There are many different types of postgraduate research degree. Each has its own type of qualification and an abbreviation to go with it.
This handy guide will help you choose the right type.
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PhD
A three-year full-time or six-year part-time degree during which you will contribute to the development of understanding and new knowledge within your field. You will produce an original research thesis of up to 100,000 words, assessed through an oral examination by experts within your field of research. -
PhD by Publication
This programme is designed for an experienced researcher who can evidence extensive active research effort in their field and, through published work, a contribution to the development and understanding of your subject area. The PhD by Publication course is part-time and is assessed through a selection of published work, a critical analysis of your publications and oral examination.more... -
Master’s by Research – MA (Res), MSc (Res), LLM (Res)
A Master’s by Research is a short, twelve-month full-time or two-year part-time research programme, with the results written up in an original research thesis of up to 40,000 words. Assessment of your thesis will be through an oral examination by experts within your field of research.more... -
EdD
The part-time five-year Doctor of Education programme is a part-time course based on your own research project culminating in an original thesis of 60,000 words, which is assessed through an oral examination.more... -
MD
The Doctor of Medicine programme consists of either a two-year full-time or four-year part-time period of academic research. The programme is designed to allow clinicians-in-training to conduct research outside of their professional training. By the end of your programme, you will have produced a thesis of 65,000 words, which will be assessed through an oral examination.more... -
ClinPsyD
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is a three-year full-time professional course that comprises both academic and clinical components. Trainees are employed as trainee clinical psychologists by one of our local NHS Foundation Trusts. Successful completion of the course gives eligibility to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration to practise as a Clinical Psychologist.more... -
EdPsyD
The Doctorate in Educational Psychology involves theory, practice and research. You will combine a broad range of psychological theories, framed within the principles of critical pedagogy, psychology and social justice. Successful completion of the course gives eligibility to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration to practise as an Educational Psychologist.more... -
ProfD (Health and Social Care)
The part-time five-year Doctorate in Health and Social Care interdisciplinary, postgraduate-level research programme is designed to help working practitioners develop the skills needed to lead evidence-based interventions.more...