Exploring the different types of postgraduate research degreesA comprehensive guide
There are two types of research degrees:
- Doctoral degrees such as PhDs or Professional Doctorates
- Masters research degrees including MRes or MPhil
Below we'll explore each of the different types of research degree to help you decide which is the best fit for you.
Doctoral degrees
PhD
PhD stands for 'Doctor of Philosophy'. To be awarded a PhD you must undertake a piece of independent and original research that results in a significant contribution to a field of knowledge in a specific area. You must write a thesis and defend your findings in an oral examination (viva).
Professional Doctorates
Professional Doctorates are equivalent to a PhD and allow working professionals to undertake research focussing on their specific professional context. The courses are typically taught in the first year, with emphasis on research methods and skills, followed by a period of independent research that seeks to develop new knowledge in professional practice within each professional field.
We offer professional doctorates in:
- Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA): specifically designed for Business and Management professionals. Available part-time, over four years
- Doctor of Information Science (DInfSci): for professionals in the field of Information Science. Available full-time over three years or part-time over four years
- Doctorate of Education (EdD): providing the opportunity for educationalists to develop their area of academic expertise by undertaking research that is strongly aligned to roles and practice
- Doctorate of Educational Psychology (DEdPsy): a flexible research degree designed to meet the needs of practising Educational Psychologists (EPs) with at least one year’s experience in the field
Engineering Doctorates (EngD)
A doctorate in Engineering typically focussed on an industrial problem which is undertaken in conjunction with an industrial partner. The integrated programme of taught courses ensures the development of a practising researcher who can lead and innovate the development of products, processes and services in industry.
We offer Engineering doctorates in:
Masters research degrees
Master of Research (MRes) degree
A Master of Research (MRes) is a Masters degree. It differs from what many people would typically consider a Masters degree to entail in that the student focuses on their own research as opposed to following a taught course.
There is still usually a taught element in an MRes, but the majority of the degree is research-based.
An MRes is a good option for students looking to train as a researcher in a commercial or industrial setting, or to prepare for a PhD.
Strathclyde offers MRes degrees in:
- Architecture
- Biomedical engineering
- Biofluid mechanics
- Civil & environmental engineering
- Climate change adaptation
- Creative writing
- English
- Geoenvironmental engineering
- History
- Integrated pollution prevention & control
- Journalism, media & communication
- Mathematics & statistics
- Modern languages
- Naval architecture, ocean & marine engineering
- Physical activity for health
- Physics
- Research methodology for business & management
- Speech & Language Sciences
- Work, employment & organisation
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Like an MRes, the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) differs from other Masters degrees in that it's research focused.
One fundamental distinction between an MPhil and an MRes lies in the emphasis placed on the taught component of the degree. The MRes programme is specifically crafted to equip individuals with research skills, thus incorporating a substantial amount of coursework. In contrast, the MPhil primarily centres around an independent research project and typically involves minimal or no formal teaching.
An MPhil can be taken as a standalone degree or incorporated into a full PhD.
Research degrees at a glance
| Qualification | Level | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Doctoral |
Full-time: 36 to 48 months |
Academic |
| DBA | Doctoral | 48 months part-time | Professional Doctorate |
| DInfSci | Doctoral | Full-time: 36 months Part-time: 48 months |
Professional Doctorate |
| EdD | Doctoral | Full-time: 36 months Part-time: 48 months |
Professional Doctorate |
| DEdPsy | Doctoral | 48 months part-time | Professional Doctorate |
| EngD | Doctoral | 36 months full-time | Engineering Doctorate |
| MRes | Masters | Full-time: 12 months Part-time: 24 months |
Academic |
| MPhil | Masters | Full-time: 12 months Part-time: 24 months |
Academic |