Prospective Students

What is a Masters Programme?

A Masters degree gives you the opportunity to strengthen your knowledge of a subject at an advanced level. A taught Masters (Master of Letters or Master of Science) programme is usually a 1 year programme, combining course work and a dissertation. Many students with a Masters degree will go on to complete a Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), although other students will embark on a career with an additional qualification than can make them more competitive in the market place.

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What is a PhD? 

A PhD is a 1+3 or +3 year programme. The term 1+3 denotes a programme consisting of a research training Masters and a PhD programme delivered over four years. Students who have already completed an appropriate research training programme can take a 3 year PhD, which will include additional training during the 3 year programme. A PhD can be studied either full-time or part-time.

Generic skills training is a very important part of personal development for all students. Research methodology and transferable skills relevant for your subject may be delivered at either School or College level. The University also provides a dedicated generic skills training programme, and every research student is equipped with a personal development plan when they enter the University.