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Most research students register initially for the MPhil programme and then progress on to the Doctoral track following satisfactory completion of an MPhil Transfer Report, after 18 months of study. A first progress report is also required of all research students after ten months from the date of enrolment.

A member of staff, expert in the chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting a student’s research programme. A secondary supervisor is also appointed to give further assistance and, in some cases, additional supervisors can also be invited to join the supervisory team, such as an expert from industry.

All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through frequent research seminars. When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant MSc courses available within the Faculty and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas. In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills – both essential in their future careers. Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and to present their research findings.

The progress of all research students is formally monitored by the University’s Research Degree Committee, on an annual basis. A research degree will equip you with many transferable skills. The self-discipline, the demand for clear, analytical thinking, and the ability to turn criticism of others’ work into something constructive of your own, all constitute a unique training for almost any kind of career. In addition, the excitement and satisfaction of finding new facts, a new idea, or a new way of looking at something can reward you in a way almost no other activity can.