MPhil & PhD
The M.Phil and Ph.D degrees are research-based degrees, in which students undertake individual research projects under close academic supervision from within the department. They can be studied full- or part-time.
The M.Phil normally takes one year of full-time research (two years part-time), after which students complete and submit a dissertation of around 60,000 words.
The Ph.D normally takes three years of full-time research (five years part-time), after which students complete and submit a dissertation of 80-100,000 words.
The average total duration of the degree (full-time) therefore tends to be around two years for an M.Phil and between three and four years for a Ph.D.
Those interested in these possibilities are encouraged to contact the Postgraduate Tutor so that a viable research topic can be evolved through discussion with members of staff. Members of the department are always happy to consider research proposals relating to any aspect of their period of expertise, and to discuss with applicants the appropriate sources and methodologies for their project.
Entry Requirements
The admissions requirements for the MPhil and PhD programmes are as follows:
- The minimum basic entry requirement for a MPhil or PhD is normally an Honours Degree (Class 2 Division 1) or equivalent
- Non-native English speakers are required to take a University recognised test of academic English language proficiency with required minimum proficiency levels equating to an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 580 (paper based test) or 237 (computer based) with an essay rating of 5.0. Applicants who have successfully undertaken a Bachelors degree in a UK University are exempt from this requirement.