Program Overview

Programme Details

• The PhD programme includes the following assessment stages: transfer/confirmation, thesis submission, and viva voce.
• PhDs can be undertaken in any subject the university has expertise in at doctorate level.
• PhDs can be undertaken full-time over a timeframe of 3-4 years, or part-time over 4-7 years.
• Students will have access to the Research Skills Development Programme, which provides a range of free workshops for all staff and postgraduate research students over the academic year.

Research Proposals

• A research proposal should be between 1500 and 2000 words (approximately 6 pages of A4 double-spaced) and will include the following:
  • A working title of topic area
  • General overview of area
  • Identification of the relevant literature
  • Key research questions
  • Methodology
  • Timescale/research planning
  • Bibliography
• The proposal should include a short list of references to key articles and texts included in the application.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

• A 1st or 2:1 Honours degree, or Merit or Distinction Masters degree or its equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognised university in the UK or comparable university overseas.
• A Master's degree may be desirable in some subject areas.

Language Requirements

• A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in in Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening) or equivalent.

Tuition Fees

2025-2026

• £5,005 - UK
• £16,000 - International

Note

• The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
• Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year.
• The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy.

Funding and Additional Costs

Scholarships and Bursaries

• The University of Cumbria offers affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses.
• No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Additional Costs

• There will be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.