MPhil/PhD Educational Research and Development - Full-time

How You Study

Normally PhD students register for an MPhil and, after 12 or 24 months (depending on full-time or part-time status), are expected to transfer to the PhD programme. This transfer requires the production of a detailed research proposal, which the candidate will be expected to defend at a transfer viva. The formal transfer is subject to approval by the University's Research Committees.

All research degree students can choose the focus for their research in negotiation with their supervisors. Individual supervision meetings are held at mutually agreed times. Supervisions for home students may be undertaken in person, by e-mail, videoconferencing, or over the phone. Overseas students studying in the UK on a Tier 4 visa must attend monthly supervisions in person.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.