The MPhil requires a minimum period of study as a registered student of normally one year full-time or two years part-time. The MPhil is examined by thesis only. The thesis is of 40,000 words. Students are encouraged to take the research training programme to support their work.

PhD

A PhD requires a minimum period of study as a registered student of normally three years full-time or six years part-time. Exceptionally, the School at its discretion may in individual cases reduce at the time of admission the period of study as a registered student required of a student on a full-time PhD programme by up to one academic year or its equivalent.

It is a requirement that students without an MPhil degree begin at the Masters level (MPhil) before transferring. The PhD registration is then backdated to the commencement of the study. This process helps to ensure that student and supervisor are clear that a PhD is possible before formally registering; no time is lost, and no more expense incurred, than by direct entry to PhD.

The PhD is by thesis only, and is examined by a work of 80,000 words maximum and an oral examination. Students are required to complete a research training programme, normally in the first two years of registration. One to one supervision is provided throughout the length of the formal registration. Students who are involved in similar areas may also have some group supervision.