Postgraduate Research Degree Types
WHAT IS A POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH DEGREE?
As part of the Russell Group, Queen’s University is proud to be one of the UK’s leading research universities, offering postgraduate research opportunities across all fields of study.
A research degree offers you the opportunity to gain in-depth, specialised knowledge in an original research project, guided by a supervisory team, which culminates in the presentation of a thesis which you defend in an oral examination.
During your studies you will also develop research, personal and professional development skills that will support future careers within academia, industry, or the public sector.
Discover the research degree that is right for you and your career ambitions below.
TYPES OF RESEARCH DEGREES
MASTER OF RESEARCH (MRES)
MRes qualifications are different to other types of master’s degrees as they have a greater focus on research and independent learning which allows for greater flexibility in how you choose to complete your degree. MRes degrees are perfect for students interested in doctoral study but want to get a taste of what it is like before committing to a PhD.
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (MPHIL)
MPhil qualifications are typically shorter than a PhD but are completed to the same academic quality. Our students will often study an MPhil for around two years full-time, whereas a PhD could be three or four years full-time. Where appropriate, completing an MPhil qualification may be followed by registration for a PhD.
DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (MD)
MD research programmes typically last two to three years here at Queen’s and result in an award of recognition in areas of medicine such as Cancer Research, Experimental Medicine, Public Health, and Medical Education.
Find out more about our MD programme here
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD)
PhDs typically last between three and four years full-time, and most of that time will be spent on independent research.
Students must demonstrate their ability to apply appropriate research methods to a specialist topic and display a critical understanding of key issues and debates in their chosen field. Students are also expected to complete an oral exam (often referred to as viva voce) where they present their work in front of a panel of experts to justify why the thesis makes a valuable contribution to the field.
PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATES
Professional doctorates and Integrated PhDs comprise taught and research components. At Queen’s, we offer the following Professional Doctorates:
CENTRES FOR DOCTORAL TRAINING (CDT) PHD
Doctoral training programmes typically last three or four years full-time and combine taught courses with a programme of supervised research leading to the production of the doctoral research project.
Find out more about Doctoral Training Programmes
PHD BY PUBLISHED WORKS
The submission for the PhD by Published Works includes a copy of works published within the 10-year period prior to submission; and a critical analysis comprising a statement of the contribution of the work to the advancement of the field of study, a critical account of its significance, an explanation of the inter-relationship between the material presented, and a critical appraisal and discussion of the corpus.
Registration is typically on a part-time basis, under the direction of an adviser appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your published works, with a 10,000-word critical analysis, within one year. You need to be an academic member of staff at Queen’s with a minimum of one year of service to apply for a PhD by Published Works.
Application forms are available from the Admissions and Access Service (email: postgrad.admissions@qub.ac.uk, tel; +44 (0) 28 9097 3004.)
HIGHER DOCTORATES
Higher Doctorates are awarded to students who have demonstrated a contribution of originality and merit to their field of study; a sustained, consistent and substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge over a number of years; an authoritative standing in the field of study; and seminal publications which have led to extensions or the development of knowledge by others.
The submission includes a copy of the published works and a summary document incorporating a research record and outlining research interests and achievement through reference to selected publications.
To apply for this program, you must have a significant link to the University, usually as a graduate or current academic staff member. It is expected that applicants will also have a minimum of 10 years of research experience at a postdoctoral level. Registration is normally on a part-time basis. You will be expected to submit a copy of the published works and a 3,000 word summary document, within one year. Applicants should contact the relevant School for further information.
Application forms are available from the Admissions and Access Service (email: postgrad.admissions@qub.ac.uk, tel; +44 (0) 28 9097 3004.)
Still have
some questions?
If the above has not answered all your questions or worries, here are some of the most common questions we get asked about doing a PhD.
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Can I work away from the university?
You may be permitted to carry out some of your research away from Queen’s.
You will need to satisfy the University that you will maintain appropriate contact with your supervisor, and have access to appropriate facilities, during any periods spent away, and you may be required to spend a specified period in residence at the University.
You will be subject to the University’s normal training and monitoring requirements.
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Can I study a PhD part-time?
Yes, many students choose to study part-time, particularly when they are self-funded. It is likely that the majority of funded PhD positions will require full-time commitment. Most international students are required to study full-time on their Tier 4 visa.
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What training and development opportunities are there?
The development of transferable skills is an integral part of the experience of being a postgraduate research student.
The Postgraduate Development Programme led by The Graduate School offers you a choice of training courses and development activities aimed at providing you with the skills to complete your higher degree and enhance your employability. The funding bodies for postgraduates consider the development of these skills as an essential part of training for careers both in academic and non-academic work environments.
The courses offered in the Development Programme supplement those provided by Schools and are available to all research students.
Funding is available for student-led initiatives. These are activities developed and delivered by postgraduate students for postgraduate students. These initiatives can involve organising a conference, research seminar or some other research event.
To date, these initiatives have proven to be very effective in encouraging students to identify their skills requirements and develop their own training.