Masters by Research (MRes)
The MRes is a self-contained degree, suitable for students whose research interests fall outside the subject areas covered by taught masters degrees (MA or MSc), and who have a clearly defined research topic and wish to work independently. The MRes takes a minimum of 12 months of full-time study, or longer on a part-time basis, and is assessed by a thesis of not more than 30,000 words, and by completion of a Research Skills class. The MRes can also serve as a preparation for doctoral study.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
The MPhil takes a minimum of 12 months of full-time study, or longer on a part-time basis. Candidates for PhD are initially registered as MPhil students, and apply to transfer onto a PhD programme at the end of their first year. Students who are not accepted onto a PhD programme, or who choose to complete only one or two years of research, may submit a 30,000 word thesis and be awarded an MPhil degree.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The most well-known research qualification is the PhD (sometimes known as the DPhil) which takes a minimum of 36 months of full-time study, or longer on a part-time basis. Although some PhDs include a taught element, you will spend most of your time conducting in-depth individual research, supervised by a member of staff experienced in your area of interest. You will then report on your research by writing it up in the form of a thesis or dissertation of not more than 100,000 words (excluding appendices and annotations), which is followed by an oral examination on your findings. Research skills training should also be undertaken, but is not necessarily formally assessed.
Oct 2013 entry to full-time PhD english (Admission Code : ENGPHD)
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Oct 2013 entry to full-time MPhil english (Admission Code : ENGMPH)
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
