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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,350
Per year
Start Date
2025-10-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
24 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Geriatrics | Gerontology | Health Science
Area of study
Health
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 16,350
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-10-01-
2026-03-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Dementia studies MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works

Key Facts

  • Level: PostgraduatePG PhD
  • Duration: MPhil: Full time 12 months - 3 years, Part time 30 months - 5 years
    PhD: Full time 2 years - 4 years, Part time 3 years - 6 years
    PhD by Published Works: 1 - 2 years
  • Starting: October, March
  • UK Fees 25/26 >: See Fees section
  • International Fees 25/26 >: See Fees section
  • Location >: Waterside

Overview

The MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published Works in Dementia programme offers those interested in dementia (academically or professionally) the chance to pursue advanced studies in their area of specialisation. The training encourages critical and applied thinking in relation to theoretical and practical challenges surrounding all facets of dementia. You will plan, carry out, and finish an independent research project with the help of a group of supervisors that adds something new to our body of knowledge. If you successfully defend your final thesis, you will receive the highest degree that a UK institution can provide and will have a chance to further your career in a variety of sectors. This degree is available both full-time and part-time, and it draws a diverse group of students.


Highlights

  • ​​This course is exclusive to Northampton University.
  • ​Research degree candidates engage in original research, conducting studies that contribute to knowledge.
  • ​Students have the freedom to explore their research questions, design methodologies, collect and analyse data, and draw meaningful conclusions. This hands-on research experience is a hallmark of a research degree program.
  • ​Research degree programs foster intellectual stimulation through engaging fieldwork, seminars, and discussions with faculty and peers. Students are exposed to a diverse range of theories, research methods, and empirical studies, challenging their thinking and broadening their perspectives.​

Entry Requirements

  • ​​You’re normally expected to have a first or upper second-class honours degree or Masters Degree from a UK university or international equivalent.
  • ​Your qualification should be in a subject area relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
  • ​Individual consideration will be given to students with lower-level degrees or qualifications in a different subject area, but relevant experience is required.

Other Entry Requirements

  • As part of the selection process, all qualified candidates will be expected to attend an interview.
  • All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
    • ​successful interview outcome.
    • availability of suitable Research Supervision Support.

English Language Requirements

  • ​IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component including writing. We will also consider equivalent English language qualifications.
  • ​We are unable to consider applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components from a test taken within the last two years

Course Content

  • Course Details

In this subject area, we particularly welcome applicants who wish to focus their research on the following:


- Dementia-Friendly Communities
- Personhood & Lifestyle Factors
- Community Interventions

Research degree programmes are a way for you to develop your specialism and improve your technical skills. They enable you to specialise in a particular area of interest within your field, enabling in-depth exploration and understanding. Research degree candidates engage in original research, conducting studies that contribute to our existing knowledge. While developing and setting up research projects you will receive general, discipline based and project specific training so that you can go on to conduct your research work effectively and independently. We support you to network with established academics, researchers, and professionals in the field. Conferences, seminars, and workshops offer platforms for connecting with like-minded individuals, potential collaborators, and future mentors.


The University has excellent research centres and institutes. Applicants to this area of study are usually aligned to our outstanding Northamptonshire Dementia Research and Innovation Centre. The University’s Graduate School provide sector leading support to enhance your development. Students are hosted within a University Faculty and supported by motivated supervisors with topic and methodological expertise. Our Faculty Postgraduate Research Leaders are also available to support your development and to offer pastoral care as you progress in your studies.


In addition to our extensive development programme for researchers, we also seek, where possible, to identify opportunities for our postgraduate researchers to obtain teaching experience, allowing you to develop your pedagogical skills by instructing undergraduate or masters courses. Some postgraduate researchers also support funded research projects as research assistants or Graduate Teaching Assistants.


FAQs

  • What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?

A PhD involves conducting original research and writing a thesis, while a PhD by Published Works is awarded based on a collection of previously published papers demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Additional information about choosing your type of research degree can be found on our How to apply for Research degree study page.


Fees and Funding

  • 2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.


  • Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
    • UK – Full Time: £5,700
    • UK – Part Time: £2,845
    • International – Full Time: £16,350
    • International – Part Time: £7,640
  • Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works

Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.


- **UK – Part Time:** £3,600
- **International – Part Time:** £7,840

Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.


Staff

  • Associate Professor in Child & Family Wellbeing
    Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Michelle Pyer


Related Courses

  • Doctor of Professional Practice in Health and Social Care

This course offers senior managers and advanced practitioners the opportunity to develop their academic and research...


Program Outline


Degree Overview:

The MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published Works in Dementia programme offers advanced studies in dementia for those interested academically or professionally. It encourages critical and applied thinking in relation to theoretical and practical challenges surrounding all facets of dementia. The program involves planning, carrying out, and completing an independent research project under the guidance of a group of supervisors. Successful completion of the program, including defense of the final thesis, leads to the highest degree awarded by a UK institution. The program is available both full-time and part-time, attracting a diverse student body.


Teaching:

The program provides general, discipline-based, and project-specific training to equip students with the skills to conduct research effectively and independently. It offers opportunities for networking with established academics, researchers, and professionals in the field through conferences, seminars, and workshops. The University of Northampton has excellent research centers and institutes, with applicants often aligning with the Northamptonshire Dementia Research and Innovation Centre. Students are hosted within a University Faculty and supported by motivated supervisors with topic and methodological expertise. Faculty Postgraduate Research Leaders are also available for support and pastoral care. The program also seeks to provide opportunities for postgraduate researchers to gain teaching experience, allowing them to develop pedagogical skills by instructing undergraduate or master's courses. Some postgraduate researchers also support funded research projects as research assistants or Graduate Teaching Assistants.


Other:

The program particularly welcomes applicants who wish to focus their research on the following:

  • Dementia-Friendly Communities
  • Personhood & Lifestyle Factors
  • Community Interventions
  • The program is exclusive to Northampton University.

Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees UK – Full Time: £5,500 UK – Part Time: £2,775 International – Full Time: £15,950 International – Part Time: £7,450 Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works. Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works. UK – Part Time: £3,500 International – Part Time: £7,650

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About University
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University of Northampton


Overview:

University of Northampton is a public university located in Northampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as continuing professional development courses. The university is known for its focus on social impact and its commitment to creating a better society through its students, research, and engagement with the wider world.


Services Offered:

The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:

    Accommodation:

    On-campus halls of residence are available for students.

    Employment Promise:

    The university offers an employment promise to help students find work after graduation.

    Student Perks:

    Students receive various perks, including laptops, trips, and internships.

    Support:

    The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic, wellbeing, and accessibility support.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at University of Northampton can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university has a modern campus with a full range of integrated learning environments, including a 24/7 library and learning zone. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and societies, and there are numerous events and activities throughout the year.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Social Impact Focus:

    The university is committed to making a positive impact on society through its research and engagement.

    Modern Campus:

    The university has a new, modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities.

    Employment Promise:

    The university's employment promise helps students find work after graduation.

    Student Support:

    The university provides comprehensive support services to students.

Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate:

    Programs in various fields, including business, sport, nursing, law, psychology, computing, and design.

    Master's:

    Programs in various fields, including business, education, health, and social work.

    Continuing Professional Development (CPD):

    Courses designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.

Other:

The university has a strong focus on research and has several research institutes and centers. It also has a strong commitment to equality and inclusion and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Total programs
257
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • Academic Qualifications:
  • Typically, a first or upper second-class honours degree or Masters Degree from a UK university or international equivalent.
  • The qualification should be in a subject area relevant to the chosen area of research.
  • Students with other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing may also be considered.
  • Individual consideration will be given to students with lower-level degrees or qualifications in a different subject area, but relevant experience is required.
  • Interview: All qualified candidates will be expected to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
  • Research Proposal: Applicants for Research study will need to write a research proposal.
  • Supervision Support: Offers of a place on the program are subject to the availability of suitable Research Supervision Support.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component including writing.
  • Equivalent English language qualifications: The university will also consider equivalent English language qualifications.
  • Minimum IELTS Score: Applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components from a test taken within the last two years will not be considered.
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