Business MPhil / PhD

What is a PhD?
The regulations at Staffordshire University award a PhD to candidates who have ‘critically investigated an approved topic resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, (and) has presented and defended a thesis by oral examination … to the satisfaction of examiners.’
In your application we will want to know in which area of academic knowledge you want to place your PhD study. We will assess whether we can provide supervisors who have the knowledge of your academic area. Note that to succeed you have to demonstrate capability in using research methods, hence our emphasis on requiring all research students to enrol on a University-wide research method course.
Time commitment
The minimum and maximum time periods for MPhil/PhD and PhD direct are shown below:
Route/Mode of study
Minimum Maximum
MPhil ONLY
Full-time 18 months 36 months
Part-time 24 months 48 months
MPhil/PhD
Full-time 30 months 48 months
Part-time 42 months 72 months
PhD Direct Entry
Full-time 24 months 48 months
Part-time 36 months 72 months
For the purpose of period of study, blended learning students are normally thought of as ‘part time’. They are expected to allocate 20 hours per week to their research while away from the University
Full-time students
Full time students need to work 37 hours a week, although many work longer hours.
Part time students
Part time students should budget around 20 hours a week. Multiplying 20 hours per week by the number of years gives a realistic base from which to assess the PhD time commitment and keeping a job. Many people can work 60 hours per week for a few weeks, but this is a substantial commitment over many years. Calculate if you have the resources to do this – time, money, energy, etc. Think also about how you can arrange your other commitments (family, friends, earning money etc.) so that you can successfully complete your PhD over this long period of time. Only one time extension is available. We will screen you carefully to make sure you intend to finish and also that we can contribute to your studies by providing strong supervision.
Blended learning students
You are normally at Staffordshire University for at least three months each year and work as a full-time student in that period. In the first year this is usually for the Semester 1 teaching period, and in subsequent years by arrangement with your supervisory team. When you return to your home base you are expected to continue your work as a part time student.