Frequently asked questions
- A unique research project in your preferred research field
- A dedicated principal supervisor who is an expert in your chosen subject and a supervisory team to support you
- State of the art facilities to carry out your research
- A high quality research environment
- Discipline-specific training that will inform & enhance your research
- Rigorous monitoring of your progress through the programme
- Opportunities to gain advanced research & transferable skills applicable to a host of careers
- Career advice and professional development opportunities
- Often, the opportunity to support teaching and learning to undergraduate students in the higher education institution
- A degree programme that culminates in a research thesis or in some cases an alternative presentation of your research output, examined at a viva voce/oral examination by a recognised expert in your disciplinary field
No day is the same, you are in charge - your day will be dictated by your research area, the stage of your PhD, what you’ve agreed with your supervisor and your own learning style. In saying that, full-time students usually work 9am-5pm and some work outside these hours. You take holidays equivalent to when in employment ~4 weeks per year. For full-time students it is expected that you work five days a week. Part-time students typically have 2/3 of the commitment of full-time students. Most of your time is spent on research* but you will also take a number of relevant taught modules. In some cases you will have the opportunity to teach/demonstrate to undergraduate students
*Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources. It entails collection of data in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Typically, a PhD programme takes four years full-time and six years part-time.