long distance phd uk

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PhD by Distance

Our PhD by Distance programme allows you to benefit from our world-class support and the expertise of a Reading-based supervisor, while conducting your research in a location that suits your circumstances. 

The programme is available to candidates who need to study for most of their registration period at another site, whether in the UK, or worldwide. Acceptance for PhD by Distance is subject to the approval of the supervisors and the Dean of Postgraduate Research Studies and Researcher Development.

There are several reasons why you may wish to base yourself away from the University of Reading while undertaking your PhD:

• the nature of your research project requires substantial access to resources and facilities located away from Reading
• you have employment commitments relevant to your research that prevent you from being based in Reading
• your PhD project has been agreed as part of a specific partnership/sponsorship arrangement.

You can choose to complete a PhD by Distance programme on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Please email [email protected]   for details.

What the programme offers

On the PhD by Distance programme, you will benefit from:

• supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics, working at the forefront of their field
• access to a range of high-quality training, delivered on campus or online 
• access to extensive online Library resources
• a reduced tuition fee  set at half the standard full- or part-time rate for periods when studying off-campus for students starting in 2023/24. For students starting in 2024/25 onwards, the tuition fee will increase in line with on-campus fees
• a PhD qualification which is examined at the same level as a campus-based PhD and a standard PhD degree certificate which does not state the mode of study on it.

“During my PhD by Distance, I undertook my research in the field in South Africa. This experience enabled me to develop a much deeper and intricate understanding of my research topic, which would not have been possible if I had been based in Reading for most of the time.”

Third-year doctoral student

Eligibility

In addition to meeting the standard academic and language eligibility requirements, you must be able to demonstrate that you:

• can successfully conduct your research with the resources available to you at your off-campus study site
• have access to appropriate IT facilities, so that you can engage in supervision and training from your off-campus study site
• have the necessary time, commitment and appropriate attitude toward studying off-campus.

If you are intending to study in the Henley Business School, then please check with the relevant Department within the Business School about whether PhD by Distance is available before you apply.

• How to apply

Before starting your application, you are strongly advised to navigate to the PhD webpages of your chosen school or department  to read the specific guidance on how to apply, as the requirements can vary. Once you have read the guidance, you will need to make a formal application through the University's online application system , highlighting that you wish to study for a PhD by Distance (full or part-time). If you have questions about PhD by Distance in a specific school or department, then please contact the relevant School/Department PGR Administrator in the School PGR Support Team . 

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PhD by Distance

The PhD by Distance programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh to study for a PhD in a field of Health in Social Science from their home country or city.

What's involved?

The PhD by Distance is not intended to be an online learning programme.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisors.

The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study.

This could be for the annual review process, or to attend research training courses. It is also expected that PhD by Distance students will come to Edinburgh for their oral examination (viva voce).

PhD by Distance students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The frequency with which students will meet with their supervisors, and method of communication for supervision sessions, will be provisionally agreed at the point of application and confirmed during induction. This must include at least one face-to-face supervision session each year with additional meetings and communication on a regular basis.  

Please be aware that some funding bodies do not permit students to study by distance, for example both ESRC and AHRC regulations currently state that students must be residents at the Institution where they are studying.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the PhD by Distance are the same as for the School’s on-campus PhD programmes.  

In addition, applicants to the PhD by Distance will also be required to complete a PhD by Distance Applicant Admission Form and Study Plan.

Applicants should provide information about previous experience of distance study together with a statement detailing the potential risks and characteristics of distance learning.

Experience of studying at a distance is desirable in applying for the programme however this is not a specific requirement for admission.

It is important however that applicants demonstrate an awareness of the challenges of this mode of study.

Applicants must also provide details of the access they will have to research facilities at the normal site of study and whether a local advisor is proposed.

Applications to the PhD by Distance will only be accepted if applicants have access to local University standard library facilities and to the internet.

Applicants will also be required to have a discussion with the proposed principal supervisor and to complete a provisional study plan in consultation with them as part of the admissions process.

International students wishing to study part-time will be considered for this Distance programme.

What programmes are available by distance?

Counselling, psychotherapy and applied social sciences.

PhD/PhD by Distance Counselling Studies

The PhD/MPhil in Counselling Studies programme is an advanced research degree enabling students to conduct in-depth independent research on a topic of their choice, thereby contributing to the knowledge and evidence base for counselling and psychotherapy.

