PhDs and Professional Doctorates
We offer full-time ( three years ) and part-time ( six years ) doctoral training programmes ( including different PhDs and a Professional Doctorate ) in topics or research approaches in which QMU researchers have expertise . You will create a significant piece of original research which , in the process , will put you in a very strong position for progression in your chosen academic or professional field , or to change the direction of your career . Our programmes include a Doctoral Certificate award achieved by completing three READ ( Researcher Enhancement and Development ) modules of 20 credits at SCQF Level 12 .
Your doctorate is a substantial piece of learning and research , reflecting three or more years of endeavour , that will have commercial , cultural or social value . It is also a process through which you will acquire advanced research knowledge , skills and expertise , be challenged and possibly transform as a person . The training programme for your doctorate will require significant personal discipline , time and commitment . In return , your sense of achievement at the end will be immense , and successful completion of your doctorate will open up a range of opportunities for career advancement .
Why QMU ?
• As a student in our Graduate School , you will benefit from a large range of support for all aspects of your studies .
• Students receive academic support from their individual supervisory team as well as their Head of Division and / or Research Centre Director . Our Academic Schools also have a dedicated Postgraduate School Research Coordinator , who is available for independent consultation and support .
• During the course of the PhD programme , there will be many opportunities for professional and personal development . Students receive a wide range of generic research skills training which is organised by the Centre for Academic Practice and delivered during dedicated doctoral study weeks throughout each academic year . Engagement with research skills training and professional development opportunities enables face-to-face interaction amongst the doctoral community , which in turn facilitates collaborative enquiry , shared learning , individual exploration , and mutual support and challenge .
• In addition to the 540 doctoral credits gained by successful completion of the PhD , students are also enrolled on the Doctoral Certificate in Researcher Enhancement and Development ( READ ). Successful completion of the READ programme awards students an additional 60 , level 12 , doctoral credits in research skills .
PhD Programme and Professional Doctorate overview
Enrolling on a doctoral degree programme is one of the biggest decisions you can make regarding your education and learning in your career . We want your doctoral programme experience to be based around feeling part of a thriving learning community . The importance and power of peer support cannot be underestimated during doctoral-level study , so engaging with the community of doctoral candidates ( students ), supervisors and academics that exists at QMU is a core element in your programme . It is the community of learning that grounds you and your studies and gives you the strength to stay engaged and curious , and to design and craft your research and thesis as well as publications . Your final thesis will be an original and rigorous piece of research and scholarship that is something you feel passionate about and is of relevance to the university .
QMU ’ s Graduate School offers research supervision by academics who are active researchers , many of whom have an international track record and connections to other international
164 researchers working in their field . All doctoral candidates are hosted by a Research Centre or an Institute , and the various research centres or Institutes offer significant peer support and learning opportunities such as seminars and workshops .
The Graduate School also coordinates a Doctoral Candidates ’ Association that offers a supportive community as well as organising informal learning opportunities including research cafés and writing groups .
QMU is a member of the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science ( SGSSS ) and the Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities ( SGSAH ). These memberships allow QMU doctoral candidates to access a large range of additional doctoral training and development opportunities , notably advanced skills training , internships , local conferences and summer schools .
Exit awards
PhD ( 540 credits ) or Prof Doc ( 540 credits )
READ award ( 60 credits ) Structure
It usually takes three years ( full-time ) or six years ( part-time ) to complete a doctoral progamme , including the READ modules . On the successful completion of READ , you will be awarded the 60-credit level 12 Doctoral Certificate in addition to any doctoral award for your research . We were the first university in Scotland to provide a formal academic award at this level in recognition of the broader learning that emerges from doctoral studies .