great place to be!

I wanted to understand how pioneering brain imaging could lead to new ways for diagnosing the condition, and as a result, I applied for a PhD with Dr Andy Simmons at the Department of Neuroimaging. 

As a PhD student, the Institute has provided outstanding research facilities for postgraduate education and the provision of college organised training courses for personal development and teaching has been fantastic. 

I have enjoyed this experience so far, and benefited from excellent supervision in a friendly and stimulating research environment. 

The IoPPN has great research facilities and I'm really pleased that I have had the chance to study here.  

With Psychosis Studies being one of the larger departments at the IoPPN, I've found there are always lots of opportunities to attend relevant talks and seminars, including weekly Psychosis Studies meetings with internal and external speakers.

I am really enjoying being a student here and one of the best things is that you can create your own opportunities.  I set up a problem-based learning group to help students gain a greater understanding of magnetic resonance imaging, including the physics and basic analysis. They have been really well attended and the group has grown considerably since it was first stated.  I have also had the opportunity to be the student representative for Psychosis Studies and be a mentor to some MSc students too.

When I graduate, I would like to continue working in research as a post doc, working my way up the academic ladder to professor.

The Next Steps

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• Schools & departments

PhD Psychology programme

The University of Edinburgh has one of the top-ranked Psychology departments in the UK for research.

Psychology at Edinburgh brings together world-class researchers approaching the scientific study of mind and behaviour through a range of topics - from language development to dementia, personality to paranormal beliefs. The department benefits from a vibrant postgraduate community and strong interdisciplinary links with colleagues in medicine, informatics, linguistics, biology and public health.

You may also be interested in the psychology programmes offered by the School of Health in Social Science:

Postgraduate research programmes in Clinical Psychology, Counselling & Psychotherapy

Research interests

When to apply, help with your application, funding opportunities for research students, visiting research students, our research community.

Our PhD students are actively encouraged to join in the regular meetings to discuss research, books and papers.

Find out more about our research seminars and reading groups

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Funded PhD research programmes 2024 UK

The University of Brighton regularly invites applicants for fully-funded PhD studentships across all its disciplines. 

These allow motivated, high-calibre applicants for research degrees to join our thriving academic community and contribute to our rich and innovative research environment. 

Our deadline has passed for the October 2024 start for funded PhDs, but there will be further announcements shortly. Meanwhile, please visit our PhD funding advice pages . 

Visit our PhD disciplinary programme lists

What UK PhD studentships are available ?

Our academics at the University of Brighton regularly develop research projects in which they can offer outstanding support and which they are committed to developing and growing.

The studentships available will be given to candidates who best fulfil the promise outlined by these academic departments.

These funded PhD opportunities are generally open to home and international students. 

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the video on YouTube .

Can you be a researcher? Professor Bhavik Patel reassures applicants of all backgrounds that they can study for a PhD and aim for a research career. 

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

The application for our schemes will usually involve:  

• submitting a full application through the university's PhD application portal, accessible from the  PhD funded projects webpages . You will upload your research proposal as part of this process.
• The submission must include two letters of reference, academic qualifications, a proposed project approach, a personal statement and your CV (resumé).
• Please note, deadline for 2024 start on the most recent funding scheme was 29 February 2024 16:00 (UCT/GMT).
• Shortlisted applicants are likely to be invited for interview.

Details of application for fully funded PhD studentships

To apply for your studentship at the University of Brighton, you should first review the specific projects or project areas that our academics are offering to support. 

All eligible applications for the funded PhD will be reviewed, with shortlisted candidates entered for final decisions on the allocations of funding, which will rest with the university's central Doctoral College. 

What does PhD funding include?

The funding for the PhD usually cover the full fee and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus an allowance of £1,500 per year for researcher training for three years (or part-time equivalent). 

Successful candidates benefit from expert supervisory teams, a programme of postgraduate researcher development workshops and membership of specialist, interdisciplinary research centres and groups. There will be introductions to a network of relevant researchers, careers advice and opportunities for interaction within and beyond the university. Through this, our PhD students have the best start possible towards ambitious careers that make use of their research degrees.