PhD/PhD by Distance Health in Social Science

Doctoral research students are a new and crucial part of the Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences research community and we welcome applications from potential students in our fields of research interest.

Clinical and Health Psychology

Phd/phd by distance.

The PhD/MSc by Research programme provides the opportunity to do a substantial piece of research in an area linked to clinical and health psychology and to develop excellent research skills in the process.

PhD/PhD by Distance/MSc by Research

Nursing Studies

Phd/phd by distance nursing studies.

The PhD/MPhil Nursing Studies programme is an advanced postgraduate research degree for students wishing to conduct in-depth independent research on an area to contribute to nursing knowledge and evidence. It offers the student a chance to make a significant contribution to knowledge in nursing.

PhD/PhD by Distance/MPhil Nursing Studies

PhD by distance learning

The faculties of Environment and Arts, Humanities and Cultures offer PhD by distance learning across most schools.

PhD by distance learning allows you to study at a time and place that suits you and, with a part-time option available, you'll have the flexibility to gain an advanced degree alongside work and other commitments.

Through completing a PhD, you will become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training.

Our PhD by distance learning programmes

Faculty of environment.

• School of Earth and Environment
• School of Food Science and Nutrition
• School of Geography
• Institute for Transport Studies

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures

• School of Design
• School of English
• School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies
• School of History 
• School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
• School of Music
• School of Performance and Cultural Industries
• School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
• Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre

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Distance Learning PhDs

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The School of Advanced Study offers students with an appropriate topic and level of local resource the opportunity to undertake a PhD by distance learning.

Students are required to attend our London campus at set intervals to complete an intensive research training module, for upgrade, and for the viva but will otherwise study at their own location. This option is available to UK, EU, and international students on the same basis as our on-campus PhD programmes (three years full time, six years part time).

If you would like to be considered for our Research Degree via Distance Learning programme, please complete the  Research Degrees by Distance Learning form  and attach it to your online application.

Course structure

Compulsory attendance in London is required on three occasions: 

• Induction, the first week of the first term,  to meet supervisors and to undertake an intensive research training course (an optional second week of research training is offered that can be completed either in the week after the initial compulsory induction week or online during the first term);  
• The point of upgrade to PhD status  (usually between years 1 and 2 for full time students and between years 3 and 4 for part-time students)
• The final viva (oral defence of the thesis)

Note: The Institute of Advanced Legal Studies' week-long induction/research training for research students (whether on campus or distance learning) is usually held in January. 

The induction week provides guidance in the following areas:

• Research ethics
• Academic writing
• Working with your supervisor
• Planning your thesis
• Building a bibliography
• Working in archives

Students are required to engage with further research training online as their programme commences.

The programme is run on the same basis as campus-based programmes.  Regular contact with the supervisor is required via video conferencing software.  Students will meet with their supervisor in the induction week where future arrangements will be made for the occurrence and means in which meetings will take place.  Students will need to demonstrate that they have the appropriate local resources, IT equipment and infrastructure before they can commence study.

Students will benefit from the School’s extensive research training portfolio, online e-resources, podcasting, video recordings, transcriptions and live streaming of research seminars on a wide range of topics to help them complete their research degree. 

Research modules will include, but are not limited to, Organising Successful Academic Events, Getting Research Published, Public Speaking, Research Data and Ethics.

Distance students will be supported in the same way that the on-campus students are with the use of video conferencing to supplement face-to-face interaction. Within the induction week distance students will be given the opportunity to meet their student representatives and other students beginning their PhD.

To ensure that the students are fully supported and provided with the best tools and guidance throughout their PhD, applications will be considered on an individual basis. As not all Institutes offer the distance program, each student’s needs will be considered individually and an appropriate Institute and supervisory team recommended.

For complete fees and funding information, please visit the  relevant course page . 

Distance Learning Subject Areas

PhD at the Institute of English Studies

Study from a number of literature-related subject areas, ranging from book history to contemporary literature, and from book illustration to author-focused studies.

PhD at the Institute of Historical Research

Study the history of the world from the fourth to the 21st century, with the Institute's particular strengths being in British and European history.

PhD at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies

Study in the field of humanities and cognate social sciences, particularly on the subjects of human rights, globalisation and development, politics and Commonwealth history.

PhD at the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Study modern languages, literature and culture and their comparative relationships with the mobility of people, practices and ideas.

