PhD Structure

A PhD is usually taken on a full-time basis over 3 years. A part-time option, taking a minimum of four years, is also available. Distance learning is not offered, but you can 'work away' from the University for some part of your study time. You can start in October, January or April.

You will work essentially on a one-to-one basis with your supervisor(s), who will provide advice both on research training and on the conduct and progress of your thesis. In addition you will have contact on a regular basis with other leading academics in the School who have substantial research experience in your broad field of study. They will be able to provide additional advice regarding appropriate research project design, theory, and methodology. Your progress is monitored carefully by both the DPGRS and others in the School to ensure that the necessary supervisory support is in place and that you are given every opportunity to succeed.

The ideal structure of your PhD programme will look like this. This can of course vary, but generally we hope to keep to the time-line indicated here.

Year 1

Term 1

• Registration and Induction
• Meeting Supervisors (discussing work plans and meetings schedule
• Training courses
• Research (Literature/data review, refining research questions)

Term 2

• Meeting Supervisors,
• Training courses
• Research (Literature/data review, refining research questions and methodology)
• Preparation of doctoral workshop presentation/documents

Term 3

• Doctoral Workshop
• Meeting supervisors (discussing feedback from workshop)
• Research (focussing on feedback from workshop, planning of research evidence collection/production).

Year 2

Term 1

• Meeting Supervisors
• Research (research evidence collection/production)

Term 2

• Meeting Supervisors
• Research (research evidence collection/production)
• Preparation of doctoral workshop presentation/documents

Term 3

• Doctoral Workshop (and upgrade)
• Meeting Supervisors to discuss feedback and think about external examiners
• Research: analysis of findings

Year 3

Term 1

• Meeting Supervisors
• Research: analysis of findings

Term 2

• Meeting Supervisors
• Research: analysis of findings & writing up
• Preparation of doctoral workshop presentation/documents

Term 3

• Doctoral Workshop
• Meeting Supervisors to discuss feedback
• Submission of thesis and examination (to be arranged)

Attendance at internal seminars and workshops and ongoing training sessions, as well as relevant external (international) conferences is encouraged and supported strongly throughout your time in the School.