Postgraduate Research
Research practice at the University of Sunderland is stitched into the fabric of the institution. For almost 100 years, researchers at the University have been challenging themselves and their subject in order to improve society across all its facets - from the early days of pharmacy to the support for heavy industry at its height, through to today's new sciences and advanced technologies.
Courses we offer
If you're curious about learning new things and making an original contribution to knowledge, a research degree provides an ideal framework for further study. Each degree is unique as it is built around your personal research on a topic of your choice. The only commonality between research degrees is generic training in research methods. Otherwise it is very much up to you to take your own initiative.
Postgraduate Research
MPhil Master of Philosophy
Take your education to the next level. Choose the areas you want to study, and which questions you want to research. Take the initiative while we support you with advice, guidance and facilities.
Find out more about Master of Philosophy
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Refine your own agenda and do what you find interesting every day. Develop mastery of research methods that are appropriate to your chosen field. Discover things that no-one else has ever discovered.
Find out more about Doctor of Philosophy
DProf Professional Doctorate
Explore the link between issues in the professional practice with relevant academic theory, and apply this to the critical investigation of problems, the creation of solutions, and the introduction of change in the workplace. Develop pragmatic solutions by gaining a wider perspective on issues in the professional role, and draw theory from different academic disciplines to synthesise diverse ideas.
Find out more about Professional Doctorate
PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work
Take the fastest route to a PhD. Convert your previous research outputs into a qualification which will increase your employability and open up new opportunities. Progress your academic career and add credibility in applications for research funding.
Find out more about Existing Published or Creative Work
Higher Doctorate
Take your academic career to the highest level. Make a very significant and sustained contribution to your subject. Gain an elite qualification that will mark you out as an outstanding contributor to your field.
Find out more about Higher Doctorate
Doctor of Business Administration via Study Centres (DBA)
Explore the link between issues in the professional practice with relevant academic theory, and apply this to the critical investigation of problems, the creation of solutions, and the introduction of change within the workplace. Develop pragmatic solutions by gaining a wider perspective on issues within the professional role, and draw theory from different academic disciplines to synthesize diverse ideas.
Find out more about Doctor of Business Administration via Study Centres
Professional Doctorate via Study Centres (DProf)
Explore links in professional practice with relevant academic theory, and apply this to the critical investigation of problems, the creation of solutions and the introduction of change within the workplace. Develop pragmatic solutions by gaining a wider perspective to issues within the professional role, and draw theory from different academic disciplines to synthesize diverse ideas.
Find out more about Professional Doctorate via Study CentresResearch support
In each faculty/school, our postgraduate research students are supported by a Research Student Manager (RSM) who is responsible for all matters relating to research students, from registration through to graduation.
Your supervisor will have a vital role in advising and supporting you, by helping you to think about fresh possibilities and to avoid dead-ends. It’s important that your supervisor has expertise in the broad area of your research even if not in its exact details. Check our Research Staff Profiles which will show our researchers expertise – the function gives you the option to search by faculty/school or a specific subject search.
Your supervisory team will consist of a Director of Studies (lead supervisor) and at least one additional co-supervisor.
What will be the outcome?
A research degree is an elite qualification. By completing a research degree you will have achieved something significant. You will have contributed to your chosen field of study and, at a personal level, you will have demonstrated great persistence and stretched yourself with one of the greatest of academic challenges.