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Learn the difference between a research degree and a taught postgraduate degree. Discover which research degree suits you best and how to apply. Find out about the support you'll receive as a postgraduate research student, including information about your supervisory team.
A taught master’s degree (e.g., MA, MSc) is an award with set modules that many students will study at the same time.
A research degree is awarded based on an individually initiated and registered research programme. The programme is built around a supervised thesis on a substantial piece of work, which must show evidence of originality (PhD only) and contain material worthy of publication. There’s also an element of research training included through taught modules, such as research methods.
Whichever research degree you decide to study, you’d be expected to critically investigate an approved topic and to demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field.
You’ll be expected to show originality in the application of knowledge and understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research.
The average period of study for an MPhil is two years full-time or three years part-time. The length of an MPhil thesis is between 20,000 and 40,000 words, depending on the subject area.
Your investigation should result in the creation and interpretation of knowledge which extends the forefront of a discipline and makes an original contribution to knowledge.
The average period of study for a PhD is three years full-time or four to five years part-time. The length of a PhD thesis is between 40,000 and 80,000 words, depending on the subject area.
A PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work is most suitable for academics who have made a substantive impact on professional practice via their pre-existing publications, which are focused, systematic and form a fundamentally unique contribution to knowledge.
You can apply via the relevant course page:
You’ll be required to submit evidence of your qualifications for all research degrees.
Additional information you’ll need to provide includes:
You'll need to submit a research proposal that specifies:
You’ll need to submit details of your published or creative works and a Statement of Authorship (if all or parts of the work are the result of collaborative research).
In addition, you’ll need to provide a personal statement of no more than 100 words outlining:
See our advice about how to write a research proposal for further guidance.
You’ll be allocated a First and Second Supervisor to support you during your studies. You’ll be informed of the details of your supervisory team in your offer letter.
Your supervisory team is there to guide you through your research degree, giving guidance and advice on the standards expected and appropriate regulations, and to monitor your academic progress. You’ll have regularly contact with your supervisory team, including a progress meeting each month.
You should speak to your supervisory team in the first instance. If the issue is not resolved, then your next step is to speak to the Faculty Research Manager. If they can’t help, then please contact the Graduate School to discuss your options.
There are 'English for Academic Purposes' courses and access to library courses for academic writing support. You can also access relevant master's level Research Methods courses.
Our Graduate School and your supervisory team will support you throughout your research degree.
The Graduate School is responsible for the administration of research degrees, providing support to research students and staff.
For support contact graduate.school@sunderland.ac.uk or Professor Catherine Hayes, Academic Director of the Graduate School (Interim) catherine.hayes@sunderland.ac.uk.