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PhD Education / Entry requirements
Year of entry: 2024
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Academic entry qualification overview
- 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)
English language
- IELTS test minimum score - 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing, 6.0 in other sections.
- TOEFL (internet based) test minimum score - 100 overall, 25 in all sections.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score - 76 overall, 76 in writing, 70 in other sections.
- To demonstrate that you have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a majority English speaking nation within the last 5 years.
- Other tests may be considered.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the programme.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.
The University requires you to reside within a commutable distance from Manchester during your time as a registered student, unless you are on approved fieldwork/a formal placement or are on a period of Submission pending. This is to ensure that you are able to meet attendance expectations and participate in wider research activities within your discipline area and/or School.
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments.
A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research.
In most faculties, a candidate is expected to have completed one year of postgraduate study, normally on a research preparation master's course, prior to starting a PhD.
Completion normally requires three or four years of full-time study, or at least five years of part-time study, including a probationary period.
Terms of research are normally consecutive and, for full-time students, require residency in Cambridge. Not all departments offer part-time research degrees.
Various routes to the PhD are possible and, if you are made an offer of admission, it will be made clear whether you are required to study for a master's degree or certificate in the first instance, or will be admitted directly to the probationary year for the PhD. You are registered for the PhD only after a satisfactory progress assessment at the end of the probationary year (five terms for part-time degrees). The assessment is designed also to focus your mind on the stages necessary for the completion of your research within the normal time limit and to address any structural problems that have arisen during the first year. Students must pass the first year assessment in order to continue their PhD study.
During your PhD, your effort will be focused on writing a dissertation. The word count of the dissertation is dependent on the department and the Student Registry or Educational Student Policy will be able to tell you the maximum word limit. This must represent a significant contribution to learning, for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views, and must take account of previously published work on the subject. Some Cambridge dissertations go on to form the basis of significant publications.
Although you will spend long hours working independently, your department and College will both support you throughout your PhD. You are also able to attend regular seminars in your subject area and could be involved in teaching, perhaps giving seminars or supervising, or in the social life of your department and College.
PhD course search
Go to the Course Directory and filter courses using the relevant checkboxes.
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a high level globally-recognised qualification that is rooted in original research.
The qualification is awarded for the outcomes of a period of advanced, individual study which demonstrates an original contribution of new knowledge or practice to your chosen discipline.
Studying for a PhD provides you with a unique and exciting opportunity to explore a research topic in real depth.
At the same time you will learn relevant research and professional skills. You will be expected to take the initiative and to develop your own ideas whilst guided and supported by your supervisory team.
The experience of undertaking a PhD will differ between subject areas. Some PhD projects are deliberately multi- or inter-disciplinary, exploring topics at the boundaries of traditional subjects, or applying approaches associated with a range of disciplines to a single research area.
All of our Academic Schools have PhD opportunities. Search our courses for a particular research area. Alternatively, if you’re not ready for a full PhD programme, we offer Research Master's degrees to prepare students for PhD study.
Types of PhD programmes
Practice-based PhD study is more commonly available in the creative and performing arts, where creative work forms a significant part of the intellectual inquiry.
The research investigation is undertaken partly by means of the creative process, while the thesis is formed of a piece of original creative work supported by a narrative and critique that places the work in an academic context.
We offer a number of practice-based PhDs including:
- the School of Music's PhD by Performance and PhD by Composition ,
- the School of English, Communication and Philosophy's PhD in Creative and Critical Writing .
Designed for those who have already accumulated suitable published work demonstrating a coherent research direction (as much as a conventional PhD).
In addition to the published works, students provide a 5,000 - 10,000 word critical commentary evaluating their field and indicating the original contribution to learning they have made.
To be eligible, you must have:
- graduated from Cardiff University six or more years ago, or
- been a member of staff for six years, or
- been the holder of an honorary title from Cardiff University for six years
If you meet one of these criteria and are interesting in finding out more, please contact your Academic School .
For many subjects the demands of advanced study and research for a PhD require a demonstration of relevant skills and understanding at Master’s level as a condition of entry.
For some PhD programmes there is the need for Master’s level training to be specifically tailored to the demands of PhD research in that discipline. This may be delivered as a linked package (e.g. the "1+3" model), or via a continuous PhD programme that has embedded within it a structured component of preparatory research skills and methods training.
We offer the following Integrated PhDs:
- Integrative Neuroscience (4 year Wellcome Trust)
- Cancer Studies (4 year)
- Economics (4 year PhD including two years of teaching, coursework and research training)
- Social Sciences (1+3 year PhD including 1 year MSc in Social Science Research Methods which is mandatory for ESRC funded students who do not meet the core training requirements)
While the majority of research degrees are taken at universities and other higher education institutions, there are also some opportunities for collaborative study with an external partner.
This may mean, for example, that the project is sponsored by a company, that you spend some of your time in the workplace of the partner or that the partner contributes resources or expertise to the project.
A collaborative PhD can allow you to benefit from the input of industrialists and policy-makers and to experience first-hand the direct impact of your research.
Collaborative PhDs can include:
- CASE Studentships (Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering)
- Specifically advertised funded projects
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship for Research Excellence
Full tuition fee funding and an annual stipend to support self-funding full-time PhD international students for up to three years.
Find out more
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What is a PhD?
A PhD is a postgraduate degree. It stands for ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ and is one of the highest academic qualifications you can achieve.
Courses involve both research and academic learning where you take on a significant amount of independent work.
For most PhDs, you’ll research for, write and publish an extensive thesis on a specialist subject area.
How long is a PhD?
PhDs courses usually last between three to four years if you study full-time. Students often extend their thesis deadlines and finish the work in their fourth year. If you study part-time, courses can last six or seven years.
Courses can begin anytime throughout the year, though most studentships (doctorate scholarships) start in September or October.
What qualifications do you need for a PhD?
You usually need a good second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent. Many courses also ask for a master’s degree.
When applying, you may need to demonstrate an ability to conduct research. This could be by showing your experience of independently working on a research project. You’ll probably also have to submit a research proposal that outlines what you’ll be studying.
How is a PhD taught?
There’s very little teaching involved in a PhD degree. Your course may begin with five or six hours per week of classes where you learn about research methods and techniques. Aside from this, you’re in control of your studies, though you’ll receive some guidance from an academic tutor.
How is a PhD assessed?
PhD students are assessed mainly by a thesis, and a closed oral examination where examiners ask questions about the thesis.
Degrees are usually graded as pass or fail.
What skills do you learn during a PhD?
As well as subject-specific skills, you develop transferable skills such as:
- Organisation
- Research
- Work habits
- Project management
- Critical thinking
- Written communication
- Presentation
How much does a PhD cost?
Fees vary widely between courses and institutions, but are commonly between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students. International students often pay more.
Many degrees are partly or fully funded, and lots of students receive scholarships and bursaries. UK Research Councils provide universities with grants of around £4,000 per year for each funded PhD student.
PhD degree facts
Some new PhDs are more vocational and offer practical experiences as well as research. These are designed for those looking to advance their careers.
When applying for a PhD, you show the university that you’re the right person for an advertised position, or that you’d be suitable to complete your research proposal.
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School of Engineering
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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Study for a PhD
A PhD degree from Edinburgh is your chance to connect with internationally renowned researchers and innovators, with a unique opportunity to experience one of Europe's leading universities in one of the world's most iconic cities.
We carry out world class research and provide high quality training in research for both students and postdoctoral researchers.
Our world-leading research is conducted through our seven Research Institutes . These span across and connect between our core disciplines of Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Electronics & Electrical Engineering.
