PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

What you will learn

A Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) is awarded to students who undertake a substantial research project that impacts the future of their field of study, contributing new knowledge, techniques, and understanding.

For a traditional PhD, you will research a subject independently, supported by two supervisors and occasionally three if external specialist subject expertise is required. All supervisors provide advice and oversee students’ progress, usually through regular supervision meetings. If you are full-time you will be allocated 30 hours of contact time per year and if you are part-time 20 hours per year.

PhDs can potentially be undertaken in any subject the university has expertise in at doctorate level. PhDs can be undertaken full-time over a timeframe of 3-4 years, or part-time over 4-7 years.

A 1st or 2:1 Honours degree, or Merit or Distinction Masters degree or its equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognised university in the UK or comparable university overseas. A Master's degree may be desirable in some subject areas.

If you have non-standard entry qualifications or wish for previous study to be considered, please contact Research Student Admissions.

To apply for the PhD Programme, you must submit an application form and a research proposal.

The research proposal is an important part of an application for a research degree and we recommend you read our guide to writing a research proposal: PhD Research Proposal Guidelines.

A proposal needs to include:

• A Working Title of the Topic Area
• Potential Lead Supervisor and Academic Subject Area
• General Overview of Area
• Identification of the Relevant Literature
• Key Research Questions
• Methodology
• Timescale/Research Planning
• Bibliography

To apply, please click on the Apply Now button, which will take you to our online application form. Please email any questions about your application to Research Student Admissions at: rsa@cumbria.ac.uk. As part of the online application, you will need to submit a research proposal.

Applications are assessed on:

• Content of your academic qualification.
• Degree certificates and transcripts of previous higher education (college/university) degrees or other courses that you have completed/for which you are currently studying. Note that, for transcripts in languages other than English, a certified English translation will be required.
• Consistency of your academic performance in your academic qualification.
• Academic and/or work personal references.
• Work experience (where relevant).

• A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in in Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening) or equivalent.

Preparing Your Research Proposal

A crucial part of a PhD application is the research proposal. This page provides guidance on writing a research proposal. Here are a few suggestions on what to include and what to avoid.

In making an application, make sure that the specialist area you wish to study is covered by a member/s of staff at the University of Cumbria. You can use the PhD Supervisors webpage to explore supervisor profiles relevant to your intended topic, or check the fields of study on the university's Research Centre webpages.

Normally a proposal should be between 1500 and 2000 words (approximately 6 pages of A4 double-spaces) and will include the following: 

A working title of topic area

This should be succinct and descriptive and should do more than convey the key words associated with the proposed research. 

General overview of area

This should take the form of a brief abstract of the general area of study. You might also refer to the way in which your own background gives you competences in your chosen area.

In considering the proposal the admissions panel will be looking for evidence that an applicant has sufficient grasp of current research in the field to allow the formulation of a feasible research question.

It should include the research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any) and the proposed method. Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample and any instruments that will be used, where applicable. 

Identification of the relevant literature

In this section you should develop your proposal to demonstrate that you are aware of the existing debated and issues raised in relevant bodies of literature. References to key articles and texts should be made to show that you appreciate their relevance to your research area.

A PhD is a piece of research containing an original contribution to knowledge and so you should demonstrate that your proposed area have not been studied before, and identify what your niche area will be.

Key research questions

You must demonstrate that the topic can be completed within the normal time period allowed (2-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time), therefore you need to show that it is manageable. Focus on key questions within your niche area. 

Methodology

You need to demonstrate an awareness of the methodological tools available to you and show some understanding of which would be suitable for your research. For example, it may be that qualitative methods, including the analysis of interviews, is appropriate. 

Alternatively your approach may involve forecasting or statistical, financial or econometric modelling. In other cases you may be combining methodologies. You need to specify the approach you feel will be most appropriate. 

Timescale/research planning

You need to demonstrate an awareness of the need for planning and the timescale of the research.

Bibliography

You should include a short list of references to key articles and texts included in the application. 

Avoid

• Broad topic areas which would be unmanageable as PhD topics - make your topic as specific as possible.
• Vague descriptions of research areas - describe your research area in detail. 
• Subject areas where the University of Cumbria has no expertise.