1. What does it mean to do a research degree at UEA?
2. What is the difference between a Masters by Research, an MPhil and other Doctorates?
3. How do I apply to UEA for a Research Degree?
4. What happens to your application?
5. How is a research degree structured?
6. How is the degree assessed?
7. What funding is available?

  

 
1. What does it mean to do a research degree at UEA?

Research degrees are degrees that are awarded for a successful period of study that includes the production of a substantial thesis. The dissertation will be the result of independent study, under the supervision of an experienced member of UEA staff, should be a significant addition to knowledge and will often be publishable. When you enrol for a research degree at the UEA you will be allocated a supervisor who will often be a leading academic in the area of study who, with colleagues, will guide your study. The final dissertation will, however, be your own work and, in the case of a PhD, must make an original contribution to the field of study.

The UEA prides itself in providing a supportive environment for research students. The progress of all students is regularly monitored. The University has a mandatory Code of Practice that clearly lays out the rights and responsibilities of supervisors, research students and the University. There is a large community of graduate students, an active Graduate Students Association, as well as many country-specific groups that help new arrivals to settle into life in the UK, and provide vibrant social foci.

2. What is the difference between a Masters by Research, an MPhil and other Doctorates?

A research degree is distinguished from a taught degree by the substantial thesis that a research student has to write, individual examiners are appointed for the student and the student is supervised by a supervisory team rather than a course director. UEA offers a wide range of research degrees:

• A Masters by Research is generally completed in about 1 year and includes a dissertation that is a maximum of 40,000 words. A Masters by Research is designed to prepare students for doctoral study.  The title of the degree earned can vary; MA (Masters of Arts), MSc (Masters of Science), or MEd (Masters of Education) by Research are examples and will differ depending on the subject and School of Study.
• An MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is awarded for a dissertation describing original research conducted and written-up in about 2 years (maximum 65,000 words) with a maximum registration period of four years.
• A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is awarded for substantial, original contribution to knowledge and is normally completed in 3-4 years; the dissertation has a maximum limit of 100,000 words.

It is possible to transfer between MSc by Research, the MPhil and PhD programmes, with time spent working towards one degree being counted towards another, but only one degree can be awarded for any period of study. Further, this is by concession only and not by transfer panel as is the case for transfer from MPhil to PhD. All research programmes involve independent and original research, resulting in an extensive thesis at the end of the programme. Students admitted to study for a PhD programme will commence their research immediately. Thus, students should be reasonably prepared in the field and should have demonstrated an aptitude for sustained supervised research.  Theses are written and examined in English, and students must have good command of both written and spoken English.

3. How do I apply to UEA for a Research Degree?

Every year UEA accepts a large number of international students to study for research degrees in various subjects. Each Faculty has approved admissions procedures which ensure that only appropriately qualified and/or prepared students are admitted on to research programmes. We welcome applications from those whose first language is not English or those whose degree was not taught in English. To ensure such students benefit fully from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Please see our country specific pages on the International Office website and check the entry requirements before submitting an application.

It is important when making your application to give a clear description of the specific topic you wish to study. If you have identified a specific faculty member who you want to supervise your study please include his/her name on your application, and clearly detail the work programme you wish to undertake – you should make your proposal sound as attractive as possible – most supervisors have international reputations and get more applications than they can accept! Applicants are welcome in any area in which we have academic staff with expertise to offer supervision.

Some Schools require a research candidates to submit an outline research proposal of approximately 1,000 – 2,000 words with their application. Please contact individual Schools for further information. The main aim of the proposal is to provide the School with an idea of the research interests and intent. The proposal should include:

a) the proposed title or topic
b) a brief discussion of the importance of this area of study
c) a short literature review
d) the major research questions which will guide the study
e) a description of the proposed approach and methods that will be adopted to address the research questions
f) provide a timescale for the conduct of the research

Please do not:

a) write a proposal on a broad topic which lacks direction and detail 
b) make the proposal vague with the use of terms that you do not understand
c) submit proposals in subject areas where there is no expertise at the University 

Potential students are encouraged to contact a suitable member of the academic staff to explore a possible research topic before making a formal application. All members of academic staff have a research profile which you will find posted on the School website. We strongly recommend that you read the research profiles relevant to your subject of study and also read some of the works of your potential supervisor. It is often an advantage to discuss your project plans with your potential supervisor before submitting a formal application as this will give the opportunity for the supervisor to make suggestions about your plans, particularly if there are scientific resource issues, and to ensure that both you and s/he understand what the research entails. Often with laboratory-based research projects a bench-fee will be charged, in addition to the normal fees; again these need to be discussed with your chosen supervisor.