You will carry out independent research resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area, guided by your supervisor. You will submit a thesis and defend it in an assessed oral exam.
Alongside this research, all our researchers follow a comprehensive training programme that is an integral part of our research degrees. You will gain skills that will equip you for a wide range of future careers beyond your specialist research project. These will serve you for the rest of life, making you a more confident and knowledgeable person, and equipping you in both technical and soft skills. You can find additional information on our training and support here: https://edin.ac/3f7KyhE . This includes a link to the current handbook for postgraduate research students in the School of Engineering.
The School of Engineering has an active research community. PhD students present at research seminars in their research institutes, and attend talks by visiting speakers. Our Engineering Graduate Society organises networking, training, and social events across the School.
We have a very wide range of high-quality engineering facilities, including specialised test laboratories, fabrication workshops, and computing resources. Information on these facilities can be found on our research web pages .
Our graduates are amongst the most highly sought-after candidates for academic, commercial or consulting positions, entering careers around the world. The majority of our research graduates enter the engineering profession in a wide range of fields, including automotive, bioengineering, communications, medical imaging, engineering consultancy, fire safety, renewable energy, chemical processing, oil and gas, fast moving consumable goods, high-technology and the semiconductor industry. Other graduates from our programmes continue to further research including postdoctoral fellowships, lecturing roles and research contracts in universities and research institutes.
Funding Required
- Tuition fees : All students pay tuition fees. Further information on the fee rates for Home, EU, and International students can be found here: Full time fees and Part time fees
- Research costs: "Additional programme costs" are in addition to the tuition fees, and include the costs of carrying out research project, such as the costs of laboratory and experimental work, software licenses, or travel costs. The costs of research depend upon the nature of the research project. Further information .
- Living Expenses / Stipend: The University gives information on living costs in Edinburgh, which will be a substantial commitment: Latest estimates of living expenses .
Scholarships Available
The School of Engineering offers several scholarships for excellent students. The deadlines for scholarships applications are early in each year. Please view our scholarship options .
Academic Grades
You will need a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in your first degree, which must be in a relevant subject.
A good MSc result, relevant work experience, or some other exceptional achievement will be considered for applicants who do not meet this requirement.
English language requirements
Information on our English language requirements can be found on the Engineering PhD degree finder page , with additional information for International applicants given on this web page . Please note that our English language requirement cannot be waived.
Before applying for a PhD, you should look at our research pages to help identify the field of research that you would be interested in studying.
Our list of Current PhD Opportunites gives several possible research projects, but it is not exhaustive, and you should contact a member of our academic staff to see whether they would be able to supervise your research.
Before you Apply
Before applying for a PhD in Engineering you should:
- Identify a possible academic supervisor working in the area that you would like to carry out research. You can find information on our academic staff on our research web pages , or view our list of PhD Opportunities .
- Check that you meet the entry requirements and that you have degree certificates and transcripts for your application.
- Established how you will fund your PhD: Funding and Scholarships
To apply for a PhD you will need the following documents:
- Degree certificates, transcripts, and evidence of meeting our English language requirements (as appropriate).
- Two references on official letterheads, with signatures.
- A Research Proposal , which should be in your words even if your are applying an advertised project. This helps evaluate your writing skills and research ideas. It can help with both assessing your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision. It should be no more than 2 A4 pages.
Potential students in all of our engineering disciplines and all of our research institutes should apply for our PhD in Engineering programme. Apply here using the University's online application system .
Additional information for PhD applicants (and for our EngD, MPhil, MScR or visiting student programmes) can be found in these two documents:
- Additional information for postgraduate research students
- Postgraduate Research Student Handbook (School of Engineering)
Part-time Study
A small number of our students study part-time. This must, however, be discussed with your potential supervisor, as whether this is possible will depend upon the nature of the research project. As a part-time student you would be required to spend 50% of your time on your PhD and you are expected to be in the University 50% of your time. It is consequently not possible to pursue a part-time PhD in addition to full-time employment.
Distance Learning
Our PhD students usually study here in the University of Edinburgh, where they benefit from the research community, expert networks, training and activities that are an integral part of a PhD. It is occasionally appropriate to study remotely, for example, to make use of research facilities that are uniquely available at a different location. Distance learning requires careful planning and the arrangements need to be agreed in advance, to ensure adequate supervision, training, and opportunities to engage with our research community. Please discuss a possible distance learning proposal with an academic supervisor before applying.
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What is a PhD?
As the highest degree level achievable at university, completing a PhD shows that you've made a meaningful new contribution to your chosen research field
PhDs at a glance
- Involves three or four years of full-time study, or up to seven part time.
- Typically undertaken after achieving a Masters degree.
- Can either be funded or self-funded.
- Assessed through a written thesis and oral exam.
- Many Doctoral graduates choose to pursue an academic or research career.
What is the meaning of PhD?
The term PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'philosophiae doctor'.
A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis.
While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are almost always assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in their independent research project.
How long is a PhD in the UK?
Full-time PhDs usually last for three or four years, while part-time PhDs can take up to six or seven. However, the thesis deadline can be extended by up to four years at the institution's discretion. Indeed, many students who enrol on three-year PhDs only finish their thesis in their fourth year.
While most PhD studentships begin in September or October, both funded and self-funded PhDs can be undertaken at any point during the year.
If you're planning on studying for a PhD abroad, take a look at our individual country profiles .
Do I need a Masters to do a PhD?
The majority of institutions require PhD candidates to possess a Masters degree , plus a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above. However, some universities demand only the latter, while self-funded PhD students or those with significant professional experience may also be accepted with lower grades.
You may need to initially register for a one or two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Master of Research (MRes) degree rather than a PhD. If you make sufficient progress, you and your work will then be 'upgraded' to a PhD programme. If not, you may be able to graduate with a Masters degree.
If you need an MPhil or MRes before enrolling on your PhD, search Masters degrees .
What does a PhD involve?
A standard PhD degree is typically split into three stages. A three-year PhD may follow this pattern:
- First year - You'll meet with your supervisor to discuss your research proposal and agree an action plan with deadlines. You'll then complete your literature review, in which you'll evaluate and critique existing works to inform the direction of your project and ensure that your research will be original.
- Second year - Your focus will shift to gathering results and developing your thesis, and potentially begin writing chapters of your thesis. You may also present your results and ideas at academic conferences, gain teaching experience, collaborate with other students on similar projects, communicate the benefits of your research to the general public through workshops, lectures and presentations, or submit work for publication in an academic journal or book.
- Third year - Primarily involves writing your thesis, though your research may still be in progress. After your supervisor gives their approval, you'll submit your thesis before undertaking a one to three-hour oral exam ( viva voce ) in which you'll discuss and defend your thesis in the presence of at least one internal and external examiner.
How do I find a PhD?
As a PhD is different to other degrees, you're committing to more than simply an advanced qualification. You've chosen to engage in a large-scale independent research project and so you'll need to take into account a range of factors that will drive your search.
A methodical approach to the process is required and you'll need to consider the subject you're interested in carrying out research in and the type of Doctorate you're looking for, making sure this is the right project for you. Only when you're fully prepared and have a good idea of your research proposal should you search for PhD opportunities .
What other types of Doctorate are there?
Alternative types of PhD include:
- Higher Doctorate - These are usually granted on the recommendation of a committee of internal and external examiners, which assesses a portfolio of published, peer-reviewed research you've undertaken over the course of many years. This type of Doctorate is usually for those with several years of academic experience. Common award titles include the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL), Doctor of Divinity (DD), Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD/LittD), Doctor of Music (DMus/MusD), Doctor of Science (DS/SD/DSc/ScD) and Doctor of Law (LLD).