PhD at the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Study with Latin Americanists whose expertise are in colonial and post-colonial history, political anthropology, human geography, environmental politics, cultural studies and multilingualism.

Digital Humanities PhD

Study texts, images, histories, languages, cultures and more through an interdisciplinary subject area using a range of computational, quantitative, innovative and collaborative methods.

PhD at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies

Study the theoretical basis of law, the sources and documentation of the law and the direct impact of law on human lives within your particular area of research.

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Research degree by distance learning

The Research Degree by Distance Learning scheme allows candidates to enrol for a University of Westminster research degree, eg an MPhil/PhD* or a Professional Doctorate, for which a substantial period of study takes place away from the University research environment found on-campus.

The entry requirements, amount of work required and academic quality and expectations are the same as for PhD students studying in the UK.

*PhD Direct entry will not normally be permitted under this scheme.

It is expected that the distance-learning student will have appropriate local support, eg via a HEI and/or sponsor, for the whole duration of their study away from the University of Westminster, to provide necessary access to resources such as library, archives, computers, laboratories, virtual learning environments and any other facilities required by the area of research.

All formal intermediate and final assessments requiring the presentation of written work and a defence by viva voce will normally take place at the University of Westminster and attendance at elements of the University’s Doctoral Researcher Development Programme (DRDP) are mandatory – eg University and School Workshop 1.1, with other elements offered through online delivery. Therefore researchers studying by Distance Learning who are without a right to reside and study in the UK will need to comply with the University and UK Visas and Immigration Service requirements for obtaining an appropriate visa when planning visits to the UK.

Please note that Research Degrees by Distance Learning are not offered in all schools. Please see the individual research areas to see if it is offered in the school you are interested in.

What should I do next?

• Do you meet the entry requirements?
• How will you fund your programme?
• Do we cover your proposed area of research and is there a supervisory team available?

If you have an enquiry about whether the University is active in your area of research, please visit the research areas and discuss your research directly with academics in the Schools.

Graduate school

• Find out what our Graduate School has to offer

Related pages

Fees and funding.

How much will it cost to study a research degree?

How to write your research proposal

Discover how you should write your research proposal before applying for University of Westminster.

Entry requirements

Find out if you can apply for a Research Degree at the University of Westminster.

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Politics and International Relations at Leicester

• Your learning experience

PhD by distance learning

The PhD by distance learning is designed to offer an additional mode of study to those who seek a PhD but would find it difficult to fulfil the requirements of full or part-time study on-campus.

Successful applicants for this programme will require a good quality research proposal as a key condition of entry, as well as meeting the usual University and departmental requirements. They will be assigned supervision from the relevant department.

All distance learning PhD candidates, regardless of department, will initially undertake a structured programme of research training over the course of 12 months. The research training will consist of four mandatory modules, delivered through a combination of module books and interactive tasks, readings and discussion on the University’s Blackboard virtual learning environment.

Following the completion of the research training, you will begin to focus solely on your proposed theses, with supervisory support provided by telephone or electronically.

If you are interested in applying for a PhD in Politics and International Relations , please contact Dr Tara McCormack  with a research proposal. Browse our  PhD guidelines  for producing a proposal.

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Humanities, Languages & Social Science » Research » Distance Learning PhD Programmes

Areas of study: History, Politics, Philosophy, Public Services, Information and Communications, Languages, Sociology, Criminology, English and Creative Writing.

We have designed a range of distance learning PhD programmes based around the needs of those who want to undertake a research degree alongside their personal and professional commitments. Due to their flexible nature they are available to study from anywhere in the world.

The programmes can be studied full-time (three years) or part-time (six years).

Areas of Study

You can study for a distance learning PhD in one of the following areas:

• English and Creative Writing
• Public Services
• Information and Communications
• Sociology and Criminology

Use the links above to read more about the research topics available and to contact a potential supervisor in your research area.  

For information on application, entry requirments and fees, please visit; Distance learning research degrees .

Distance learning research degrees

For more information on Distance Learning PhDs in Humanities, Languages & Social Science subjects, contact  Dr Lloyd Strickland .

PhD Philosophy Graduate, via Distance Learning

"As an international student, it made me feel comfortable knowing that they care greatly for their students in this way."

Read more about Shandon L. Guthrie

Watch our video on Distance learning PhD programmes

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Law PhD by Distance Learning

What is a phd by distance learning.

A PhD by Distance Learning allows you to undertake the majority of your research at an off-campus location. You are therefore able to do the research required for your PhD in a location of your choosing; only making one annual visit to the University.

