Postgraduate Study at QMU - frequently asked questions
How long does a degree take?
The basic structure of a full-time research degree at QMU is set out in the table below:
| |
PhD |
MPhil |
| Year 1 |
Research training
Literature review
Detailed project plan
|
Research training
Literature review
Detailed project plan
|
| Year 2 |
Collect data |
Collect data
Write up and submit
|
| Year 3 |
Collect data
Write up and submit
|
n/a
|
If students do not submit their thesis within the prescribed periods of study above, they may take one further continuation year. For part-time students all time periods should be doubled.
Why study for a research degree?
1. To learn how to be a researcher
Research degrees provide a unique training in planning, conducting and analysing research. By undertaking your own research project you will go through the complete process of managing a major investigation. Your supervisors will be there to help you but as time goes on you will take more and more control, until by the end you have the skills and confidence to act as an independent researcher.
2. To advance your knowledge
A research degree offers the opportunity to study a topic which interests you in real depth. You may discover something new and original, or you may be able to examine an issue which has never been fully investigated before.
3. To advance your career
Research degrees can lead to jobs as researchers, university lecturers or consultants. They develop transferable skills such as advanced communication, project management and data handling which can lead to promotion. It is also normal for research students to publish some of their work professionally which can lead to further publications.
What kind of people take a research degree?
We have students from every part of the world; all ages, male or female, full-time or part-time; working in senior positions or just starting their careers. Anyone who meets the minimum entry requirements can undertake a research degree, provided they have the motivation and the time to devote to their studies.
Don’t you need to be an academic high-flyer to consider a PhD?
A PhD is the highest award possible in the UK higher education system, so it certainly isn’t easy. What our graduates say is that the hardest part is staying focused and keeping going. Unlike taught degrees, it is often up to you, the student, to make yourself do the work.
However you would not be alone – your supervisors are always there to help.
What are the entry requirements?
You need:
1) a good UK honours degree (2:1 or better) OR an equivalent degree from another country OR equivalent professional experience;
2) if your first language is not English, either an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) or a degree which was delivered and assessed in English.
Additionally, you must produce an outline research proposal which we judge to be feasible and appropriate for the level of study, and which is in a field we can supervise. Finally, you will need to be interviewed. Interviews may take place in person or by telephone.
Can I get a scholarship?
Studentships are only available for specific projects which have been advertised as such. All other students have to either pay the fees and living expenses themselves or seek funding from someone else (eg an employer or government department).
What are the fees?
Annual fees for 2010/11 (subject to change annually) will be:
Home/EU: £3485 full-time; £1785 part-time
International: £9700 full-time; £4850 part-time
Fees are charged only for the prescribed period. A continuation fee (currently £400) is charged for a continuation year. There is also an examination fee (currently £200). In some laboratory based subjects a bench fee may be charged to cover the costs of conducting the research.
What supervision will I receive?
You will be allocated a team of two or three supervisors. The main supervisor (known as the Director of Studies) will be a member of QMU staff. Joint supervision with staff from other universities or organisations is possible.
The supervisors are there to guide you and challenge you when you need it. The aim of supervision is to help you become an independent researcher so you will gradually take more responsibility for your project as time goes on.
Will there be other research students around?
QMU normally has about 100 research students. These are based in the four academic Schools. All students are members of the Graduate School which oversees the operation of research degrees across the whole University. The PhD Students Association is run by students for students and provides support and social events.
Can I start at any time of year?
We prefer students to start in September, when an induction event is held. The Research Student Training programme runs from September to January and normally students should attend this at the beginning of their degree. If you have masters level qualifications in research methods you may be exempted from the training programme and could start at a different time of year. However, this decision can only be made at the discretion of the Dean of School and we will need to see your CV / application form before we can decide.
Can I study by distance learning?
Research degrees cannot be studied purely by distance learning. However, it is possible to be based away from QMU for most of the time. Each application has to be decided on an individual basis. We need to be sure that the right level of facilities and support are in place to give you a realistic chance of success. Therefore we will need to consider:
- Whether suitable arrangements can be made to provide research training
- Whether suitable arrangements can be made for frequent supervisory contact by email, video conferencing, telephone or a combination of these
- The availability of any necessary facilities for the support of research locally
- The availability of appropriate academic support locally
- The availability of distance learning support from QMU
In addition, you will need to budget to visit QMU at least once a year for face to face discussions with your supervisory team.
It is very difficult to study a full-time PhD without spending a reasonable amount of time at the University, especially in the initial planning stage and the writing up stage. Off-campus study usually works best for part-time students.
I am international student and I'll need to work while I'm studying. Would this be a problem?
You need to be careful about visa requirements. International students must be registered full-time to qualify for a student visa. Under the terms of the visa you won't be allowed to work more than 20 hours a week. See: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf5students
You will be expected to devote an average of 35 hours a week to your PhD if you are registered full-time so you need to think carefully about your total workload.
Can I do a PhD in geophysics / accountancy / international security?
No! We don't teach any of these subjects. Before you consider applying to us check which subjects we do teach. See our Summary of research opportunities .
How do I apply?
Please see the detailed information here.
How long will it take an application to be processed?
You should allow a minimum of four weeks for all the key people to have the chance to consider your application.
For further information, contact the Research Degrees team: researchdegrees@qmu.ac.uk
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