The University of Brighton fosters research careers and will provide doctoral training, attentive and expert supervision and access to world-class laboratories and equipment. 

We are renowned as a leading applied university, with pioneer academics in disciplines from sport science to design history and applied science research that translates efficiently to the global challenge of worldwide health and wellbeing. Our strategy of 'practical wisdom' leads to real-world partnerships and beneficiaries across all disciplines while the development of community-university partnership practices have placed us among the best universities for many aspects of co-produced research and innovation.

We pride ourselves on the ways we work in partnership with those outside higher education, across the European Union and internationally. Through our research collaborations we work with a wide range of universities, both internationally and with universities in the UK. We are also founding members of two UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships which, this year, are dealt with outside our University of Brighton studentship offer. We learn constantly from our involvement in these, and our rich resources are offered across all doctoral research programmes.

Recently the University of Brighton celebrated its performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) and the Knowledge and Exchange Framework (KEF2023). Over 87 per cent of our submitted impact case studies in REF2021 were rated as having 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' impact beyond academia. We are dedicated to developing this quality work with new students. Read more about the review of our research and knowledge exchange performance in REF2021 . Also, read more about our KEF2023 results, which placed Brighton in the top tier for economic and social benefits .

How will you build a relationship with your supervisor? Professor Annebella Pollen and Dr Tom Ainsworth are among those offering advice. This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and also features academics from other institutions.

How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?

You must be able to show your suitability for a UK research degree if you wish to apply for fully-funded studentships.

This includes evidence either of a relevant and successful academic background or equivalent relevant professional/expert background in the applied subject area. Applicants from overseas will also have to fulfil any English language and visa requirements.

This will be true for studentships in the UK across most of the UK universities. It is usual for applicants either to have completed (or be about to complete) a masters degree, have an exceptional undergraduate record and references, or demonstrate the equivalent scholarly potential.  

Supervisory staff and research students at the University of Brighton consider how important diverse thinking and inclusive practice are to their doctoral studies.

Can I get PhD funding at the University of Brighton?

We have a long-standing annual programme of funded PhD opportunities across all our disciplines, including several rooted in research council (UKRI) partnerships.

The initiatives allow postgraduate study for UK-based students as well as study in the UK for international students (depending on the PhD programme). 

We are also keen to encourage students who might be able to self-fund their doctoral studies. Studying part-time, for example, is likely to prove more affordable and more easily balanced with professional life than you'd imagine. 

We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere and structure for your studies. Show us your own qualities and your suitability for these programmes. We look forward to receiving your application. Good luck!

Epidemiology and Public Health MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

Our PhD programme aims to equip the next generation of experts with the necessary tools to address major 21st-century health challenges and deliver real-world impact.

Important notice

Access to our graduate programme pages may be disrupted between 17:00 (UK time) on Friday, 12 April until 12:00 (UK time) on Monday, 15 April 2024 for upgrading work. During this period our application system will be unavailable. We value your interest in studying at UCL and if you experience any difficulty we recommend you come back to this website once the upgrade is complete.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Prospective students should apply at least four months before their intended start date. If you require a visa we recommend allowing for more time.

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s degree (preferably with a merit or distinction) in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Epidemiology and Public Health research degree programme is based within UCL's Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care.

You will join an extremely engaging PhD programme, which currently supports a vibrant community of over 100 students from all over the world.

This programme offers you the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary research department with experts who focus on a wide range of public health concerns such as:

• Infectious disease monitoring, prevention and control
• Social determinants of health 
• Dental public health
• Disability across the globe
• Health and life expectancy in socially excluded groups
• Health surveys and longitudinal cohort studies

You will be supported to gain a wealth of skills, experience and networking opportunities that are relevant for a wide range of future careers, both within academia and more widely in the healthcare, industry and governmental sector.

You will receive direct supervision from world-leading academics based on UCL's campus in the heart of London. All PhD students are supported by supervisory panels of multidisciplinary staff, as well as student mentors, and departmental graduate tutors.

