Our PhD by research programme is based on independent study, guided by your assigned supervisors and support system. It typically takes a minimum of three years to complete full-time, or a minimum of five years when studied part-time.
Under the guidance of your academic supervisors, and support from University Staff you would be expected to undertake unique research in your chosen field before submitting your thesis. Your thesis must show the ability to conduct an original investigation, to test ideas, to understand the relationship of the theme to the wider field of knowledge, and to organise material appropriately.
As your PhD progresses, you move through a series of progression points and review stages. This ensures that you are engaged in a process of research that will lead to the production of a high-quality thesis that will make a significant original contribution to knowledge, as well as ensuring that you are on track to complete. Following submission of your PhD thesis, you have a viva voce (oral) examination assessed by experts in your field.