- Integrated/New Route PhD - This four-year PhD course is offered by over 30 universities and involves taking a one-year MRes before studying a three-year PhD. It combines taught elements with independent research, allowing students to learn different methodologies while building their transferable skills.
- Professional Doctorate - Geared towards students of vocational subjects such as medicine, education and engineering, professional Doctorates are focused on teaching and so normally involve smaller research projects and thesis component. They're often favoured by those aiming for a career outside of academia and are usually supported by employers.
How much does a PhD cost?
Tuition fees vary, but usually fall between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students and those from the European Union (EU) with settled status. UK Research Councils pay universities £4,596 per year (from 2022/23) on behalf of each funded PhD student, so this gives a good indication of the average figure.
For EU students looking to pursue a Doctorate in 2022/23, you'll need to have gained settled or pre-settled status to be eligible for student finance - see PhD loans .
Non-EU students may pay considerably more for their tuition fees.
Despite this, many PhD students are now part or fully funded - scholarships and bursaries are widely available, and particular attention should be paid to Research Council grants .
PhD studentships and assistantships involving a mixture of research and teaching are also common, with scientific studentships usually paid at a higher rate.
How do I apply for a PhD?
Some students propose their own research area and apply for funding, while in some cases a supervisor may already have funding for a project and advertise it like a job. When making a PhD application, you'll typically be asked to submit:
- an academic CV
- your academic transcripts
- two or three academic references
- a personal statement
- a research proposal.
International students without settled UK status looking to study certain courses in medicine, mathematics, engineering and material sciences are required to comply with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) . This involves undergoing a security clearance process with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. International students may also have to prove their English proficiency.
What can I do next?
Your ability to critically analyse, display intellectual maturity, and research independently and honestly is highly valued within academia and the workplace.
Many students who undertake a PhD get an academic job or become an industry researcher, possibly following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.
Other career options will depend on your study area.
Discover what a PhD degree can lead to at your PhD, what next?
Find out more
- Consider your PhD options at 5 routes to getting a Doctorate .
- Get help with choosing your PhD supervisor .
- Explore funding postgraduate study .
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Thinking of doing a PhD?
At the University of Westminster, we understand that putting together a research proposal and applying for a PhD can be a very mysterious process. This can be especially true for applicants from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, particularly in doctoral education, so we've put together some guidelines and information to help.
Things may differ slightly depending on the subject or discipline, but these notes will give you a good basis from which to begin.
If you have any questions about doing a PhD with us, please do get in touch with Leigh Wilson at [email protected] or Margherita Sprio at [email protected] at the Graduate School.
Applying for a research degree
There are certain areas of the application process that can be particularly confusing for students, so to help we've put together specific advice for anyone unfamiliar with the process:
Finding a supervisor
Your supervisor will be the most important person during your research degree, so you need to ensure you find the best person for you. Find out how to approach prospective supervisors, what they'll be looking for in a research proposal and what you can expect.
Find out more about finding a supervisor .
Understanding the application process
The application process can be a bit intimidating, so we've put together a list of all the key stages, so you know what's going to happen.
Find out more about the application process .
Funding PhDs can be complicated and the advice can often be convoluted. We've listed the most common methods of funding research degrees along with how to apply for funding.
Find out how to fund your course .
What are PhD students called?
You've probably noticed that a variety of names are used when speaking about research degrees and those who do them, which can be confusing. Those doing these degrees are sometimes called PhD students, doctoral students, doctoral researchers, or postgraduate researchers (PGRs).
Generally in higher education, 'doctoral researchers' and 'PGRs' are the most often used terms for PhD students, as it's felt that those doing research degrees are no longer 'students' in the same way as undergraduate or Master's students are. However, it's also true that the majority of those engaged in research degrees use the term 'PhD students' – which is also the term used most widely outside of universities.
The PhD Student Community
Doing a PhD can be an isolating experience – and so can thinking about doing one. There are lots of ways, however, to find and talk to others whose experience can help you through the decision making and the application process.
- The Student Room is the UK’s largest online student community and is a great way to ask questions and find tips and information
- The PhD Society at the University of Westminster is made up of and run by current PhD students.
- The University of Westminster Students' Union also has a Vice President for postgraduate education – you can find their information on the Students Officers page of the UWSU website
Other resources
There are a lot of websites you can look at for advice on starting a PhD, we've compiled some of the most useful below:
- findaphd.com – as well as advertising studentships, the site has many resources providing information and guidance on applying for, getting funding for and doing a PhD
- jobs.ac.uk – this is the main place in the UK that academic jobs are advertised and many PhD studentships are also advertised on the site. There's also a lot of information and guidance on doing a PhD
- Leading Routes is committed to supporting and preparing the next generation of black academics. They run a number of events and schemes, and you can find lots of information on their website. Particularly interesting is their report, The Broken Pipeline , on obstacles to research council funding for black students
- 'Letter to A Prospective PhD Student' – this letter from an academic gives a good insight from the other side – what academics want to see when approached by potential PhD students
- A Ted talk by someone who has recently finished a PhD, and it gives some real insights into the reality of working for one
- Government loans – the UK government offers loans for PhD study (subject to its eligibility criteria)
- UKRI (United Kingdom Research and Innovation) is the umbrella organisation for all the government-funded research councils in the UK. The research councils fund PhD study through Doctoral Training Partnerships and Doctoral Training Centres. Find out more about AHRC-funded DTP Techne (to which the University of Westminster belongs)
- Vitae – an organisation that supports the development of researchers worldwide, from doctoral-level up. There is a lot of useful information on their site about what it’s like to do a PhD
- Working-Class Academics – a relatively new group, and you can find information on those involved and how to contact them at their website
Related pages
Fees and funding.
How much will it cost to study a research degree?
Entry requirements
Find out if you can apply for a Research Degree at the University of Westminster.
Research degree by distance learning
Find out about Research Degree distance learning options at the University of Westminster.
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Psychology PhD
Key information.
- Top 20 in the UK for our research overall in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
From crowd behaviour to perception and studies of the brain – you’ll work with experts who will guide and support you through your research project.
Sussex is one of the largest and most diverse centres for the study of psychology in the UK. You’ll work in an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment, within a community of postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers and field-leading faculty.
Our research spans the full spectrum of psychology and has significant societal impact through our close engagement with policymakers and practitioners .” Robin Banerjee Head of the School of Psychology
Find out more about research in the School of Psychology
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Masters and P h D events
Meet us on campus or online
Book your place
Entry requirements
- UK requirements
- International requirements
Please select your country from the list.
Philippines
Saudi arabia, south africa, south korea, switzerland, united arab emirates, my country is not listed.
If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us
English language requirements
Ielts (academic).
Advanced level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about IELTS
We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
We do not accept IELTS Online.
Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below
Alternative English language qualifications
Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).
176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
Advanced level (International ESOL SELT C1 with a minimum of 33 in each component)
LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT
We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.
Pearson PTE Academic
Advanced level (67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills)
PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)
We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)
Advanced level 95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing.
TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)
We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.
English language qualifications
As/a-level (gce).
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70%
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A - C in English language
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.
List of exempt countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- The British Overseas Territories
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
English language support
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course
- Visas and immigration
Admissions information for applicants
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
- How to apply
If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:
- browse funded projects in this subject area
- browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.
Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex
Full-time and part-time study
Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at [email protected]
PhD or MPhil?
You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.
- For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
- For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.
