Postgraduate Study
in this section
Research Degrees
We offer opportunities to undertake supervised research in all disciplines of the University, at Masters (MPhil) or Doctoral (PhD) level. Research degrees provide a thorough training in a particular subject through original exploration and experiment. The research culminates in a thesis or dissertation which sets out the conclusions of the research undertaken.
The entrance requirement for the degree of PhD is 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 lower qualifications may be asked to register initially for a Masters degree by research (Mlitt, MSc, MTh, LLM, MLE, MRes or MPhil); satisfactory progress may allow conversion to a PhD programme.
The structure and assessment of research degrees can vary. Students may register either for full-time or part-time study, although for visa purposes international students can only study full time. Study can be wholly within the University or in association with other research centres in the UK or overseas. If you are an international student, you may be able to undertake most of your study in your own country with a minimum of six months spent in Aberdeen over the course of three years. Applications for this will be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the supervisory arrangements available in the home country.
The precise focus of research is agreed between the supervisor and the student, to suit the student’s particular interests and needs as much as possible. During the first year, students may be required to undertake some formal research training which is compulsory in some disciplines. Throughout the research period students will be encouraged to attend specialist seminars and conferences and keep staff and fellow students informed of their progress at seminars within the School or College.
Assessment for PhDs is on the basis of a thesis and oral examination.