Why study by distance learning?

The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the opportunity to undertake research supervised by one of our world-renowned academics without having to relocate geographically to the Birmingham region. The flexibility offered by distance learning will allow you to combine study with other commitments, including work and family.

Is the distance learning route for you?

The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone. You need to have a very clear idea of your research project and be able to motivate yourself. Undertaking PhD study off campus can sometimes be quite isolating, so the ability to proactively seek out connections from within relevant research communities is important. This route is well-suited to those who have a project associated with their work or particular interests and where resources are available locally to support your research e.g. appropriate archives and data collections.

Can I study by Distance Learning in the UK?

Distance Learning courses can be undertaken from anywhere in the world, including the UK. 

However, it is worth noting that supervisory sessions for Distance Learning students will take place via audiovisual communications, such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person. 

While this 21st Century approach has proved effective, for those applicants who would prefer to visit the campus for face-to-face meetings with their supervisor, the traditional part-time study option would be more appropriate. 

• One return economy flight per year for the required two-week campus visit in September
• Accommodation at the University for the required two-week campus visit in September
• One return economy flight at the end of the study period for the three-day PhD viva examination
• Accommodation at the University for the three-day viva examination

How will I be supported?

You will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The only difference is that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person.  

When would I start?

We encourage you to start your PhD in the month of September so that you can attend an induction along with other PhD candidates beginning their research at the same time as you. However, other arrangements may be possible with agreement from your supervisor.

How often will I need to be on campus?

Although you may be able to undertake the majority of your study at an off-campus location, you will be fully funded to make one compulsory visit to the University per year of study. This will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies. You will then be invited to attend the University for annual meetings which will give you the opportunity to interact with other doctoral students both socially and academically, undertake important progress meetings and carry out necessary training. You will also generally be required to be present on campus for your viva voce.

Am I eligible?

Before we can offer you a place it is important that you have agreement from your potential supervisor and that they are satisfied that you will be able to undertake the PhD on an off-campus basis. This may mean that slightly different entry requirements apply, such as English language and more extensive research skills training. Agreements will also need to be reached regarding some of the more practical aspects of undertaking the PhD in this way (for example attendance requirements, suitability of the chosen residency etc). It is important that arrangements are discussed early so that all parties involved know what to expect and to ensure you are able to successfully complete your studies.  

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments.

A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research.

In most faculties, a candidate is expected to have completed one year of postgraduate study, normally on a research preparation master's course, prior to starting a PhD.

Completion normally requires three or four years of full-time study, or at least five years of part-time study, including a probationary period.

Terms of research are normally consecutive and, for full-time students, require residency in Cambridge. Not all departments offer part-time research degrees.

Various routes to the PhD are possible and, if you are made an offer of admission, it will be made clear whether you are required to study for a master's degree or certificate in the first instance, or will be admitted directly to the probationary year for the PhD. You are registered for the PhD only after a satisfactory progress assessment at the end of the probationary year (five terms for part-time degrees). The assessment is designed also to focus your mind on the stages necessary for the completion of your research within the normal time limit and to address any structural problems that have arisen during the first year. Students must pass the first year assessment in order to continue their PhD study.

During your PhD, your effort will be focused on writing a dissertation. The word count of the dissertation is dependent on the department and the Student Registry or Educational Student Policy will be able to tell you the maximum word limit. This must represent a significant contribution to learning, for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views, and must take account of previously published work on the subject. Some Cambridge dissertations go on to form the basis of significant publications.

Although you will spend long hours working independently, your department and College will both support you throughout your PhD. You are also able to attend regular seminars in your subject area and could be involved in teaching, perhaps giving seminars or supervising, or in the social life of your department and College.

PhD course search

Go to the Course Directory and filter courses using the relevant checkboxes.

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PhD opportunities

Explore the different ways to apply for a PhD at NTU, including advertised projects, submitting your own research proposal, and studying at-distance. Find a PhD that works for you, and begin your research journey today.

Applying for a PhD

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. It usually takes three to four years to complete full-time, or up to eight years part-time. During your PhD, you will work on an original research topic under the guidance of our supervisors.

At NTU, we encourage and support a huge range of PhD opportunities. We invite you to apply for a project designed by our research staff, as well as submitting a proposal for your own novel research project.

