Research degrees

Why choose Derby?

We offer a range of support, including a skilled supervisory team for your project, and a suite of to help you progress in your doctoral studies and your career beyond
We have higher-than-average student satisfaction: over 82% of research students are satisfied with their supervisory support (Advance HE, Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2022)
There is a close-knit research community made up of around 400 students and 300 staff, as well as a vibrant programme of networking and social events

Research degree options at Derby

MPhil/PhD

For a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) you will undertake independent research that makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field. A PhD usually takes three years full-time and up to six years part-time for students to complete their research and submit their thesis for examination, and you will be assigned at least two academic supervisors who will support you. If you already have a body of research, you may be able to take a shorter route: a ‘PhD by Published Works’.

An MPhil/PhD by Published Works is a shorter, alternative route for those that already have a published body of work, which could include creative works. It usually takes one year full-time or two years part-time to submit the critical appraisal for examination. This route is designed to provide doctoral recognition for your previous research achievements. You need to provide a critical appraisal of these works, similar to the thesis requirements for a traditional MPhil/PhD.

MPhil

The MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a postgraduate research masters, which is essentially a smaller-scale PhD. It can be part of a PhD or a step toward one, but you can also study it as a standalone qualification. It usually takes a maximum of two years full-time or three years part-time for students to complete their research and submit their thesis for examination. If your project isn’t extensive enough for a PhD, or you want a shorter qualification, an MPhil is a good option.

Find out how MPhils/PhDs work

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Our funded MPhil/PhD opportunities (studentships)

Our studentships provide funding and financial support for exceptional students looking to study a PhD at the University of Derby. Dependent on the individual studentship, successful applicants may be...

Ruth Bentley researching for her PhD at Twycross Zoo

Our self-funded MPhil/PhD opportunities

Our self-funded PhDs give you the chance to work with our established research academics in an area we have identified as a priority for research.

If you are applying for either a funded (studentship) or self-funded MPhil/PhD, follow our guidance on how to write a research proposal.

Professional doctorates

Our professional doctorates are more structured, work-based programmes of study that include traditional learning and teaching through face-to-face (or online) seminars and tutorials. You will focus on developing an independent research thesis that should make a unique contribution to your profession. They can take between four to eight years of part-time study to complete.

We offer four professional doctorates:

Doctor of Education EdD

Aimed at highly capable and motivated education professionals, our part-time doctoral programme will put you at the forefront of your area of practice and transform your career development prospects.

Doctor of Health and Social Care Practice

Achieving a Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice will demonstrate your ability as an expert in your field. You’ll grow as an authority and thought leader, leading academic discussion and...

Doctor of Business Administration DBA

Aimed at high-achieving professionals, our part-time Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) provides an exciting practice-based route to a research degree.

A student wearing a Team Derby t-shirt lifts a barbell weight.

Doctor of Professional Practice (Sport and Exercise)

Our exciting new Doctorate in Professional Practice (Sport and Exercise) focuses on supporting practitioners in undertaking applied research whilst continuing to practice. It has been specifically des...

Find out more

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How MPhil and PhDs work

At the University of Derby there are five phases leading to the creation of your thesis and award of your PhD. We will support you through each phase to help you recognise your potential and achieve y...

Applying for an MPhil/PhD

We are looking for ambitious and talented students to join our dedicated research community where we will support you on your own research journey through to graduation. These pages give you all the i...

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Can I transfer to the University of Derby?

Discover your eligibility to transfer as a research student to the University of Derby and learn more about the process and next steps.

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Fees and funding

Find out what the tuition fees are for PhDs and MPhils at Derby, as well as what sources of funding there are to help pay for them.

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Campus and facilities

We have invested £200 million in the last ten years to ensure that we have some of the best facilities in the UK. Our industry-standard facilities include a fantastic new sports centre, forensic house...