Sussex PhD student Becky Heaver talks about her experiences of research in Psychology
Our supervisors
I’m passionate about engaging the public in my work and have taken part in ‘soapbox science’ events, given many interviews on TV and radio programmes, and hosted talks at festivals.” Gilly Forrester Professor of Comparative Cognition Read Gilly’s story
Explore our research interests and find potential supervisors.
This research group has interests in:
- neurobiology of learning
- social learning and cognition
- decision-making
- effects of drugs on human cognition
- ageing and dementia
- appetite and obesity.
Dr Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn
Senior Lecturer in Psychology
View profile of Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn
Prof Pete Clifton
Professor of Psychology
View profile of Pete Clifton
Prof Hans Crombag
Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience
View profile of Hans Crombag
Prof Dora Duka
Emeritus Professor
View profile of Dora Duka
Prof Gillian Forrester
Professor of Comparative Cognition
View profile of Gillian Forrester
Prof Catherine Hall
Professor of Neurovascular Stuff
View profile of Catherine Hall
Dr Sarah King
Reader in Behavioural Neuroscience
View profile of Sarah King
Dr Eisuke Koya
Reader in Psychology
View profile of Eisuke Koya
Dr Liat Levita
Reader in Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience
View profile of Liat Levita
Dr Emiliano Merlo
Lecturer in Psychology
View profile of Emiliano Merlo
Dr Alexa Morcom
Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Neuroscience
View profile of Alexa Morcom
Dr Charlotte Rae
View profile of Charlotte Rae
Dr Bryan Singer
View profile of Bryan Singer
Prof Martin Yeomans
Professor of Experimental Psychology
View profile of Martin Yeomans
This research group has interests in:
- attention, visual perception and cognition
- synesthesia
- language and communication
- learning, memory, and consciousness
- mammal vocal communication and cognition
- multimodal perception
- decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, insight and expertise .
Dr Sam Berens
View profile of Sam Berens
Prof Chris Bird
Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
View profile of Chris Bird
Dr Jenny Bosten
View profile of Jenny Bosten
Prof Zoltan Dienes
Professor in Experimental Psychology
View profile of Zoltan Dienes
Dr Sophie Forster
Reader in Psychology and Cognitive Neuro
View profile of Sophie Forster
Prof Anna Franklin
Professor of Visual Perception and Cognition
View profile of Anna Franklin
Prof Alan Garnham
View profile of Alan Garnham
Dr Graham Hole
Honorary Senior Lecturer
View profile of Graham Hole
Dr Theodoros Karapanagiotidis
View profile of Theodoros Karapanagiotidis
Dr John Maule
View profile of John Maule
Prof Karen Mccomb
Emeritus Professor (Animal Behaviour & Cognition)
View profile of Karen Mccomb
Prof Jane Oakhill
View profile of Jane Oakhill
Prof Thomas Ormerod
View profile of Thomas Ormerod
Dr Giulia Poerio
View profile of Giulia Poerio
Dr Ryan Scott
View profile of Ryan Scott
Prof Julia Simner
View profile of Julia Simner
Dr Ediz Sohoglu
View profile of Ediz Sohoglu
Prof Jamie Ward
View profile of Jamie Ward
- social, cognitive and emotional development
- mental health through the lifespan
- cognition during psychosis
- mental health interventions
- social and emotional development
- behavioural genetics
Prof Robin Banerjee
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global and Civic Eng
View profile of Robin Banerjee
Prof Samantha Cartwright-Hatton
Professor of Clinical Child Psychology
View profile of Samantha Cartwright-Hatton
Prof Kate Cavanagh
Professor of Clinical Psychology
View profile of Kate Cavanagh
Prof Andy Field
Professor of Quantitative Methods
View profile of Andy Field
Dr Elian Fink
View profile of Elian Fink
Prof David Fowler
View profile of David Fowler
Dr Darya Gaysina
Reader in Mental Health Science
View profile of Darya Gaysina
Prof Kathryn Greenwood
View profile of Kathryn Greenwood
Prof Mark Hayward
View profile of Mark Hayward
Prof Jessica Horst
Professor of Developmental Psychology
View profile of Jessica Horst
Dr Emma Howarth
Reader in Child and Family Mental Health
View profile of Emma Howarth
Dr David Leavens
Reader in Comparative Psychology
View profile of David Leavens
Dr Kathryn Lester
View profile of Kathryn Lester
Dr Faith Matcham
View profile of Faith Matcham
Dr Frances Meeten
Visiting Clinical Senior Lecturer
View profile of Frances Meeten
Dr Raquel Nogueira Arjona
View profile of Raquel Nogueira Arjona
Dr Faith Orchard
View profile of Faith Orchard
Prof Alison Pike
Interim Head of School Psychology
View profile of Alison Pike
Dr Adhip Rawal
View profile of Adhip Rawal
Dr Pablo Romero Sanchiz
View profile of Pablo Romero Sanchiz
Prof Clara Strauss
View profile of Clara Strauss
Miss Heather Taylor
Lecturer in Psychology (Teaching Focused)
View profile of Heather Taylor
Dr Ellen Thompson
View profile of Ellen Thompson
Prof Nicola Yuill
View profile of Nicola Yuill
Our work is concerned with theory development, testing and application in four main areas:
- health psychology and behaviour change
- identity, culture and well-being
- intergroup relations, group processes and collective behaviour
- pro-social and moral engagement.
Dr Rod Bond
Emeritus Reader
View profile of Rod Bond
Prof Richard De Visser
Professor of Health Psychology
View profile of Richard De Visser
Prof John Drury
Professor of Social Psychology
View profile of John Drury
Dr Matthew Easterbrook
Reader in Social Psychology
View profile of Matthew Easterbrook
Dr Tom Farsides
Lecturer in Social Psychology
View profile of Tom Farsides
Dr Sean Figgins
View profile of Sean Figgins
Dr Matthias Gobel
View profile of Matthias Gobel
Dr Donna Jessop
Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology
View profile of Donna Jessop
Dr Karen Long
View profile of Karen Long
Dr Eleanor Miles
View profile of Eleanor Miles
Dr Anna Rabinovich
Reader in Social Psychology and Sustainability
View profile of Anna Rabinovich
Dr Rim Saab
View profile of Rim Saab
Dr Ozden Melis Ulug
View profile of Ozden Melis Ulug
Prof Ayse Uskul
Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology
View profile of Ayse Uskul
Prof Vivian Vignoles
View profile of Vivian Vignoles
Dr Mariko Visserman
View profile of Mariko Visserman
Funding and fees
How can i fund my course, funded projects and scholarships.
Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.
£3,000 scholarships available to environmental influencers bringing about real-world behaviour change
Find out more
£800 scholarship available to reward talented organ player studying on any course at Sussex.
5 scholarships of £800 are available to reward talented musicians studying on any course at Sussex
A fully funded PhD studentship supervised by Dr Jenny Bosten - closing date Tuesday 07 May 2024
A fully funded PhD studentship supervised by Dr Mariko Visserman - closing date Friday 10 May 2024
Cash scholarships available for students who have demonstrated sporting excellence
Up to 10 scholarships for outstanding PhD students holding China Scholarship Council awards
Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?
If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .
Part-time work
We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.
Find out more about careers and employability
How much does it cost?
Fees for self-funding students.
Home students: £4,786 per year for full-time students
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year for full-time students
International students: £25,000 per year for full-time students
Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page
Additional costs
Note about additional costs.
Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life .
Empirical research costs
On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include: - travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities) - a laptop - overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training) - conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation) - laboratory consumables and workshop materials - participant costs - transcription or translation costs - open-access publication costs. If you been awarded a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, from the University of Sussex, or from another source, this will typically cover these types of costs. You’ll receive details of how to claim this additional funding. If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available.
