The Integrated PhD

The Integrated PhD is a doctoral programme, typically lasting 4 years, for all students but especially for those from outside the UK. It includes at least one year of structured research and subject training. Training is concentrated in Year 1, but continues into Years 2 and 3. We know that many sponsors prefer students to have a thorough grounding in research methods and to improve their subject knowledge before concentrating on their research thesis - the Integrated PhD offers exactly that.

The distinctive features of the Integrated PhD

The Integrated PhD lays more emphasis than is usually the case in the UK on structured research and subject training (which are formally assessed).

Interim qualifications are offered to students who decide to leave before completing the full PhD or who are not thought suitable for doctoral study. These interim qualifications are the MRes degree and the MPhil.

Normally we expect students to take at least 4-5 years to complete all phases of the PhD. This makes it especially suitable for new graduates and for those who are not yet sure of their exact research topic.

The training programme

In Year 1, students need to indicate which discipline area they are interested in. This then determines which particular subject-based route they follow. The full-time choices are:

Year 1 - The MRes degree

The MRes is a 'Masters in Research' degree, a taught Masters course typically lasting one year. All the full-time MRes programmes combine concentrated study of the subject, alongside MSc and MA students, with the development of research methods skills. The subject-based Masters degree is enhanced by the addition of assessed modules in:

Management research methods and issues
Research skills
Quantitative or qualitative methods (depending on the students' background)

and unassessed modules in

Searching for information
Intellectual property and copyright regulations

For full details, check out the Research Training Programme.

Assessment

The idea behind the Integrated PhD is that students take the MRes programme in Year 1, and in that year begin developing their doctoral research proposal. During the summer (June - September), your thesis design is developed, including a literature review and a research methodology analysis. This is formally assessed as part of the MRes degree: the research plan (normally at least 10,000 words and completed by September) and the research methods modules on the MRes, comprise at least 50% of the total assessment. We expect intending doctoral students to perform in the top quartile of the group in their subject area and also satisfy the year-1 review panel in order to transfer to PhD registration.

The MRes degree will be awarded to any student who achieves the pass mark of 50%, but only those with suitable marks will be permitted to proceed to PhD level study.

Proceeding to the PhD

If progress on your research is good, then there is no reason why you should not proceed through the Year 2 training * and move on to Years 3 and 4 to gain your PhD degree. If the annual review panel feels that your research is not of PhD standard, then they may recommend that you register instead for an MPhil programme and submit a 60,000 word thesis for examination.

*taking modules in advanced qualitative and quantitative techniques (depending on your subject area); on preparing and presenting conference papers and on writing a thesis.

Admissions requirements

You need at least a Bachelors degree with above average grades, and preferably a Masters degree in your chosen discipline. You will also need to provide a brief outline of your area of research interest to allow us to check that we have expertise in the Management School in your area.

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of your skill level through IELTS (minimum 7.0) or a TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based test).

How to apply

Applicants should complete the University’s application form online. Applicants will also be prompted to upload their supporting documents online. This includes academic transcripts and references.

For more information, please contact: