Registering as a Research Student

RESEARCH HOME | RESEARCH PROJECTS | REGISTERING AS A RESEARCH STUDENT | SERVICE USERS

The aim of a research degree is to provide a thorough training in a particular subject area through original exploration and/or experiment, culminating in the preparation of a thesis setting out the conclusions of the research undertaken.

Students can register to do the following degrees by research:

  • MSc
  • MPhil
  • PhD

Entrance Requirements

MSc - Candidates for the degree of MSc by Research must normally hold a first degree in an appropriate discipline from an approved university, or an equivalent qualification.

PhD - Candidates for the degree of PhD must normally hold either a Masters degree or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree in an appropriate discipline from an approved university, or an equivalent qualification. Those with somewhat lower qualifications may be asked to register initially for a Masters degree by research (usually MPhil); satisfactory progress may allow conversion to a PhD programme, this being backdated to the date of first registration and incorporating the work already carried out.

Area of study

The area of the research and the methodology employed will vary according to the interest of the student and the staff who are available to supervise them.

Our research interests include, but are not limited to:

  • user satisfaction and preferences
  • chronic pain
  • older adults
  • complementary therapies
  • Palliative Care
  • Health Care of Older People (Qualitative Aspects of)
  • research utilisation
  • spirituality in health care

Students also have access to supervision/ research links within the Academic Primary Care

To see the list of current student projects click here.

Structure

Students may register either for full-time or for part-time study.

For an MSc, the normal study period is 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time.

For a PhD, the normal study period is 36 months full-time or 60 months part-time; the equivalent figures for an MPhil are 24 and 36 months.

In special circumstances, where a candidate has undertaken postgraduate research previously, the minimum period may be reduced.

Location

Study may be undertaken either wholly within the University or in association with other research centres either in the UK or overseas. Under the 'Split PhD Programme' international students may undertake the majority of their studies in their own country; a minimum of 6 months must usually be spent in Aberdeen. In certain circumstances, supervision may be carried out at a distance for students living elsewhere, though student will still be expected to make occasional visits to Aberdeen as required.

Supervisors

Each student is assigned at least two supervisors, at least one of whom is a member of the University's academic staff; supervision may be undertaken jointly by staff from more than one department or in conjunction with another institution. Students are expected to have regular meetings with their supervisor to discuss their progress and to receive and seek guidance. The University operates a Code of Practice for Postgraduate Supervision (download PDF) and copies are made available to students when they register.

Course requirements

Students carry out an approved research project leading, if they attain a suitable standard, to the presentation of a full thesis. The precise course of study is arranged with the supervisor to suit the student's particular interests and needs.

During the first year, students may be required to undertake some formal research training programmes and will normally participate in the College's induction and training sessions. In addition we run a course on Research Methods in Nursing and Midwifery and modules (eg, statistics, epidemiology) from other departments are also available to students. Students produce a timetable for their work early in Year 1 to help structure their research. Later they produce an outline of their thesis to guide the rest of their research.

Throughout the research period students will be encouraged to attend specialist seminars and conferences, and will be required to give an account of their progress to staff and fellow students from time to time, at seminars within the centre and in the College's postgraduate research programme.

Assessment

Performance is normally assessed on the basis of a thesis and by oral examination. Assessment is conducted by at least two examiners, one of whom is from outside the University. (For a student who is also a member of Aberdeen University staff, both examiners will be from outside.)

Fees

Fees for 2010/11 for full-time UK and EU students are £3,400, part-time fees are £1,700. For overseas full-time students, the 2010/11 fees are £9,250. For further details on fees please contact Student Recruitment and Admissions Service.

Further information about the University can be found in the Postgraduate Prospectus which is on the web at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/prospectus/pgrad/.

For a paper copy of the prospectus contact:

Student Recruitment & Admissions Service,
University of Aberdeen,
University Office,
Regent Walk,
Aberdeen. AB25 3FX.
Tel: 01224 272 090 or 091
Fax: 01224 272 576
E-mail: sras@abdn.ac.uk