- Living costs
Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex
Find out about our terms and conditions
Explore our campus
Experience Sussex life in our virtual tour.
Start your virtual tour
PhD Information Sessions
Visit campus and chat to staff and students. Book your place
Online PhD Sessions
Join a live webchat. Book your place
International
Meet us in your country
Course enquiries
+44 (0)1273 876787
Send us a message
Admissions enquiries
If you haven’t applied yet:
+44 (0)1273 876638 psychologyphd-enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Find out about the School of Psychology
After you’ve applied:
+44 (0)1273 877773 [email protected]
Find out how to apply
Quick links
- Guide to PhD study
- PhD support
- Academic facilities
- Open Days and events
- Accommodation
- International students
- Student life
- Order a printed prospectus
What do you want to do next?
- Courses Browse our courses by subject area
- Sussex Life Find out about life at Sussex
- Visit Come to a PhD Open Evening
- Apply Find out how to apply
Find your course
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Entrance requirements for a PhD at the University of Aberdeen are either a Masters degree or a first or upper-second class Honours degree in an appropriate area from an approved university ( or an equivalent qualification ).
Those with lower qualifications may be asked to register for a Masters degree by research (Mlitt, MSc, MTh, LLM, MLE or MRes) with satisfactory progress allowing conversion to a PhD programme.
Admission to the University of Aberdeen is entirely on merit and based on the ability to achieve. We operate an admissions policy which ensures equality of opportunity to all applicants. Applications are welcomed from students with excellent academic potential and the University recognises the importance of admitting applicants to a degree suited to their ability and aspirations. The selection process therefore takes account of all aspects of an application and not just an applicant's academic profile.
In seeking to attract applications from students with excellent academic potential, the University of Aberdeen is committed to widening participation and to promoting wider access to Higher Education. There are no admissions quotas which advantage or disadvantage any group of applicants and the University of Aberdeen is committed to treating all applicants within the admissions cycle fairly.
Every degree has an admissions selector, who considers all the applications for that area of study. Selectors are interested in an applicant's academic achievements but they will also take note of the spread of subjects studied and will check for competence in any specific subjects required for particular subjects. Selectors take an applicant's personal statement and the Referee's Report into account when they make their decision, as well as actual or predicted examination grades. Selectors are looking for evidence of knowledge and understanding of a subject, of commitment, motivation and responsibility, and ability to cope with the challenges of a university education.
Applications for admission to all degrees are considered without regard to any inappropriate distinction eg ethnicity or national origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender, religious or political beliefs, marital status or socio-economic background. Mature students (those who will be 21 or over at the time they start an undergraduate degree), and students who have suffered educational hardship or disruption (including students with disabilities), may receive special consideration.
The University of Aberdeen believes a diverse student population is important from an educational and social perspective; enhancing the educational experience for all.
The University's Guidance Notes for Admission provide further information for applicants who wish to submit an application.
- Postgraduate Guidelines for Admissions
- Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate)
- Student Collection Notice
- Tuition Fees
- Visas and Language requirements
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requirements
Find out more about:
- Aberdeen City and campus
- Our research environment and research centres
- Support for your studies
- Finance and Funding
Most applicants will already know what area they wish to specialise in. Initial research will allow you to refine your ideas. If you are going to be self-funding your research degree as opposed to applying for a funded opportunity then you should identify potential sources of funding and find out if they are applicable to the area you are interested in.
You can also apply to a pre-defined PhD. These are projects which the University has identified as strong research opportunities for high calibre applicants. You can find out more information on these PhDs here: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/phd-opportunities-205
You can contact potential supervisors within your school or institute of interest to discuss research proposals. If applying for a pre-defined project, you can choose to make contact with your identified supervisor before you apply to introduce yourself and ask any questions. Contact details for staff can be found here: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/
Some students, such as those who are not applying for a pre-defined or funded project, will likely need to write a research proposal as part of their application. You can find out more about this during your application.
All applications should be made using our online application form . You will be sent an email informing you of whether you have a place on your chosen programme. If there are conditions attached to the offer please ensure these are completed and sent back as soon as possible.
If you are offered a place and wish to accept your offer, please return your completed acceptance forms as soon as possible. If you are waiting to hear the outcome of a funding application you can still accept the offer of admission then send the relevant financial forms of sponsorship later. Find out about accepting your offer .
Structure and Assessment
The structure and assessment of research degrees can vary. Students may register either for full-time or part-time study, although for visa purposes international students can only study full time, if they wish to study on campus. Applications to undertake a PhD via distance learning are considered and potential applicants should refer to the relevant Research Areas page to check what is offered in the research area they wish to study.
The precise focus of research is agreed between the supervisor and the student, to suit the student’s particular interests and needs as much as possible. During the first year, students may be required to undertake some formal research training which is compulsory in some disciplines. Throughout the research period students will be encouraged to attend specialist seminars and conferences and keep staff and fellow students informed of their progress at seminars within the School or College.
Assessment for PhDs is on the basis of a thesis and oral examination.
- How Much Does a PhD Cost in the UK?
- Funding a PhD
Choosing to dedicate the next few years of your life towards a PhD is no light decision. Not only will it require you to dedicate an extensive amount of your personal time, but you’ll also need to consider how you’ll fund it. This raises the question, how much does a PhD cost in the UK?
The cost of a PhD can be divided into three key areas; tuition fees, living expenses and research expenditures. The combined cost of these are approximately £20,000 per year for UK students and can increase to over £40,000 per year for international students. A more in-depth breakdown of these costs can be found below. We’ve also compared these costs to other countries and outlined the various methods available to you to fund your PhD studies.
Tuition Fees
For UK ‘home’ students, the tuition fee for a PhD varies between £3,000 to £6,000 per academic year. For 2023/24 programmes, most universities opt for £4,712 per year within this range. Although this number may seem a little odd, it’s commonly adopted due to being the indicative rate set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for UK universities.
International Fees
Unlike for UK applicants, the rates for international students don’t align with the indicative level set by UKRI. Following the implementation of Brexit, EU students now follow the same fee rates as other international students. International students will find that their tuition fees are higher than those of home students. For example, at the time of writing, the average annual PhD tuition charge at the University of Dundee is £4,825 for home students undertaking an Engineering PhD. This same average is £25,305 for international students.
International applicants will also find that the fee for PhDs in STEM subjects are greater than those in non-STEM subjects. For example, at the University of Bristol, a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering costs £25,300 per year whilst a doctorate in Medieval Studies costs £20,100 per year.
To summarise, international students can expect a tuition fee of between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average of around £19,600 per academic year. Non-STEM subjects will generally be at the lower end of the range, whilst STEM subjects will be at the higher end of the range.
Part-time Fees
The above fees are based on full-time postgraduate study. If you’re doing a part-time PhD, you can expect the fee to be half of these amounts. Although this may appear to be a cheaper option, keep in mind that the average duration of part-time PhDs are twice that of full-time PhDs. Therefore, the total tuition cost will amount to the same value and the end of both courses.
Other Degree-related Costs
Research support fees.
If your research project requires a high use of consumables, equipment or other resources, you may have to support the cost of these through an additional annual fee. This additional annual fee, often referred to as either a ‘research support’ or ‘bench’ fee, often apply to laboratory-based STEM research projects. Bench fees vary between different projects, even those within the same field. Therefore, it is best to speak to the admissions team on a project-by-project basis to receive anything useful.