Search our PhD projects

We provide funded, part-funded and self-funded PhD projects across a range of disciplines. Opportunities are available year-round. Search the PhD projects currently available, filtering by keyword, title or academic school.

Propose your own PhD project

Decided on your own research topic? You’ll need to identify a supervisor whose expertise aligns with your own before putting together a research proposal. Explore our research strengths and staff interests to see if we can support you.

PhD Application Workshop

Join us on campus for an in-person workshop guiding you through the PhD application process and more.

Newton Building, City Campus - Monday 22 April 2024, 4 pm - 6 pm

At-distance PhDs

Our at-distance PhDs have been designed for candidates who require a more flexible mode to complete their doctoral research. They particularly suit professionals looking to undertake research alongside their job, individuals with research interests local to where they live, or candidates with caring or other personal responsibilities.

These part-time, structured programmes are delivered online over four to seven years. Every researcher must normally spend at least eight weeks at NTU in any one academic year, to establish personal relationships with supervisors and benefit from face-to-face participation in the academic community.

We can offer at-distance PhDs across the majority of disciplines with projects aligned to our research centres. Contact the relevant Director of Doctoral Studies to discuss at-distance opportunities in more detail.

PhD start dates

We have four PhD intakes per year in October, January, April and June. The application deadlines for these are:

How to write a research proposal

Whether you apply for a PhD project or submit your own research question, you will need to produce a research proposal and personal statement as part of your application. Read our advice on how to construct a successful proposal.

Explore our research

Make sure your PhD proposal reflects our research strengths.

PhDs by Academic School

Find out more about studying for a PhD in our Academic Schools below.

Research degrees in Art & Design

Research degrees in arts and humanities, animal, rural and environmental sciences, research degrees in architecture, design and the built environment, research degrees in law, phd - research degrees at nottingham business school, research degrees in science and technology.

PhD fees and funding

How much does a PhD cost? What is a stipend? Can I get a loan? Find out about our PhD tuition fees and the different ways you can fund it.

Funding your PhD

Join our PhD community

How to apply for a phd.

Everything you need to know about applying to study at the NTU Doctoral School.

NTU Doctoral School

The NTU Doctoral School provides a multi-disciplinary home for all our researchers, here to support you throughout your entire doctoral degree. Explore our research community.

• Schools & departments

New! Theology and Religious Studies PhD by Distance

Our Distance option allows international students to study part-time for a PhD from their home country, as long as they visit Edinburgh at key stages.

This part-time, 72-month, research programme has been designed especially for suitably qualified applicants from overseas and the UK whose circumstances make regular attendance in Edinburgh impossible.

Subjects available

• Ethics and Practical Theology
• Hebrew Bible and Old Testament Studies
• History of Christianity
• Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations
• New Testament and Christian Origins
• Religious Studies
• Science and Religion
• Systematic Theology
• World Christianity

Over the course of the six-year programme, students enrolled on our distance PhD will be required to come to Edinburgh:

• twice in their first year, for research training and a summer review
• once per year of study after that
• once for their final oral examination.

The tuition fee charged will be 50% of the fee for full-time students for each of the six years of the programme.

Entry requirements

Academic and English Language entry requirements are the same as for our on-campus PhD programmes.

Find out more

School overview of PhD by Distance.

Applying for a visa

Scholarships and student funding

School overview of PhD by Distance

Postgraduate Degree Finder

This article was published on 2024-03-19

Department of Economics and Related Studies

iPhD in Economics

Join an internationally-recognised and vibrant community, and develop key skills for your future career in economics research.

Take an integrated research degree in Economics and make your mark on the field through original research, supported by taught modules and training.

Your research

This is a four-year postgraduate programme that combines taught modules in Year 1 with an independent research project from Year 2. Your research project includes a written dissertation with original work adding new knowledge.

Postgraduate research provides opportunities to develop your academic, creative and practical skills. You'll work independently, supported by a vibrant department that balances innovation and scholarship.

As part of your application, you'll be interviewed by one or two academic staff members, including your prospective supervisor(s) . The interview will last around 30 minutes to an hour, with plenty of time for you to ask questions and find out what York has to offer.

You’ll receive support from leading academics in the discipline, ensuring you feel part of our community from the start. 

[email protected]

Related links

• Research degree funding
• Accommodation
• International students
• Life at York
• How to apply

We're joint 14th in the UK

for research in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Committed to equality

We hold an Athena Swan Bronze Award, in recognition of our continued commitment to gender equality.