To apply students should use a printed copy of the postgraduate application from. Application forms can be downloaded from the School website or from the International Office site. All applications must be accompanied by certified transcripts from the candidate’s previous university, setting out examination results to date and results of English tests where relevant and a statement of purpose. Applications should also include two formal academic references. Applications must be complete in order to be considered for entry – an incomplete application will not be processed as we will not be able to evaluate your application.

Students may join MPhil and PhD programmes at four points during the year – 1 October, 1 January, 1 April and 1 July. Applicants are encouraged to apply for their PhD well in advance of the desired start date.

4. What happens to your application?

Once your application is received it is first reviewed by the Graduate Office or the Admissions Office in the Faculty to which you send your application. They will check that you have the minimum academic and language qualifications for the research degree programme for which you have applied. Consideration is given to ensuring that there is sufficient evidence of an applicant’s ability to undertake a research degree, including English language proficiency.

Then if you have identified a School or Institute and a particular supervisor your application will be sent to the supervisor for him/her to consider the academic merit of your application. The supervisor will also assess if he/she has the capacity to supervise you; to ensure that all students receive high quality supervision the University sets a limit on the maximum number of research students a supervisor may normally supervise. If a supervisor cannot accept you because of this limit, he/she will normally pass your application to another member of faculty who has suitable academic interests. Consequently this may delay the time in which you receive a decision.

Normally you should expect to hear from the Faculty Graduate Office or the Admissions Office about the progress of your application within two weeks. However it may take longer if your potential supervisor is on research leave or is engaged in field work or if you apply over holiday periods such as Christmas/New Year and Easter. Sometimes a supervisor may contact you directly if he/she has questions about what you intend to study. At any time you can contact the Faculty Graduate Office or the Admissions Office to check on the progress of your application.

If an offer is made your offer letter will include the following:

a) the programme of study, the normal duration of study, and total fees (tuition fees, living cost estimate, bench fees and/or other fees needed to conduct the research programme)
b) a summary of the resources, including initial facilities and training, that it is anticipated will be provided for the student
c) supervisory arrangement and the name of the primary supervisor
d) requirements and conditions of any sponsor
e) an overview of the student’s responsibilities regarding academic performance, attendance, formal course-based training, progress, contact, registration, and any other matters
f) clarification of where and when further information will be provided concerning University regulations and procedures, health and safety and induction.

The decision on whether to accept or reject your application will be made by the supervisor and the Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Study.

5. How is a research degree structured?

A research degree is based on self-study and self-motivation and does not normally include a taught element, which means that a student needs to organise their own time effectively. Normally registration for a PhD programme begins with an MPhil registration and after satisfactory progress, and a Review Panel, the student can be recommend for transfer to a PhD programme. Students should be supervised by a team comprising a minimum of two research active staff members, one of whom is designated the primary supervisor and is a member of academic staff. Students and supervisors should maintain regular contact sufficient to inform and monitor the progress of the research. This would usually include a minimum of three formal meetings per year (two for part-time students) with the supervising team.

Student progress is formally reviewed by student, supervisors and Schools on an annual basis, and this must include a formal report written by the supervising team and the student.

Overseas students planning to register on a part-time basis should discuss possible arrangements with the programme staff. It may be possible to conduct research in the home country combined with a series of study periods at the University of East Anglia.

6. How is the degree assessed?

All research students, whether studying towards an MPhil or a PhD, will be required to submit a thesis for examination. The student’s thesis is assessed by examiners, normally by one internal and one external examiner. On the basis of the viva voce and the written thesis a decision will be made.

7. What funding is available?

Undertaking a research programme requires some planning, not least securing the funds to pay for the course of study. You will find details of the fees for studying at the University of East Anglia on the International Office website. It is important to note that you do not need to have secured funding when you apply to study at the University, and in many cases, holding the offer of a place to study may actually help to secure funding.

Initially students should seek information regarding funding from their own Ministry of Education. Students should also check the British Council website (www.britishcouncil.org) and the funding pages on the International Office website.

The University of East Anglia awards approximately £1 million of scholarships each year to suitably qualified international students. The awards are made by individual Schools of Study in the University. All international students are considered for a scholarship of between 10% - 50% of tuition fees. In order to be considered for a UEA scholarship you do not need to make a separate application. Please indicate on your application for admission that you wish to be considered for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are normally for the duration of the period of study. Students of outstanding academic ability will also be considered for Faculty Scholarship Awards made by the Dean of Faculty, usually in April or May each year. These are highly competitive and prestigious awards.