Another cost you will need to account for is travelling. As part of your degree, many supervisors will expect you to attend conferences, training workshops, or other collaboration opportunities. As a result, you will often need to travel to various destinations which aren’t always limited to the UK. Although some programmes will cover these costs, it’s not unheard of that some positions will expect you to fund this yourself. It’s impossible to put a value on this, as the extent of travel depends on each project. Therefore, it would be wise to speak with the admissions team and current PhD students. They can provide you with an accurate estimate and let you know whether the university will cover the expenses.
Overtime Period Fee
When you’re enrolled into a PhD programme, you will be given a period to complete your PhD within. This period is known as your ‘registration period’ and is usually 3-4 years for a full-time PhD and 6-7 years for a part-time PhD. If you’re given an extension due to not completing your PhD study within this time, you will need to pay an overtime registration fee. Although the amount depends on each university, the University of Leeds sets theirs as £290 for 2023/24.
Living Costs
From a 2022 survey of over 2,300 university students , the average living cost, covering expenditures such as rent, bills, food and recreation, was £924 per month. This equates to £11,088 per year.
Although this is an average cost, your true cost of living will depend on your location. Living in major cities such as London will draw significantly higher rent and travel costs than living in more rural locations. Although your living situation will in large be driven by the university you undertake your PhD with, you should factor it in when deciding which universities to apply to.
To put this into perspective, the survey average of £11,088 per year uses a rent average of £418 per month. In London, this average increases to £650 a month and can surpass £1,000 if staying in university halls or private student accommodation. This is supported by University College London (UCL) who state you should expect an average rent of £1,028 per month if living in private accommodation around their university.
Tip – You can use this handy calculator for an estimated average cost of living for any UK university. All you need to do is select the university, and the calculator does all the rest.
If you’re an international student, you should factor in return flights back home. Although this may seem like a small expenditure compared to tuition fees and rent, they can add up quickly depending on the frequency and distance of your trip.
Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.
How to Fund Your PhD
Studentships.
A studentship is a form of scholarship for doctoral students. They can either be partially funded, which cover tuition fees only, or fully funded, which also covers living costs through a ‘stipend’.
Studentships can be found in various places. Research Councils (RCUK) and European Social Fund (ESF) make funding available to university departments, who in turn make the funding available to doctoral students. Therefore, you will find that there are many postgraduate funding opportunities available to you, with the best places to look being the RCUK and ESF websites and the university departments themselves. External institutions which focus on research and development such as research trusts and charities would also be a useful place to look for a funded PhD.
Doctoral Loans
If you’re a UK student, you may qualify for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan from Student Finance England. This form of financial aid is available for nearly all postgraduate research degrees undertaken in a higher education setting. They will allow you to borrow up to a total of £28,673 for 2023/24 courses .
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Graduate Teaching Assistantships are a form of studentships which allow you to teach undergraduates as part of your research degree. This not only helps improve your academic skills, but it also enables you to receive a salary whilst you’re studying. As well as teaching assistantships, some departments also provide opportunities for demonstrations, marking papers, and tutorial support. The amount you can earn through these schemes will depend on how many hours you work and what agreements you make with your supervisor or course leader.
Working Whilst You Study – Part-time PhDs
A research student may opt for a part-time PhD as opposed to a full-time one. Although this would double the duration of their studies, it allows them to take on a part-time job to improve their financial situation. For students going down this route, it would be highly beneficial to pick up a part-time role in a position related to your industry. This will help refine your skills and increase your employability within this career role should you choose to pursue it after your degree.
If you’re an international student, keep in mind that you’ll likely be on a study visa. Therefore, there’ll be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do alongside your study.
How Does This Compare to the Fees in Other Countries?
When considering the tuition fee of PhDs across different countries, the United Kingdom is generally considered as being in the ‘middle-ground‘ region.
A handful of countries offer PhD programmes for free. These include, but are not limited to, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Norway and Poland.
The middle-ground region comprises countries such as Austria, Spain, Russia and New Zealand where postgraduate fees range from £1,400 to £4,000 per academic year.
The upper-end region comprises countries such as Hong Kong and the United States, where postgraduate tuition fees for a PhD student can go up to £33,000 per year.
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How much does it cost to study for a UK doctorate?
Circumstances differ but here are some questions you might want to ask a potential university.
Fees and funding:
- What do the programme fees cover and what other charges might you be liable for? For example are there any additional 'departmental research costs', or charges for printing or other tangibles and how much could they add to your annual fees?
- Will you incur other expenses through your research, for example, research equipment, fieldwork costs or conference attendance? To what extent would your funding source (if you have one) or host department be able to fund these?
- What fees would be charged if you needed an extension beyond the normal period of study? These can rise sharply if you exceed your maximum period of registration
- Are scholarships or bursaries available? There are often small amounts of funding that you can apply for from subject societies or specific bequests
- Can you earn extra money through teaching or other part-time work in the university or elsewhere? What are the rates of pay for tutoring, demonstrating, marking etc.?
- What happens if your research funding finishes before you do? Are any emergency funds available? Postgraduate researchers may qualify for university hardship funds.
Accommodation and cost of living:
- Does the institution offer any suitable accommodation, on- or off-campus? If it does, can you stay all year round?
- Is there suitable accommodation if you need to bring your family, or have other specific needs such as a disability?
- Is any such accommodation specifically for postgraduates, or only for international students?
- If you live somewhere off-campus, is there public or other transport, what does it cost and can you reclaim any of those expenses? Is there car parking in the university?
Working part-time may be limited within some doctoral programmes but is a common way to offset the costs of doing a doctorate. There are also some limits on what is permitted for international doctoral researchers . International researchers considering a doctoral degree in the UK are advised to consult the EURAXESS UK website which has practical information on coming to and living in the UK as a researcher. Most UK universities have an international office which can be an invaluable source of local advice and help.
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PhD by Distance Learning
The University of Birmingham's College of Life and Environmental Sciences now offers PhD by Distance Learning.
This means that wherever you are in the world, you may now be able register with the University of Birmingham for your Doctoral qualification but undertake the majority of your studies in your home location.
Why study by distance learning?
The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the flexibility. Financial and practical implications of moving closer to the campus make distance learning a more feasible option and could allow you to combine study with other commitments, including work and family. Similarly, your research could be related to your area of residence and therefore moving would be detrimental to your capacity to carry out the research.
Is the distance learning route for you?
The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone. You have to have a very clear idea of your project and be able to motivate yourself. Undertaking PhD study off campus can sometimes be quite isolating, so the ability to proactively seek out connections from within relevant research communities is important. This route is well-suited to those who have a research project associated with their work or particular interests and where resources are available locally, over via the internet, to support your research e.g. appropriate archives and data collections.
How will I be supported?
You will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The only difference is that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person.
What is the cost?
We charge an annual tuition fee which is the same as our standard on-campus PhD but includes:
- Economy class flights to and from Birmingham for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
- Accommodation at the University for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
- Economy class flights to and from Birmingham at the end of the study period for the three-day PhD viva examination
- Accommodation at the University for the three-day viva examination
How often will I need to be on campus?
Although you may be able to undertake the majority of your study at an off campus location, you will be fully funded to make one compulsory visit to the University. This will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies. You will then be invited to attend the University for annual ‘in-person’ meetings which give you the opportunity to interact with other doctoral students both socially and academically, undertake important progress meetings and carry out necessary training. You will also generally be required to be present on campus for your viva voce.
Am I eligible?
Before we can offer you a place it is important that you have agreement from your potential supervisor and that they are satisfied that you will be able to undertake the PhD on an off campus basis. This may mean that slightly different entry requirements apply, such as English language and more extensive research skills training. Agreements will also need to be reached regarding some of the more practical aspects of undertaking the PhD in this way (for example attendance requirements, suitability of the chosen residency etc). It is important that arrangements are discussed early so that all parties involved know what to expect and to ensure you are able to successfully complete your studies.
