POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH DEGREES Research degrees are academically rigorous programmes that require in-depth study of a topic for a sustained period of time. The award of a doctorate or other research degree recognises the commitment of successful candidates, the high-level skills they have gained, and their ability to present original research that furthers understanding of the subject matter. As a research student, you will normally undertake some training in research methods before embarking on your programme of research. You will have an academic supervisor who will advise and support the direction of your research for the duration of the degree, and a co-supervisor will provide additional support as required.
MA/MSc/LLM by Research: Typically one year full-time, two to three years part-time. This is an individual research project written up into a thesis of 30,000 words. MRes: The aim of the MRes (Master of Research) is to provide relevant training to acquire the knowledge, techniques and understanding needed for a professional career, or for progression to higher academic studies, normally a PhD. The MRes is achieved through a combination of taught modules (worth 60 credits) and a research thesis which presents the outcome of a significant research project (worth 120 credits). EngD: The Engineering Doctorate prepares Engineering students for research and technology leadership careers in industry and is fully supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The EngD is a four-year scheme consisting of one year of taught modules followed by an industry- linked research project. MD: In addition to the PhD, the Medical School offers the postgraduate degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) through supervised research within individual research groups. DProf: Typically four years full-time, six years part-time, a Professional Doctorate is a research degree structured around a particular area of professional practice. You will follow a programme of directed study, including periods of approved professional/industrial practice and training, together with a programme of research. Assessment includes a thesis of up to 80,000 words.
Even if you have a more developed research proposal in mind, we recommend that you approach the relevant Admissions Tutor for advice. Applicants are partnered with potential supervisors at an early stage. This is vital to ensuring: • That you receive the advice and guidance you need to decide whether or not a research degree at Swansea University is right for you. • That the supervisor is enthused and motivated by the topic. • That you move smoothly into an appropriate research group (where applicable). • That you complete and write up your research within the required timeframe.
WHICH RESEARCH DEGREE? The University offers a number of
research degrees, including: PhD: PhD students undertake
CHOOSING A RESEARCH TOPIC
supervised research over three to four years full-time or six to seven years part-time. Research is then presented in the form of a thesis of not more than 100,000 words. The thesis must demonstrate the student’s capacity to pursue original research and should represent a distinct and significant contribution to the subject. The first year of registration for a PhD is a period of official probation, requiring departmental assessment before the candidate is allowed to proceed. MPhil: May be completed in two to three years’ full-time study (four to five years part-time). Candidates are required to submit a thesis of up to 60,000 words and assessment is in the form of an oral examination (viva). Subject to academic requirement, there may be opportunities for students to upgrade from MPhil to PhD during the course of their studies.
Research degrees, especially at MPhil and PhD level, are very different from undergraduate and taught master’s programmes as there is no defined list of courses to choose from. MPhil and PhD degrees can be pursued on any academic topic, as long as the college/school you are applying to has the expertise to guide and supervise your study. Once you have identified a topic area within which you would like to work, we recommend that you submit a research proposal and discuss this with an Admissions Tutor for the subject area before making an application. Directory of Expertise available via: swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate /research
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