Who this course is for

This programme provides training for those looking for a career in epidemiology, public health and health care policy, either in academia, industry or public health practice. It is offered full time or part time, the latter option being suitable for those who continue in employment while gaining a research qualification.

What this course will give you

This programme will provide you with access to a wide range of supporting opportunities that will increase your ability to develop transferable skills, that are sought after by national and international employers.

Skills Development programme

UCL's DocSkills Development Programme is open to all PhD students at UCL and it offers an extensive list of development opportunities. The purpose of the programme is to give you the opportunity to expand your research and transferable skills in order to support your research, professional development and employability. Find out more about UCL's DocSkills Development programme .

Mentoring programme

We offer a Peer-Level Research Student Mentoring Scheme and provide all new research degree students with a peer-mentor upon arrival. The mentor you are allocated will generally be a 2nd or 3rd year PhD student.

We take career support very seriously at UCL and you can find out more within the programmes Careers and Employability section .

Early Career Researchers Forum

The Institutes’s Early Career Researcher Forum (ECF) is an ongoing and expanding programme of regular seminars for postdoctoral researchers and PhD students. Previous events focused on how to apply for jobs in academia, authorship and publishing, patient and public involvement in research, using social media in research (including film), how PhD students can best prepare for their viva, and oral and poster presentations.

Journal Club

A PhD and junior researcher journal club group which meets in an informal setting. With the aim of improving student's critical analysis and methodology skills, the Journal Club discusses papers from a broad range of topics on health promotion and disease prevention. The club is run by students and facilitated by a senior member of academic staff within the Institute.

Lunchtime Seminar Series

The Lunchtime Seminar series is delivered by the department's research groups and PhD students. The seminars typically take place once a month.

PhD Poster Competition

Every year we run a PhD student poster competition which is an opportunity to share students work with members of staff, outsiders who will be visiting for our Open Day and fellow students.

3-minute thesis competition (3MT)

The Institute runs an annual 3-minute thesis competition which is an academic competition that challenges PhD students to describe their research within three minutes to a general audience. 3MT celebrates the discoveries made by research students and encourages them to communicate the importance of their research to the broader community. It's a great opportunity for students to practice their presentation skills, meet other candidates and have a chance to win prize money.

Teaching Opportunities for PhD Students

The Institute is committed and recognises the importance of providing postgraduate teaching assistant opportunities for PhD students, so they can gain valuable experience during their studies at UCL. Formal is provided and a wide range of teaching opportunities are offered each term.

The foundation of your career

We produce graduates with the skills and knowledge sought after by government departments and public sector organisations worldwide, as well as leading academic institutions.

Employability

This research degree programme aims to provide excellent and challenging training for exceptional students, so that they may successfully pursue careers in:

• Local and central government
• Public health organisations
• Hospitals and clinical trial units
• Academic researchers and university lecturers
• Policy management
• Government advisors
• Charity and non-governmental sectors

This degree can be varied and may have an international dimension, including fieldwork carried out abroad, setting up a study within the UK or other countries, or using secondary data from some of the UK’s largest, most comprehensive longitudinal datasets many of which are housed within the institute.

You will also have access to UCL's Doctoral Skills Development programme, which will enable you to expand your research and transferable skills in order to support your research, professional development and employability.

The Institute’s research departments collaborate with third sector and governmental organisations, as well as members of the media, both nationally and internationally to ensure the highest possible impact of their work beyond the academic community. Students are encouraged to take up internships with relevant organisations where funding permits. Members of staff also collaborate closely with academics from leading institutions globally.

Teaching and learning

Learning is mostly self-directed with input from PhD supervisors. The training and development programme for each student is overseen and supported by a Thesis Committee panel, appointed by the supervisory team.

PhD final assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your ability to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline.

Your thesis must also represent your distinct and significant contribution to the subject, either through the discovery of new knowledge, through the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views.

Your thesis should reflect the exercise of critical judgement with regard to both your own work and that of other scholars in the field.

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva. For a successful upgrade to PhD, you prepare a written report, give an oral presentation and pass an oral examination.