Can I study by distance learning anywhere?
Distance Learning courses can be undertaken from anywhere in the world, including the UK.
However, it is worth noting that supervisory sessions for Distance Learning students will take place via audiovisual communications, such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person.
While we have found that these 21st Century methods have proved popular, for those applicants who would prefer to visit the campus for face-to-face meetings with their supervisor, the traditional part-time study option may be more appropriate.
How to apply?
Find the programme that you wish to apply for in our course finder and click on the 'Apply' button.
As part of the application process, we will ask you to provide evidence to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study for a PhD by Distance Learning. Please be prepared to provide evidence, and details, of the following:
- Examples of your postgraduate research experience and ability to work independently e.g. papers/presentations at professional and academic conferences or publications in professional journals or previous completion of an independent research project, etc.
- Full reasons (academic and personal) for registering for the distance learning mode of study rather than by standard full or part-time on-campus options. In particular, how you will be able to carry out your project in your chosen location.
- Access to local library facilities (where needed)
- Access to IT facilities
- Access to communications, including e-mail, and audiovisual communication media e.g. Skype and Facetime
- Access to facilities to support any study-related disability (where appropriate)
Please visit the course finder for a full list of subject areas available to study via distance mode.
How Long Is a PHD UK?
- Katie Baker
- September 26, 2023
For full-time students, a PhD in the UK typically takes three to four years. For PhD candidates who opt to study their doctoral research around work or other commitments, completing a PhD can take six to seven years. Thesis deadline extensions can be granted for up to four years; however, this will always be at the university’s discretion.
Whether you want to complete your PhD in the UK full-time or part-time; it is a big commitment, which shouldn’t be taken lightly. The gratification may not be immediate, but the rewards can be lifelong when considering the professional careers that are more accessible for PhD holders, the increased earning potential and the sense of satisfaction that comes with creating unique knowledge and gaining a title only a minute fraction of the global population will only acquire.
How Long Is a PhD UK?
In addition to the average durations for part-time and full-time PhD study, there are additional time limits on how long students can be enrolled on a PhD program; this applies to students who have self-proposed their research idea and students who have been selected for a PhD program with pre-defined aims and objectives.
Full-Time and Part-Time PhDs in the UK
Typically, from start to finish, a full-time PhD in the UK will take 3 – 4 years to complete. Most full-time PhD students will spend the first three years undertaking independent research with the support of PhD supervisors, designing research methodology, collating data and analysing it. Most students will then take an additional academic year to write their thesis and sit their oral examination.
Of course, these timelines will vary with every PhD candidate. Some PhD students start their doctoral research with a solid idea of how they will approach their methodology and thesis, while others will need to go through more of a process of trial and error. Some PhD students get to the writing up stage quicker than others, writing a thesis should never be a race to the finish; doctoral research is a valuable and vital contribution to academic knowledge.
More often than not, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dedicate your time and energy to research. Although, it isn’t unheard of for people to have multiple PhDs.
For part-time PhD students, researching, collecting data and outlining it concisely in your thesis typically takes twice as long. This timeframe is based on the assumption that part-time PhD students will dedicate 20 hours weekly to their doctoral research, while full-time students will, on average, spend 40 hours a week on their PhD.
Of course, there is no clocking in or out when you are a PhD student. The vast majority of your time will be spent partaking in independent research, and there will always be periods that are busier than others. Many PhD students find that the writing-up stage is the busiest.
How Long is a PhD for Distance Learners in the UK?
Completing a PhD by distance learning is similar to being a part-time PhD student. Many distance-learning doctoral students need six to seven years on average to finish their research, thesis, and viva. This timeframe typically boils down to how much time PhD candidates need to spend commuting to universities, which usually restricts the ability for full-time learning.
The duration for distance learners is also highly dependent on the research in question. For example, PhD students digging into STEM research will take longer to complete their doctoral degrees – compared to those conducting research into non-STEM disciplines, such as the arts, humanities and social sciences. For non-STEM disciplines, students can conduct the majority of their research remotely, whereas STEM students will need access to labs or other equipment to carry out their experimental work.
Does Funding Affect PhD Duration in the UK?
In an ideal world, funding wouldn’t affect how much time a PhD student can dedicate to their research and thesis. Unfortunately, for many full-time, part-time, and distance-learning PhD students, funding is a primary factor in the duration of their studying.
Typically, funding and studentships will only cover PhD students for three and a half years for full-time students, while part-time students can expect funding for seven years at a rate of half the stipend. However, this depends on the program you have applied for, and who is providing the PhD funding.
For example, if you are a physical sciences or engineering student and your funding is being paid by the EPSRC, you will need to follow the timescale which is indicated on their length of PhD Studentship guidelines. Due to this timeframe, most students funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council aim to complete their PhD within 3.5 years. Failing to complete the PhD within the 3.5-year timeframe could incur additional fees, which need to be independently covered.
Furthermore, several funded PhD positions and programs have additional components attached to the eligibility requirements that require PhD students to undertake duties such as undergraduate teaching, laboratory session hosting or attendance at conferences and presentations. Even though these additional conditions shouldn’t prolong the duration of your PhD to an excessive degree, they can marginally add to the time it takes to complete a PhD program. For PhD candidates with these kinds of studentships and funding agreements, it is vital to have exceptional time management skills.
Finally, self-funded PhD students can also feel constricted by their financial situations and feel the pressure to complete a PhD quicker than students who enjoy the security of attached funding. In addition to annual tuition fees, there are other associated costs and living expenses to account for. However, this isn’t always the case; some self-funded PhD students feel free to take their time to ensure their research is as valuable as possible.
PhD Deadlines in the UK
Each university in the UK has its way of setting deadlines. However, typically, the PhD deadline for full-time and part-time students is the date by which you need to submit your final thesis.
For most UK universities, the deadline date is four years on from the start of your doctoral degree for full-time students and seven years for part-time PhD students. The start date will be when you were registered for the PhD program. Some UK universities also opt to set a minimum period of years or adjust the timeframe around relevant integrated studies.
Can PhDs Be Completed Faster Than the Average Timeframes?
While full-time students can complete their PhDs within two years or even 12 months from enrolling on their program, it certainly isn’t something that you should realistically aim for. Completing a PhD in under three years is a significant achievement, so much so that it is rarely heard of in the UK.
The only students who have managed to complete their PhD thesis and pass their viva are students who enrolled on a program with extensive pre-existing experience and knowledge.
It is marginally more common for part-time students to complete their PhD in under six years. This largely depends on existing experience and knowledge and which commitments you are studying around. If you are a PhD student with part-time employment, it is highly unlikely that you will have the time to complete your PhD a year sooner; attempting such an achievement could leave you at risk of burnout. Alternatively, if you are a freelancer and your workflow often permits you to dedicate more time to your PhD, it can be possible for you to allocate more time to your research and writing.
Other Factors in the Rate of Progression for PhD Students
Many international students who choose a UK university to complete their doctoral research wonder if it will take longer to complete their PhD compared to domestic students. The good news is, as an international student in the UK, there is no indicative data to dictate that your period of study will be longer.
Similarly, students who chose direct entry into a PhD program from a bachelor’s degree instead of studying a master’s degree beforehand are often anxious that they will find it hard to keep pace with their master’s degree-holding counterparts. Again, no evidence only holding an undergraduate degree will limit the rate of progression. A PhD differs from a bachelor’s and most master’s degrees due to its independent research focus; there are no right answers or curriculums to follow. With that being said, studying a Master’s degree before a PhD could help you to get more acquainted with a speciality topic, which was only briefly introduced to you in your bachelor’s degree.
