Frequently Asked Questions

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Choosing a research topic is usually an interactive process between you and us. You will probably have some idea of the general area that you would like to investigate and be able to submit a short proposal on application. On the staff profile pages you can find out about the subject areas where we have particular research interests, expertise and experience.

We try and match you with a supervisor(s) that most closely matches your interests. For many students the first six months or so of study is broadly based and a period in which your research becomes more focussed as your interests develop.

A research degree involves an in-depth study of a specific subject area that extends the boundaries of current knowledge.

On completion of your research programme you will submit a thesis which is a substantial written report of the research you have carried out. Submission of a thesis occurs after about one to two years for an MPhil degree (full-time) and after about three years for a PhD degree (full-time). The Doctorate in Education is aimed at experienced professionals wishing to enhance their professional expertise through focused and intensive study after completing a taught programme entailing the completion of designated research related assignments.

All research students have a principal supervisor and an additional (second) supervisor. Typically you will have most contact with your principal supervisor with regular meetings on a one-to-one basis. You and your supervisor(s) discuss current research activities and plans for the future direction of your work.

In addition to close working contact with your supervisor(s) you will receive formal training in research methods and participate in our research seminar programme with other research students and academic staff. All research students are provided with office accommodation and individual networked PCs.

To embark on a research degree you normally need a good first degree in a subject relevant to your proposed research. However, we welcome applications from those with significant practical experience.

You do not need a Masters degree, although this is an advantage, but advanced training in a relevant area may speed up your progress.

To apply, download the Research Degree Application Form (or contact us for a copy). Complete the form as fully as you can and post it , together with a personal statement, proposal and two references if possible, to: 

We will acknowledge receipt and contact your referees where necessary. When we receive their reports we will consider your application and invite you to an interview and let you know whether we can offer you a place on our pogramme.

The School operates the university’s equal opportunities policy in its admissions. Our primary concern is the suitability of the applicant in terms of their academic background, qualifications and fit with the department’s research expertise. All applications will be considered by at least two members of academic staff.

Entry Qualifications

Successful applicants will normally possess one of the following:

• a relevant first degree from a UK Higher Education Institution at 2(i) class or higher
• an equivalent relevant qualification from a non-UK Higher Education Institution
• a relevant taught Masters degree from a UK Higher Education Institution

Where the equivalence of qualification from a non-UK HEI is being assessed, the School will use the British Council’s NARIC guide to inform its view where necessary.

Experience-Based Entry

Where a candidate does not have one of the normal qualifications laid out above but has extensive, relevant experience which may be a suitable alternative, interview is mandatory. Such an interview will involve at least two senior academics and will be wide ranging, covering both academic and process issues in an attempt to assess the applicant’s skills. In such cases, where the applicant is deemed suitably experienced, the School will initially ask the university to register the candidate for an MPhil, making it clear to the applicant that re-registration as a PhD student would be conditional on suitable progress in the first year, to be formally assessed through the annual review process.

English Language Standards

Applicants for whom English is not a first language will have, as a condition of admission, to demonstrate English competence through a minimum score in a test recognised by the University (such as IELTS 6.5, TOEFL computer 230 or the Cambridge Certificate in English). The details of recognised tests and the required scores or grades will be sent to applicants either as part of the application pack or on request.

Interviews and References

Where possible, applicants are interviewed, either in person (an normal expectation where the candidate is in the UK), or by phone. The interview is used alongside other available information (transcripts of academic achievement, references, etc.) in coming to a final decision. References are seen as an extremely important input to the admissions process, and decisions are only ever provisional without them. The School normally requires at least one academic reference, from the institution at which the applicant last studied.