For a PhD award, you will be examined on your submitted thesis, this involves a viva (an oral exam) with two independent examiners.

Contact hours and hours of self-study are agreed between the student and the supervisor at the beginning of their research degree and should be reviewed on a regular basis. Full-time postgraduate research students are expected to work a minimum of 36.5 hours per week on their project. With agreement of their supervisors, contact time can be on-site or remote working depending upon the nature and stage of the project. PGR students can have the opportunity to access UCL facilities ‘out of hours’ including weekends and holidays during their period of registration. Students will have research meetings with their supervisors at least once per month. Full-time Research students can take 27 days of annual leave, plus eight days of Bank holidays and six UCL closure days.

Research areas and structure

Our research focuses on a wide range of public health concerns such as heart disease; dental public health; mental health and well-being; and child development and ageing. Our research has significant real-world impact, informing policy both in the United Kingdom and around the world, and the wider public understanding of health inequalities.

Find out more.

Research environment

UCL is among the world's top ten universities (QS World University Rankings 2024) with a reputation for high-quality research. Located in the heart of London, it is a stimulating and exciting environment in which to study.

• UCL is rated No.1 for research power and impact in medicine, health, and life sciences (REF 2021)
• UCL is ranked 6th in the world for public health (ShanghaiRanking's 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects)
• UCL is ranked 9th in the world as a university (QS World Rankings 2024)

UCL can bring the full power of a multi-faculty university to bear on discussions of population health, involving academics from the wide range of disciplines necessary to tackle some of the most difficult issues in public health.

More specifically, the UCL's Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care brings together four research departments, whose interests span the life course from childhood to old age, and research from the origins of disease to the development of innovative interventions.

The four research Departments are:

• Applied Health Research
• Behavioural Science and Health
• Epidemiology and Public Health
• Primary Care and Population Health

Full-time students are normally registered for a minimum of 3 years. 

All students initially register for the MPhil degree before being upgraded (typically early in the 2nd year) to the PhD degree. For a successful upgrade to a PhD, students must prepare a written report, give an oral presentation and pass an oral examination. 

Students are regularly monitored to ensure that they are making good progress and that supervisory arrangements are satisfactory to both the student and supervisor. Once the student has completed their research and submitted their thesis, they have a viva (an oral exam) with two examiners.

Part-time students are required to register for a minimum of 5 years.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There may be additional costs related to participating in scientific meetings, conferences, short courses, or data collection/access, but these are all optional.

The students can apply for financial support provided by the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care to participate in conferences.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

View the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care's Studentship and Funding webpage for opportunities.  

The following studentships have been received in previous years: ESRC, MRC, MRC/ESRC, NIHR, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, Wellcome Trust, European Union and British Heart Foundation.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

We accept research degree applications throughout the year. Please note: essential information about the application process can be found on the website .

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care

[email protected]

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Distance Learning PhDs

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Register your interest in our courses

The School of Advanced Study offers students with an appropriate topic and level of local resource the opportunity to undertake a PhD by distance learning.

Students are required to attend our London campus at set intervals to complete an intensive research training module, for upgrade, and for the viva but will otherwise study at their own location. This option is available to UK, EU, and international students on the same basis as our on-campus PhD programmes (three years full time, six years part time).

If you would like to be considered for our Research Degree via Distance Learning programme, please complete the  Research Degrees by Distance Learning form  and attach it to your online application.

Course structure

Compulsory attendance in London is required on three occasions: 

• Induction, the first week of the first term,  to meet supervisors and to undertake an intensive research training course (an optional second week of research training is offered that can be completed either in the week after the initial compulsory induction week or online during the first term);  
• The point of upgrade to PhD status  (usually between years 1 and 2 for full time students and between years 3 and 4 for part-time students)
• The final viva (oral defence of the thesis)

Note: The Institute of Advanced Legal Studies' week-long induction/research training for research students (whether on campus or distance learning) is usually held in January. 

The induction week provides guidance in the following areas:

• Research ethics
• Academic writing
• Working with your supervisor
• Planning your thesis
• Building a bibliography
• Working in archives

Students are required to engage with further research training online as their programme commences.