EU & US vs UK PhD Durations
UK PhD programs follow the same structure and timeframes as European PhD programs. However, there is a slight difference compared to US PhD programs, which take longer to complete, based on a 2017 study. The study revealed that it takes 5.8 years on average to complete a PhD in the US.
The average timeframe is even longer when looking at arts and humanities PhDs in the US; they typically take 7.1 years to obtain. The primary reason for this is the additional directed study requirements imposed on US PhD candidates.
Is a PhD worth it?
So, you might be asking yourself, is a PhD worth it ? Well, that’s subjective. career prospects for students upon finishing their PhD will be influenced by the nature of their research as well as their prior experiences and skills. While we can’t outline all potential job opportunities, it’s important to recognise that numerous diverse paths and organisations typically seek individuals with specialised expertise and advanced educational qualifications.
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Part-time study
MPhil, PhD, DHSC and EdD degrees are all available for part-time study. MPhil and PhD students are normally required to be resident in the UK, whereas the DHSC and EdD programme is available to students living anywhere in the world.
Studying part-time may be more convenient if you need to balance your studies with work and family commitments. Part-time students are supported by their supervisors and can access a wide range of virtual services and facilities, including the rich online resources of the world-class OU Library, Research Skills training modules, and live training and meetings via Microsoft Teams.
Access to tailored online spaces and communities provides a rich source of links to streamed events and training resources.
If you study for a PhD, you will be encouraged to come to campus for meetings, seminars and events in your research area, to make sure you can get the full benefit of integrating into the research environment. If you study for a Professional Doctorate, you will need to come to campus for residential weekends.
Can I work while I study?
There is no limit to the number of hours part-time students can work. Part-time students are expected to commit to spending a minimum of 18.5 hours a week on study.
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For advice about applying for a research degree, or sponsoring a research student, email the Graduate School or call +44 (0)1908 653806.
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- Education and learning
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Doctoral Loan
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.
There’s different funding if you normally live in Wales . Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.
You can also get extra support if you have a disability .
You will not be eligible for an Adult Dependants’ Grant, a Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance from Student Finance if you’re studying a doctoral course.
When you can apply
You can now apply for funding for the 2023 to 2024 academic year.
When you repay your loan
You’ll have to start repaying your loan when your income is over a certain amount (the ‘threshold’ amount).
You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.
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Commonly accepted UK language tests: IELTS. You'll get a score of 0 to 9 for each category (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), as well as an overall band score. Generally, UK universities ask for a minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5, with some more reputed universities requiring 7.0 or 7.5. TOEFL.
PhD tuition fees for international students in the UK depend on factors such as the university, field of study, and location. On average, fees range from £15,000 to £35,000 per year. However, it's important to note that actual fees can vary significantly. Register for Free Consultation.
English language. International applicants must provide one of the following: IELTS test minimum score - 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing, 6.0 in other sections. TOEFL (internet based) test minimum score - 100 overall, 25 in all sections. Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score - 76 overall, 76 in writing, 70 in other ...
A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research. In most faculties, a candidate is expected to have completed one year of postgraduate study, normally on a research preparation master's course, prior to starting a PhD.
The maximum registration for a PhD programme is four years with full-time study, or eight years with part-time study. Assessment. All PhD students are initially registered for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and the PhD registration is confirmed after the successful completion of an upgrade assessment (at the end of year 1 for full-time ...
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a high level globally-recognised qualification that is rooted in original research. The qualification is awarded for the outcomes of a period of advanced, individual study which demonstrates an original contribution of new knowledge or practice to your chosen discipline. Studying for a PhD provides you with a ...
Presentation. How much does a PhD cost? Fees vary widely between courses and institutions, but are commonly between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students. International students often pay more. Many degrees are partly or fully funded, and lots of students receive scholarships and bursaries.
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The introduction of PhD loans means that Doctoral study is more accessible than ever before. 5 routes to getting a Doctorate. Explore the various ways you can achieve your qualification - from the standard PhD by thesis to the professional Doctorate and online PhDs. Read more.
The term PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'philosophiae doctor'. A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis. While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are ...
Standard PhD requirements in the UK are a Bachelors degree with at least an upper second class honours degree (2.1). You may also need a Masters degree with a Merit or Distinction grade. All your previous qualifications must be in a field of study relevant to the PhD you are applying for. Typically, Arts and Humanities PhDs are more likely to ...
Government loans - the UK government offers loans for PhD study (subject to its eligibility criteria) UKRI (United Kingdom Research and Innovation) is the umbrella organisation for all the government-funded research councils in the UK. The research councils fund PhD study through Doctoral Training Partnerships and Doctoral Training Centres.
Home students: £4,786 per year for full-time students. Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year for full-time students. International students: £25,000 per year for full-time students. Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation.
English Language and Literature MPhil/PhD Faculty of Arts and Humanities | English Language and Literature One of the highest-ranking English departments in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2023 - English), UCL English provides excellent opportunities for PhD students to study in the heart of literary London, with access to vast quantities ...
Entrance requirements for a PhD at the University of Aberdeen are either a Masters degree or a first or upper-second class Honours degree in an appropriate area from an approved university (or an equivalent qualification).Those with lower qualifications may be asked to register for a Masters degree by research (Mlitt, MSc, MTh, LLM, MLE or MRes) with satisfactory progress allowing conversion ...
PhD by Published Works. Available to internal OU staff and staff based at our Affiliated Research Centres only. Talk to the Graduate School if you're interested in this option.. Higher doctorates. The University also awards two higher doctorates, the Doctor of Letters (DLitt) and the Doctor of Science (DSc) on the basis of published work.
UK Fees. For UK 'home' students, the tuition fee for a PhD varies between £3,000 to £6,000 per academic year. For 2023/24 programmes, most universities opt for £4,712 per year within this range. Although this number may seem a little odd, it's commonly adopted due to being the indicative rate set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI ...
Working part-time may be limited within some doctoral programmes but is a common way to offset the costs of doing a doctorate. There are also some limits on what is permitted for international doctoral researchers. International researchers considering a doctoral degree in the UK are advised to consult the EURAXESS UK website which has ...
The University of Birmingham's College of Life and Environmental Sciences now offers PhD by Distance Learning. This means that wherever you are in the world, you may now be able register with the University of Birmingham for your Doctoral qualification but undertake the majority of your studies in your home location. Open all sections.
UK PhD programs follow the same structure and timeframes as European PhD programs. However, there is a slight difference compared to US PhD programs, which take longer to complete, based on a 2017 study. The study revealed that it takes 5.8 years on average to complete a PhD in the US.
Part-time study. MPhil, PhD, DHSC and EdD degrees are all available for part-time study. MPhil and PhD students are normally required to be resident in the UK, whereas the DHSC and EdD programme is available to students living anywhere in the world. Studying part-time may be more convenient if you need to balance your studies with work and ...
The cost of study in UK can differ from person to person depending on the university of their choice. The average cost of study in UK ranges from 30,000 GBP to 37,000 GBP (30-37 lakh INR). PhD in UK: Tuition Fees. A PhD in UK lasts for 3-5 years on a full-time basis depending on the University and the area of research.
Overview. A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD. There's different funding if you normally live in ...
Fourth: Studying until a candle burns out. Coming in at 4th place, is a trend I keep seeing on TikTok. The method is pretty self explanatory, to study non stop until a candle burns out. Seems ...