About research degrees
PhDs, doctorates, research degrees... you may recognise the names, but do you know what it takes to apply for or achieve this highly regarded qualification?
What is a PhD?
A PhD is the highest academic degree you can be awarded. To achieve a PhD, you need to produce advanced work that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your field.
A PhD is a research degree that results in a doctorate. Whilst studying, you will spend your time conducting literature reviews, doing original research and analysing the results, and producing a thesis of your findings.
Assessments
You will be assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in your independent research project through a written thesis and an oral viva voce exam.
Length of studies
In the UK, research degrees can take 3-4 years when studied full time, or 6-7 years part time. Not all opportunities are offered part time – review the advertised listing for details or discuss your options with your potential supervisor before you apply.
Previous experience
Typically, students will have successfully completed a master’s degree before embarking on their doctorate.
Each PhD opportunity will list the entry requirements, but in general an undergraduate bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate master’s degree will be required, oftentimes in a specific subject. Some PhDs may accept the equivalent work experience in lieu of a master’s.
For international applicants, there is a minimum English language requirement.
Costs and funding
To study a degree in the UK you will need to pay an annual fee to the university, with UK and international students being charged at different rates. Our latest fees are listed on the Loughborough University website.
Some research degrees are considered studentships, whereby the university or another organisation will fund the costs and possibly provide a stipend because they want to know the answer to a research question. You can filter for ‘studentships’ in the PhD search tool to find funded opportunities.
You can also explore being sponsored by an employer or government body, or accessing loans, scholarships, or bursaries to help fund your studies.
When and how to apply
For advertised opportunities, the application deadline will be stated on the listing. If you’d like to develop your own research project, you can apply in your own time.
You apply directly to Loughborough University through our online Application Portal.
Starting your research
If successful in your application, we have start dates available in January, April, July and October. If applying for one of the advertised opportunities, check the listing for which start-date applies.
Your studies
The first year
The first year of any PhD is designed to develop your skills and knowledge as a researcher and will ensure you have a solid understanding of your chosen subject area.
You will have initial meetings with your supervisor and develop an action plan based on your research proposal.
The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review. With the guidance of your supervisor, you will investigate and explore existing literature to ensure the research you undertake will be an original contribution to your chosen subject area.
The second year
The second year of a PhD is usually when most students conduct most of their core research. The process will vary depending on your research methods but typically involves collecting results from experiments, artefacts, archives, surveys or other means.
You will continue to meet with your supervisor to give updates on your progress and get feedback on your ideas. As your results develop, you may start to notice patterns in your findings and may decide to start drafting some early conclusions.
The third year
In your third and final year, you will analyse your results and develop your thesis into a written dissertation. The length of your thesis can be between 40,000 and 120,000 words and should make a unique contribution to your field of study.
Once you have completed your thesis, you may be asked to participate in a viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and an opportunity for you to defend your research in front of Loughborough University and external examiners.
As a graduate
Once you finish your studies at Loughborough University London, we will continue to support you through our Careers Network and Alumni Association.
There is also additional support available for graduates who wish to pursue a career in academia with Loughborough University.