The programme is run on the same basis as campus-based programmes.  Regular contact with the supervisor is required via video conferencing software.  Students will meet with their supervisor in the induction week where future arrangements will be made for the occurrence and means in which meetings will take place.  Students will need to demonstrate that they have the appropriate local resources, IT equipment and infrastructure before they can commence study.

Students will benefit from the School’s extensive research training portfolio, online e-resources, podcasting, video recordings, transcriptions and live streaming of research seminars on a wide range of topics to help them complete their research degree. 

Research modules will include, but are not limited to, Organising Successful Academic Events, Getting Research Published, Public Speaking, Research Data and Ethics.

Distance students will be supported in the same way that the on-campus students are with the use of video conferencing to supplement face-to-face interaction. Within the induction week distance students will be given the opportunity to meet their student representatives and other students beginning their PhD.

To ensure that the students are fully supported and provided with the best tools and guidance throughout their PhD, applications will be considered on an individual basis. As not all Institutes offer the distance program, each student’s needs will be considered individually and an appropriate Institute and supervisory team recommended.

For complete fees and funding information, please visit the  relevant course page . 

Distance Learning Subject Areas

PhD at the Institute of English Studies

Study from a number of literature-related subject areas, ranging from book history to contemporary literature, and from book illustration to author-focused studies.

PhD at the Institute of Historical Research

Study the history of the world from the fourth to the 21st century, with the Institute's particular strengths being in British and European history.

PhD at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies

Study in the field of humanities and cognate social sciences, particularly on the subjects of human rights, globalisation and development, politics and Commonwealth history.

PhD at the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Study modern languages, literature and culture and their comparative relationships with the mobility of people, practices and ideas.

PhD at the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Study with Latin Americanists whose expertise are in colonial and post-colonial history, political anthropology, human geography, environmental politics, cultural studies and multilingualism.

Digital Humanities PhD

Study texts, images, histories, languages, cultures and more through an interdisciplinary subject area using a range of computational, quantitative, innovative and collaborative methods.

PhD at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies

Study the theoretical basis of law, the sources and documentation of the law and the direct impact of law on human lives within your particular area of research.

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8 big differences between the US and UK PhD experience

And one important similarity. 

Helen Robertson

Credit: Malte Mueller/Getty

And one important similarity.

11 March 2020

Malte Mueller/Getty

In 2019, I took a risk by moving halfway around the world as a postdoctoral researcher in molecular evolution.

Since then, I’ve been struck by how different the grad school experience is here at the University of Chicago in the US, compared with my time at the University College London in the UK, where I completed my PhD in 2017.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

1. UK grad school interviews are shorter and more lab-specific

In the UK, you’re likely to apply directly to a lab for an advertised project or one that you develop with your supervisor.

In the US, the application process is more centralized. You usually apply to a school instead of a lab. Some programs even require you to take a standardized Graduate Entry Program test, though this seems to be on the decline .

Grad school interviews in the US tend to be longer. They can involve a series of interviews, tours, and faculty events over a number of days.

2. In the US, a work-life balance is harder to achieve

I’ve been surprised by how all-encompassing a US doctorate can be. Even after the first year of teaching, the number of seminars, journal clubs, and university-related activities make the US PhD experience very grad school-centric.

I was fortunate during my UK-based PhD to approach it more like a full-time job than a continuation of my masters year. There were intense periods that required late nights in the lab, but I had time to pursue other interests , which provided some balance and made me more productive at work.

Of course, it’s difficult to generalize about working patterns. Demanding schedules are not wholly dictated by the country you’re studying in. A recent study found that 76% of surveyed grad students spent more than 41 hours a week on their project.

3. It takes longer to complete a PhD in the US

Probably the best-known difference is the time it takes to complete a PhD.

UK PhD programs tend towards three years in length, although it’s increasingly getting closer to four years – a trend that might soon be reflected in funding arrangements .

It’s a different story in the US, where, according to the Survey of Earned Doctorates , students take an average of 5.7 years to graduate.

