Use the expanders below to compare our PhD and Integrated PhD programmes.

• PhD
  • Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
  • Thesis length: 80,000 words, including references, bibliography and appendices (other than documentary appendices).

  You will produce a traditional thesis, or, in the case of creative practice projects, your original creative works and an integrated critical analysis. If you are on an Integrated PhD pathway you normally commence your programme with taught modules and research topic options before completing the supervised research project.

  The PhD programme is open to both full and part time candidates and is often a useful preparation for a career within academia or consultancy.

  Full time students are often attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue in some depth an area of academic interest.
  The part time research degree is an exciting option for professionals already working in the education field who are seeking to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest. Often part time candidates choose to research an area that is related to their professional responsibilities.

  There is no specific course content as such.  You are expected to take research training modules that are supported by the School which focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods.  You are also expected to carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisor.

  Over the course of study you will attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School, carry out a piece of independent research and complete a thesis of 80,000 words. The thesis is awarded after a successful oral examination with an internal and external examiner.

  How do I Apply?

• Integrated PhD
  • Duration: 4 years full-time; 7 years part-time
  • Thesis length: 80,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices).

  The Integrated PhD is a hybrid interdisciplinary programme, made up of taught and research elements. It is ideal if you want to study for a PhD but don't have a Master's degree in a relevant subject or if you are an international student who needs additional support adjusting to the UK education system. You can benefit from studying and learning together with fellow students with research projects in Criminology, Education, Social Policy, Social Work and Sociology.

  Integrated PhDs are Research Degree Programmes, where the main focus is on research outputs, however the Master's level taught component allows you to develop important specialist and transferable skills.

  You are required to undertake one-year of Master's level taught modules (full-time) followed by research that represents a distinct contribution to knowledge in one of five areas: Education, Criminology, Social Policy, Sociology or Social Work (full-time or part-time).

  Year 1 involves taught modules equivalent to an MRes, followed by either 3 years (full-time) or 6 years (part-time) of PhD study in one of 5 subject areas: Criminology, Education. Social Policy, Sociology and Social Work. The first year aims to provide you with training to prepare for your PhD research, which isn't available to students taking the traditional PhD programme.

  You can exit the programme with an MRes degree should you choose not to continue to the PhD element.

  How do I Apply?