Biological and Medical Sciences

If you undertake an MPhil you will:

• critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic
• demonstrate understanding of research methods - appropriate to the chosen field
• Present and defend a substantial thesis by viva.

Entry requirement: The minimum entry requirement for an MPhil degree, or an MPhil with the intention of transferring to a PhD, is a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree or equivalent qualification.

Applications are also welcomed from those holding qualifications other than the above and will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed. You will be required to provide the names of two academic referees.

A candidate registered initially for an MPhil may be able to transfer to a PhD, and has to complete a transfer process within the Faculty, once sufficient progress has been made on the work to provide on the evidence of the development to PhD.

This is normally after 18 months of full-time study or (24-26 months of part-time study). Transfer comprises three main elements:

• a 1000 word transfer report which should be sent to the relevant Postgraduate Research Tutor and the supervisory team
• an oral presentation and/or interview
• an additional piece of work as indicated by the Faculty, Department/School or supervisory team.

If you undertake a PhD you will:

• critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic, resulting in an independent and original contribution to the field
• demonstrate understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field
• present and defend a substantial thesis by viva.

Entry requirement: The normal entry requirement for the degree of PhD is a master’s degree in a discipline which is appropriate to the proposed research and which has included research training and a research project.

In exceptional cases, applicants who have a good honours degree (or equivalent) may apply for direct registration to PhD if they have appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment.

The degree of PhD on the basis of published work may be awarded to candidates whose submitted work:

• reflects the same academic standards as those which operate for a traditional PhD based upon an approved programme of supervised research
• forms a coherent programme of research
• demonstrates the use of appropriate research methodology
• and makes an original and sufficient contribution to the present state of knowledge in a particular field to the satisfaction of the examiners.

Applicants should normally have had some prior association with Oxford Brookes University. The submission for examination comprises the published work on which the application is based, together with a supporting critical appraisal of this work.

Entry requirement:

The minimum entry requirement is:

• a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
• a relevant master’s qualification
• or an equivalent qualification.

Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.