Degree types
MPhil or PhD?
The degree for which research students register depends on academic qualifications and research experience.
There are three possibilities:
- MPhil
- MPhil with transfer to PhD
- PhD
All students enrol as Probationer Research Students and during the first year formally register their research proposal for one of the above routes. Most students take the second route and initially register for MPhil with the possibility of transfer to PhD without submitting for MPhil.
You may register for a research degree on a full-time or part-time basis. Applications are welcome from part-time students in employment who wish to undertake a research project which is connected with their work.
MPhil
Full-time: two years
Part-time: up to four years
Undertaking an MPhil involves:
- critically investigating and evaluating an approved topic
- demonstrating an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field
- presenting and defending a substantial thesis by oral examination.
Thesis: maximum of 50,000 words for an MPhil in Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and related subject areas; maximum of 20,000 words for an MPhil in Science, Engineering and related subject areas.
PhD
Full-time: three years
Part-time: up to six years
Undertaking a PhD involves:
- critically investigating and evaluating an approved topic, resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge
- demonstrating an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field
- presenting and defending a substantial thesis by oral examination.
Thesis: maximum of 100,000 words for a PhD in Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and related subject areas; maximum of 40,000 words for a PhD in Science, Engineering and related subject areas.
PhD by published work
This award is only open to candidates who have had some prior association with Oxford Brookes University.
