Studying for a Doctorate in the UK

A PhD in the UK is different than in some other countries where a "PhD programme" is taken which contains a substantial taught element. The British model is 3 years (minimum) of original research without any taught element - although research training may be taken if needed. This means that the student must usually be very focused on an area of research before making an application. Once the area of research has been chosen a "research proposal" is usually written and submitted with the application. It is then necessary to find an institution which is conducting research in the same area and to see if they can provide a member of staff to supervise the student's research. A bibliography is usually submitted to show what reading the student has done to back up the research proposal This is an important part of the application as students must show they are up to date on the area of research they are following as they must produce original research to qualify for a PhD. This means that when the research is completed they must have made a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in that area. Because the British PhD doesn't have a substantial taught element it can usually be completed in three years which is less than in some other countries where there is a taught element and can up to 5 years. This makes them more accessible to overseas students as they work out cheaper.

Students wanting to aim for a doctorate but who have not yet focused on an area of research have options. The first is to register for an MPhil. An MPhil (research masters) is a two year programme. The first nine months are similar to the one year taught masters with the student attending classes. However more time is spent with potential supervisors developing a research proposal. At the end of the first nine months the students either transfers to a PhD and or continue with the MPhil. For the qualification of MPhil a 15 month research project must be undertaken. Many institutions ask students to register first on an MPhil before starting a PhD.

Another variation leading to a doctorate are the DBA and DEd qualifications which are becoming more popular in the areas of business and education. They have more in common with the US model "PhD programme". There is a substantial taught element followed by a long research project. The course lasts three years and at the end of it the student get the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) or DEd (Doctor of Education) qualification.

Studying for a Split UK PhD

In some cases "split" PhDs can be studied. This involves the first part of the PhD being undertaken in the UK and then the research data being collected over a period of time in the student's home country. Once the data has been collected and analysed the student returns to the UK to write up the thesis with the guidance of the UK supervisor. Students undertaking split PhDs may be asked to find a second supervisor from a Taiwan institution to help with the supervision of the period undertaken in Taiwan.