4. UK PhD fees tend to be lower

Fees err on the more expensive side in the US, as they do for undergraduate degrees – although this isn’t always true for international students.

US PhD fees, coupled with the longer study time, means that the costs associated with grad school are generally higher than in the UK, even before living costs are considered.

If you have a funding body attached to your project, it will likely pay your tuition fees as part of its finance package. But this flags a major difference between the two countries: funding and scholarships.

5. Many US students need to apply for their own funding

From my understanding, most advertised science-based PhD projects in the UK are attached to funding, which covers tuition fees, bench costs, and living expenses. The tax-free PhD stipend set by all UK Research Councils is £15,285 (approximately US$20,000), although other funding bodies pay more.

In the US, there is no national funding level – your level of financial support will be dictated by your school or lab. This means there is generally much more encouragement for US PhD students to apply for their own funding than there is in the UK.

This is good experience for a future scientific career, but if you have to work additional hours to supplement scholarships, you’ll ultimately end up with less time for your project.

6. US PhD programs are more structured

This is particularly true in the first year for US PhDs, which includes lectures, exams, and lab rotations. Only at the end of the first year, after passing your qualifying exam, do you have the opportunity to pick the lab you’re going to pursue your PhD research in.

In the UK, I started in the lab that I spent the duration of my studies in. This meant no structured classes or rotations in my first year, and I began my own research right away.

PhDs that are run through a Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) – centres that manage the Research Council-funded PhD degrees – are increasingly popular in the UK, and include classes and rotations during the first year, but often without the frequent exams and coursework that characterize grad school in the US.

7. There is more focus on defending your thesis in the UK

Writing my thesis was the final hurdle of my UK PhD experience. It gave me the opportunity to document my ideas, successes (and failures), and the context of my project. I defended my thesis in a closed session with two examiners: one internal to my institution, and one external.

From what I’ve seen, finishing a doctorate in the US is less focused on a thesis. Instead, your committee determines that you have completed sufficient work and skill attainment to warrant your defense. Only then can you write your thesis, and defend it in a public session.

In the UK, it’s unlikely you’ll know your examiners well, but a US PhD defense is assessed by the same thesis committee that have known you for the duration of your studies.

8. Teaching is an added bonus in the UK

My UK PhD funding set no teaching requirements: instead, I was free to teach labs and mark coursework at the discretion of my supervisor. And I was paid for any teaching hours I did.

Teaching requirements in the US vary from school to school. For some students, working as a teaching assistant is necessary to pay fees and living expenses – particularly if you don’t have comprehensive funding.

There might also be minimum teaching requirements for the duration of your PhD in the US. In this respect, the time commitment and financial compensation of teaching is very institution-specific.

One important similarity: The lab you join will determine your experience

Despite the differences in structure and requirements between UK and US PhDs, one thing that is common to them all is that, ultimately, your PhD is going to be shaped by the lab you decide to join.

If have a positive working environment and appropriate guidance and support from your supervisor, and you’re interested in and motivated by your thesis topic, then your grad school experience will likely be rewarding.

And that’s true regardless of the country you’re studying in.

Postgraduate research study

Do you want to push boundaries – both academically and personally? Choosing to do your PhD or Professional Doctorate at UWE Bristol means just that. Not only will you be contributing to new knowledge, but you’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills, including research methods, critical thinking and academic writing. And you may even gain experience in getting published, teaching or presenting your original research at a national or international level.

How do we help you achieve that? Our supportive community. As part of UWE Bristol's Doctoral Academy, no matter what your discipline, you will join a thriving and expanding postgraduate research culture made up of diverse students from all over the world. And with subject experts who provide a personalised experience to your supervision, a structured approach to your studies with regular check-ins on progress, and lots of training and research development opportunities, you’ll be in the best place to succeed.

Available research degrees

Find out what research degree programmes are available at UWE Bristol and what they entail.

What are my research study options

Useful information and guidance on your research study options including studentships, research degrees and self-funded opportunities.

How to apply

How to apply to study a research degree at UWE Bristol.

