What is a research degree?
There are three main types of research degree:
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
A PhD in the UK involves researching an area of academic interest and producing original work and submitting a thesis of about 80-100,000 words. The duration of a PhD is typically three to four years.
MPhil (Master of Philosophy)
An MPhil in the UK is in most cases thesis-only, requiring two years of full-time study. It is a senior or second master’s degree, standing between a taught Master’s and a PhD, and involves submitting a thesis of about 60,000 words with original research.
MRes (Master of Research)
An MRes in the UK is an advanced postgraduate research degree in a specific academic discipline, and is particularly useful if you are considering a career in the commercial world. An MRes differs from a taught master’s by the emphasis on a large dissertation (typically between 35-40,000 words) and fewer taught modules.
Research degrees are the highest degrees awarded at universities in the UK, and as such they are quite different from taught master’s or bachelor’s programmes. The study is based around a substantial research project – often reaching up to 80,000 words – written as a thesis which then must be defended in an oral examination.
Very few research degrees feature taught modules, and as such the student will take much more responsibility for their work and schedule.
How can I study a research degree?
UK universities are free to admit anyone to a PhD programme, and admission is usually conditional on the prospective student having successfully completed an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours, or a postgraduate master’s degree.
There is usually a first-year assessment to remain in the study, while the thesis is submitted at the end of the completed programme. The thesis can be extended for up to four additional years, for a total of seven, but that is course dependent and also rare.
Learn more about our PhD application service for details on how we can help you study a PhD in the UK.
Research Proposals
If you wish to study a research degree, then a research proposal is needed upon application. Often a statement of around 1000-2000 words, the proposal will address the research you wish to undertake, how you will do it, and why it is important. The proposal must be accepted by a panel of experts before the actual research can begin.
Download a Research Proposal example here.
How SI-UK can help with your application
Using our unique services, we can tell you if you have what is required to study a research degree. Get in touch using the details below for a consultation, we just require that you bring the following:
- All degree certificates
- Transcripts of your undergraduate or previous degrees
- Any relevant previous study documents
Book your free consultation online, or get in touch via phone 020-7287-7040 or email.