School of Environmental

Research Degrees

Research involves the in-depth study of a specific field, normally over a period of two or three years. You will then report on your research by writing it up in the form of a thesis or dissertation. Following submission, you then have an oral examination usually conducted by three specialists in their field of research. Most research degrees involve working closely with one or more experienced researchers who supervise the study.
The most well-known research qualification is the PhD, also known as the DPhil. Also possible are shorter Masters Programs such as the MPhil, which is sometimes taken as a precursor to a PhD. Some research Masters Courses now include a taught element, eg in research methods. It may be possible to transfer onto a PhD program at a later date.

Doctoral degrees (PhD, DPhil)

Can be started immediately following a first degree, or after a Masters course (usually mandatory as a precursor for arts/humanities doctorates).

Recognized period of research is three years full time, plus up to one year to write up.

Some PhDs now include a taught element, eg in research methods.

Formal registration for the degree of PhD takes place after the initial year of research (when you are officially at MPhil level) and following the successful completion of a transfer report.

It may be possible to transfer from a PhD back to an MPhil degree that can be obtained in one or two years. An MPhil, however, does not confer ‘Dr’ status and would not enable you to teach at university level or do postdoctoral research.

Doctorates with a substantial taught core are now available in some vocational areas including engineering (EngD) and business (DBA).

Research opportunities other than in universities

The majority of research degrees are taken at UCN International. However, there are some opportunities for studying in partnership with government laboratories, hospital laboratories, research institutions, pharmaceutical laboratories and in industry.

Issues to consider

Are you sufficiently motivated?

Studying for a research degree is very different to studying for an undergraduate degree. Consider carefully whether or not you would enjoy the basic research techniques you are going to use. Can you imagine counting black dots down a microscope for weeks on end? Or spending a year, or two, building equipment before generating a single result? Will you be happy working alone in a library for days on end? Talk to postgraduate students about the reality of research - go into it with your eyes open!

Have you identified a supportive research supervisor?

The quality of the working relationship between a supervisor and student can make or break a research degree. A good working relationship is essential as postgraduate study is basically about working alone (especially in the arts/humanities). Make sure that you have met and feel comfortable with your supervisor before accepting a place. Do you understand each other? If possible, talk to their current research students. Find out about the research group you would be joining. Are there active programs of seminars you can attend? How isolated are you likely to be?

Have you got the right academic background?

You will normally require an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject. Some funding bodies may set higher criteria (eg relevant work experience or mandatory undertaking of a master’s degree prior to a doctoral degree). Discuss your plans with your tutors - do they think you would enjoy a research degree?

Future prospects

Opportunities vary according to the field of study. You can expect opportunities to exist in academia, in industry and in the public sector but competition can be fierce. A common aim following a PhD, DBA or Dr.PH is to remain in academia but this is by no means assured..
There are many careers for which a research degree is desirable or essential, eg work as a scientific researcher for a pharmaceutical company, or commissioning editor for a specialist academic journal. For other areas you will be able to emphasize the transferable skills you have gained whilst undertaking your research.
Think about activities (eg with university societies or through work experience) you might undertake whilst pursuing your research that could counter these concerns if you are considering a career outside your specialist field.