Fees and funding

View Doctoral Academy tuition fees, other fees and funding sources.

Self-funded research opportunities

Learn more about self-funded research opportunities at UWE Bristol and what they entail.

Studentship opportunities

Learn more about studentship opportunities at the Doctoral Academy.

Support during your degree

Support from the Doctoral Academy available to postgraduate researchers at UWE Bristol, including useful contacts.

Skills development for postgraduate researchers

UWE Bristol offers a comprehensive range of workshops which aim to help you  complete your doctorate on time, feel part of UWE Bristol’s researcher community and consider your postdoctoral options.

Current postgraduate researchers

Useful information and guidance for current postgraduate research students.

Doctoral Academy Handbook

Incorporating regulations, procedures, guidelines and frequently asked questions for postgraduate researchers, their supervisors and examiners.

Information for supervisors

Information and support for postgraduate research supervisors.

About the Doctoral Academy

Find out more about the UWE Bristol Doctoral Academy.

Contact the Doctoral Academy

Email:  [email protected]

Doctoral Academy Room 3E37 Frenchay Campus UWE Bristol Coldharbour Lane Bristol BS16 1QY

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Johns Hopkins graduate programs again ranked among nation's best

'u.s. news & world report' includes 38 jhu programs among the top 10 in the u.s. in its annual rankings, including no. 1 ranked programs in nursing and public health.

By Hub staff report

Johns Hopkins University has 38 graduate schools, academic programs, and specialties ranked among the top 10 in the nation, including nine with No. 1 rankings, according to the latest edition of "Best Graduate Schools" from U.S. News & World Report , published earlier today.

Two schools at Hopkins—the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Nursing —earned No. 1 rankings overall, and the School of Education entered the top 10, according to U.S. News & World Report .

Portions of the publication's annual list were released today but rankings for schools of medicine and engineering were delayed and will be released at a later date.

Among the new rankings released today:

The School of Nursing's DNP program ranked No. 1 for the third year in a row. Its master's degree programs tied at No. 1, up from No. 2 last year. In gerontology, the school moved up two spots to No. 1 for primary care, and up one spot to No. 2 for acute care. In other specialty areas, the School of Nursing's doctoral programs ranked:

• Psychiatric/mental health: No. 1
• Family: No. 3 (tied)
• Leadership: No. 4 (tied)
• Nursing Anesthesia: No. 36 (tie)

Public Health

The Bloomberg School retained its longtime No. 1 overall ranking among public health programs—it has held the top spot since 1994, the year the rankings began. In specialty areas, the Bloomberg School ranked:

• Environmental Health Sciences: No. 1
• Epidemiology: No. 1
• Health Policy and Management (Public Health): No. 1
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: No. 1
• Biostatistics: No. 2

Johns Hopkins tied at No. 8 in the Education category, up from No. 13 last year. The school also tied at No. 23 in higher education administration programs.

Public Affairs

Overall, Johns Hopkins programs in public affairs tied at No. 39. In subcategories, Johns Hopkins tied at No. 6 in Health Policy and Management (Public Affairs), No. 11 in International/Global Policy and Administration, and tied at No. 35 in Public Policy Analysis.

U.S. News & World Report updates some of its rankings each year and republishes the most recent rankings in other areas. Among the republished rankings for Hopkins, which are still current:

Biological Sciences

Hopkins is tied for No. 6 overall with six top 10 specialty rankings:

• Molecular biology: No. 3 (tie)
• Cell biology: No. 4
• Neuroscience: No. 4 (tie)
• Immunology: No. 5
• Genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics: No. 6 (tie)
• Biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology: No. 8

Biostatistics

Hopkins is ranked No. 1 (tie) for Biostatistics at the doctoral level. (Note: U.S. News & World Report also ranks biostatistics as a sub-category of public health, where Hopkins is No. 2.)

The university is tied at No. 20 in Chemistry and ranks No. 9 in the Biochemistry subcategory.

Computer Science

The university is tied for No. 24 overall and tied at No. 21 in the specialty of Artificial Intelligence.

Earth Sciences

The university is tied at No. 30 in Earth Sciences.

