TYPES OF research degree.
A research degree at the University of Portsmouth is a quest to make an original contribution to knowledge, in a field you believe in.
You chart your own path to a place of understanding where nobody has gone before. At Portsmouth, you’ ll do it with support and guidance from our friendly and experienced supervisory teams.
Whether you’ re a recent graduate or an established professional, our research degrees allow you to put your knowledge to work in a range of subjects. Make new discoveries, create innovation with lasting impact or shine a new light on important topics.
Wherever you’ re from, wherever you want to go, this is your time to explore how to get there, and our research community offers the space and stability to do it.
Research programmes
PORT. AC. UK / PGR-PROGRAMMES
Doctor of Philosophy( PhD)
A globally recognised postgraduate degree involving extensive and original research into a specific chosen field, typically over three years full time or six years part time. As with all our research degrees, the PhD requires you to write a thesis and then give an oral defence( viva voce) of your research.
O F A FT PT
Professional Doctorate
It is designed for working professionals in the private and public sectors, and aimed at advanced upskilling and career building. It is globally recognised proof that you’ ve reached the highest level of professional and academic achievement in your field. You’ ll complete your doctorate while continuing your career, conducting applied, practiceoriented research. For a full list of the Professional Doctorates we offer and contact details, see page 23. Professional Doctorates are typically studied over three to seven years.
S O PT FT *
Doctor of Medicine( MD)
Suitable for qualified medical professionals. From lab-based to qualitative research methods, you’ ll draw on your clinical expertise. Typically over two years full time or four years part time.
O F A FT PT
PhD by Publication
An award based on research you’ ve already undertaken and had published( excluding self-publishing) before registering with us. Peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and any other suitable peer-reviewed materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed, are all eligible. You’ ll have to submit your written commentary summarising your research between 6 and 12 months after registering with us.
O F A PT
Master of Philosophy( MPhil)
Requires extensive research and provides similar skills to a PhD, but you won’ t need to deliver the same level of original contribution or length of a thesis. The MPhil typically takes two years full time or four years part time.
O F A FT PT
Master of Research( MRes)
Provides a structured entry into research and work with world-class researchers, and is great preparation for a PhD or research-focused career. It’ s a taught Master’ s, during which you’ ll complete a large research project.
S J FT PT
Key to start dates and study mode
S September O October FT Full time PT Part time
J January F February A April Distance learning
12 * for Sport and Exercise Psychology ProfDoc only
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