Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy PhD

Overview

A PhD is “probably the most internationally transferable qualification” according to the Higher Education Policy Institute.

You will critically investigate your chosen topic in great depth, with support, guidance and encouragement from our supervisory team. Crucially, your investigation should result in the creation and interpretation of knowledge which extends the forefront of your discipline. It should make an original contribution to knowledge.

Increasingly, a doctorate is an essential requirement for recruitment and promotion in university teaching roles. More broadly, a PhD is a life-changing programme that trains you to think at a deep level while you become an expert on a particular topic. It is quite possible that you will end up knowing more about that topic than almost anyone else in the country.

Why us?

• A PhD is highly advisable if you are considering a career as an academic
• You have the option to study this programme at our Sunderland campus or possibly via distance learning

Entry requirements

• The normal entry requirement for a research degree is a UK honours degree (first or upper second class), a UK master's degree, or a qualification that is regarded as equivalent.
• We will consider candidates with other qualifications, looking at evidence of academic ability such as published work.
• If English is not your first language, you will need a British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component: reading, writing, listening, and speaking (or equivalent).

Research proposal

You will be asked to write a 2-3 page research proposal that specifies the:

• Aims of your research
• Rationale for the research question(s)
• Proposed methodology and techniques for analysis
• Provisional time plan for the research

Fees and finance

We charge the following annual fees while you are studying and researching for your degree.

2025/26 fees are:

• If you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled:
  • On-campus full-time: £4,700 per year
  • On-campus part-time: £3,681 per year
  • Distance learning full-time: £3,681 per year
  • Distance learning part-time: £3,681 per year
• International candidates:
  • On-campus full-time: £14,500 per year
  • On-campus part-time: £8,500 per year
  • Distance learning full-time: £8,000 per year
  • Distance learning part-time: £8,000 per year

Related courses

• Higher Doctorate
• MPhil Master of Philosophy