Johns Hopkins' program in economics is tied at No. 22.

English tied at No. 13 overall with the following specialty rankings:

• Literary criticism and theory: No. 3
• British literature: No. 10 (tie)
• American literature after 1865: No. 17

Health Care Management

The university is No. 7.

Johns Hopkins ranks No. 10 overall, with the following specialty rankings:

• African-American history: No. 3 (tie)
• Cultural history: No. 4 (tie)
• U.S. Colonial history: No. 5 (tie)
• Women's history: No. 6 (tie)
• African history: No. 7 (tie)
• European history: No. 7 (tie)
• Modern U.S. history: No. 16 (tie)

Mathematics

Johns Hopkins is tied at No. 20 in Mathematics with the following specialty rankings: + Analysis: No. 18 (tie) + Algebra: No. 23 (tie) + Applied Math: No. 25

Overall, the university is tied at No. 13 with the following specialty rankings: + Living Systems: No. 5 (tie) + Cosmology: No. 7 + Condensed Matter: No. 13 (tie)

Political science

Overall, political science is tied at No. 41. In sub-categories, Johns Hopkins ranked: + Political theory: No. 8 (tie) + International politics: No. 24 (tie)

The university's graduate program in psychology is tied at No. 12 overall and tied at No. 5 in the subcategory of behavioral neuroscience.

Overall, sociology is tied at No. 29. The sub-category of sociology of population is tied at No. 17.

Posted in University News

Tagged u.s. news and world report , university rankings

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WNE's Occupational Therapy Program Recognized Among the BEST Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report

Western New England University (WNE) proudly announces that its Occupational Therapy program has been named one of the BEST Graduate Schools in the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious recognition underscores the program's commitment to excellence and its standing among peer academic leaders in the field of occupational therapy.

The U.S. News & World Report's rankings are highly regarded and are based solely on surveys of peer academic leaders. Experts and leaders within the occupational therapy field provide their insights and evaluations, considering various factors such as program quality, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and overall reputation within the academic community.

WNE's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Occupational Therapy program, ranked at 105 of 263, demonstrates the program's high regard among peer academic leaders within the occupational therapy field. This recognition not only highlights the strength of the Occupational Therapy program but also strengthens the University's overall reputation as a leader in higher education.

Dr. John Pezzuto, Dean of WNE's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, stated "As a relatively new program, we appreciate this peer recognition and proudly note we already have reached a ranking of fourth among the 11 programs in the Commonwealth offering the entry-level OT doctorate. Moreover, having worked with the OT team over the past several years, I can say without equivocation the program is as good as the best. The esprit de corps of this group is contagious. The faculty, staff, and students are all extraordinary."

Established in 2017, the Occupational Therapy program at Western New England University has quickly risen to prominence. Spearheading innovation in the field, the program offers a distinctive emphasis on experiential education, including five semesters of level one fieldwork and the student-operated pro bono clinic, the BEAR PAW Center. From the first semester, students engage with clients of all ages, ensuring they are well-prepared for fieldwork by the sixth semester. Additionally, the program's doctoral experiential capstone projects consistently yield outstanding outcomes, with students presenting and publishing peer-reviewed work, both within and beyond the occupational therapy landscape.

Dr. Maria Toyoda, Senior Vice President and Provost at Western New England University, remarked, "Being recognized among the BEST Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students within the Occupational Therapy program. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a top-notch education that prepares our students for successful careers in healthcare."

Reflecting on the program's success, Chair of the WNE OT Department Dr. Brittany Adams highlighted the faculty's passion for the profession and their active engagement in partnerships and collaborations with institutions nationwide. She emphasized the program's commitment to fostering collegiality and camaraderie among faculty and students, which has contributed significantly to its recognition by U.S. News & World Report.

Western New England University continues to enhance the Occupational Therapy program's excellence through ongoing initiatives. Plans include the launch of a distance learning cohort and the expansion of the BEAR PAW Center to offer telehealth services in 2025. These endeavors aim to further solidify the program's position as a trailblazer in occupational therapy education.

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