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Research involves the in-depth study of a specific field, normally over a period of two or three years. You will then report on your research by writing it up in the form of a thesis or dissertation. Following submission, you then have an oral examination (viva). Types of research degreeThe most well-known research qualification is the PhD, also known as the DPhil. Also possible are shorter Masters programmes such as the MPhil, which is sometimes taken as a precursor to a PhD. Doctoral degrees (PhD, DPhil)- Can be started immediately following a first degree, or after a Masters (usually mandatory as a precursor for arts/humanities doctorates).
- In the UK the recognised period of research is three years full time, plus up to one year to write up. A NewRoutePhD can take up to four years to complete.
- The New Route PhD combines research with a structured programme of training in discipline-specific and transferable professional skills such as management and teaching. Interim awards at Diploma, Certificate or Masters level, and professional qualifications may be offered in some programmes.
- In most UK institutions, formal registration for the degree of PhD takes place after the initial year of research (when you are officially at MPhil level) and following the successful completion of a transfer report.
- It may be possible to transfer from a PhD back to an MPhil degree. An MPhil, however, does not confer ‘Dr’ status and would not enable you to do postdoctoral research.
- Doctorates with a substantial taught core are now available in some vocational areas including engineering (EngD) and business (DBA).
Research opportunities other than in universitiesThe majority of research degrees are taken at universities and other higher education institutions. However, there are some opportunities for studying in partnership with a university, in government laboratories, hospital laboratories, research institutions and in industry. Such opportunities are usually advertised in the specialist press for your subject. Collaborative projects between industry and academia are sometimes possible, particularly in engineering and science. These include: - CASE awards. These are awards in science and engineering tied to an applied research project and involving some time within the premises of the industrial sponsor. Go to Research Councils UK for more information.
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). This scheme enables recently qualified graduates (known as KTP Associates) to work in a commercial environment (paid a salary at an industrial rate) whilst studying for a higher degree.
back to top Issues to considerAre you sufficiently motivated?Studying for a research degree is very different to studying for an undergraduate degree. Consider whether or not you would enjoy carrying out the basic research techniques you will use. Can you imagine counting black dots down a microscope for weeks on end? Or spending a year building equipment before generating a single result? Will you be happy working alone in a library for days on end? Talk to postgraduate students in your department about the reality of research - go into it with your eyes open! Have you identified a supportive research supervisor?The quality of the working relationship between a supervisor and student can make or break a research degree. A good working relationship is essential to get good feedback on your work and to get a sense of where you stand with regard to the 'big picture' of the overall thesis. Make sure that you have met and feel comfortable with your supervisor before accepting a place. If possible, talk to their current research students and find out about the research group you would be joining. Have you got the right academic background?You will normally require an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject. Some funding bodies set higher criteria, such as relevant work experience, or a Masters degree. Discuss your plans with your tutors - do they think you would enjoy a research degree? back to top Future prospectsYou can expect opportunities to exist in academia, in industry and in the public sector but competition can be fierce. A common aim following a PhD is to remain in academia but this is by no means assured. A PhD is usually a pre-requisite for an academic career as a university researcher or lecturer. It is common to hold a series of postdoctoral positions lasting one or two years before securing a permanent post, which can be difficult to come by. This lack of security is often cited as a primary reason for leaving academia. There are many careers for which a research degree is desirable or essential, for example, work as a scientific researcher for a pharmaceutical company, or commissioning editor for a specialist academic journal.
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