Open Spaces. Open Minds.

Graduate School

Degree types

Postgraduate Research Degrees (MPhil, PhD, EdD, PsychD, PhD by Published Works)

Research degrees involve the in-depth study of a specific field, normally over a period of three to four years (plus additional time spent ‘writing-up’). A research degree can provide a route into an academic career. It can also open opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy or a whole host of other areas in the public and private sectors. The reasons for taking a research degree can vary enormously; you can undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a subject area, to develop your employability or to work on projects with business partners.

Roehampton University offers a number of research degrees and a number of routes to gaining a Doctoral level qualification.

Master/Doctor of Philosophy (MPhil/PhD)

The MPhil/PhD programme is for students who wish to devise an independent research project which will result in an original contribution to knowledge in the subject area.  Students normally register for the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in the first instance and apply to transfer to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) after the first 2-3 years. It is possible to exit with a stand-alone MPhil award if desired. Students who already have a stand-alone MPhil qualification may be permitted to register as a PhD student from the outset. Students can study on a full-time or a part-time basis.

If you register for an award with the School of Business and Social Sciences or the School of Education you will need to complete and pass the PG Diploma in Social Research Methods as part of your programme. If you register for an award with the School of Arts or the School of Human & Life Sciences you will not be required to undertake a PG diploma but you will be required to attend relevant classes from the University's Research Methods Training Programme as advised by your supervisory team. When you have completed your programme of study you will submit a thesis for examination.

Professional Doctorates

The EdD and PsychD are professional doctorate programmes. The professional doctorate is an alternate pathway to a doctoral level qualification and it may be considered a professionally-oriented equivalent to the traditional, theoretical PhD. The professional doctorate provides a framework for the demonstration and development of advanced professional knowledge and skills. Although there is a substantial research component, much emphasis is placed on the skills and training needed for professional practice in the field.

The EdD programme is offered jointly by Roehampton University and Kingston University. During the first two years you will complete taught modules on professional issues and methodology. During the following three years you will undertake a research project reported in a thesis (or equivalent), which you will submit for examination.

The University offers three PsychD programmes. If you undertake a PsychD programme you will ultimately devise your own project, which should result in an original contribution to knowledge in your subject area but you may also be required to attend formal lectures. This will depend on the programme you choose and your current academic and professional achievements.  Please refer to the programme information links above for further details.

PhD by Published Works

Another alternative route to the traditional PhD is the PhD by Published Works. This degree evaluates retrospectively the research training and subsequent published work which a candidate has undertaken. The published works should form a coherent programme of research around a particular theme and can be seen as comparable to the PhD thesis. The published works should demonstrate a substantial, original and independent contribution to knowledge in the subject area. The degree of PhD by Published Work presents an opportunity for people who have not followed the traditional route, to obtain formal recognition for having developed their research skills and subject knowledge to a doctoral level. This may include people entering higher education in mid-career, especially in practice-based disciplines and people following research careers in industry.

Further Information

For a list of subject areas in which you can take a research degree see our list of research degrees but note that this is not a definitive list as research interests can be extremely varied and fluid. For information about the governance of these degrees, please see the Academic Regulations.

 
 
 
 
 
© Copyright 2010 Roehampton University. All rights reserved.