Pioneering academics

making groundbreaking contributions in areas including economic theory, econometrics, finance and macroeconomics.

Taught modules

In your first year, you’ll take a range of assessed modules. Taught modules will challenge you to use advanced knowledge of economic theory within and across specialist fields. You’ll learn how to develop and apply research methods, and engage critically with research literature. You must pass these taught modules in order to progress to the second year of your PhD.

You'll study a range of core and optional modules:

Core modules

• Microeconomics for Research
• Econometrics for Research
• Mathematical Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Macroeconomics for Research

Option modules

• Health Economics for Research
• Asset Pricing

You'll also have the opportunity to study other option modules from our MSc programmes .

From Year 2, you will begin to pursue your research project, culminating in the submission of a doctoral thesis. This course includes an additional, optional ‘write up’ year following the end of the formal registration period.

• Advanced Macroeconomics 1
• Advanced Microeconomics
• Applied Microeconometrics
• Clinical Decision Analysis
• Continuous Time Finance & Derivative Assets
• Corporate Finance
• Dissertation
• Econometrics 1
• Emerging Markets Macroeconomics
• Evaluation of Health Care
• Financial Engineering
• Financial Markets
• Financial Risk Management
• Health & Development
• Health Economics
• Advanced Macroeconomics 2: International Finance and Trade
• Management Decision Analysis
• Development Economics: Theory & Evidence
• Investment & Portfolio Management
• Public Sector Economics: Microeconomic Applications
• Statistics & Econometrics
• Public Policy Analysis
• Theory of Finance
• Time Series
• Topics in Financial Econometrics
• Econometric Methods of Research
• Applied Microeconomics 1
• Econometrics 1 & 2
• Design & Analysis of Mechanisms & Institutions
• Fixed Income Securities
• Applied Microeconomics 2
• Evaluation of Health Policy
• Applied Quantitative Research Methods
• Money & Banking

Please note these modules may be subject to change at any time.

iPhD Health Economics Pathway

We offer a Health Economics variant of the iPhD in Economics.

The programme runs in the same way, but in Year 1 you'll take Health Economics for Research as a core module. Macroeconomics for Research will be available as an option module rather than core module for students on this pathway.

If you are interested in the Health Economics variant, please state this within your application.

Explore funding for postgraduate researchers and wider postgraduate support.

Supervision

We'll help match your research interests to our supervisory expertise. You'll have regular meetings with your supervisor(s) during each semester.

Training and support

When you study with us, you’ll be asked to join at least one of our  research clusters and become a student associate. You’ll play an active role in the meetings, seminars and workshops, developing transferable skills for your future career. You’ll be assigned either one or two personal supervisors throughout your research degree, with support from a Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP).

We provide training which will equip you with the skills to support your growing expertise. You’ll have access to department-run training workshops, previous examples of which have included:

• Academic Writing (Professor Cheti Nicoletti)
• Conferences (Professor Andrew Jones)
• PhD Exams/Viva (Professor Peter Smith)
• Presentations (Dr Jorgen Kratz)
• Publishing in Economics Journals (Professor Zaifu Yang)
• The PhD Job Market (Dr Peter Wagner)

Teaching opportunities

We offer our PhD students the chance to become paid graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). The role can provide you with financial support towards the completion of your degree and develop your communication and teaching skills.

All offer holders and current students are invited to apply for GTA positions via email each July.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Economics and Related Studies.

You’ll be based in the Department of Economics and Related Studies on Campus West. You'll need to be on campus regularly during your first year to attend taught assessments.

Your PhD can be studied through distance learning from Year 2 onwards, subject to supervisory approval. If you would like to be considered for distance learning, please inform your prospective supervisor(s) during your online interview, and our Postgraduate Research Administrator, Maigen Savory ( [email protected] ).

Entry requirements

Applicants to the iPhD in Economics are usually required to hold a Bachelors degree in Economics with a 2:1 or 1st class honours (or overseas equivalent), and an MSc in Economics or a closely related discipline, with a high average mark (60% or above, including at least 60% in the dissertation component).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Apply for the iPhD

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply .

Research proposal

You’ll submit a research proposal alongside your application. Your research proposal should be no longer than 2,000 words, and provide details on:

• Your main research question
• The relevant literature and your planned contribution to the current research in the area
• The econometric and/or theoretical modelling methods you plan to use
• Your data source(s) if you plan on conducting empirical research

Before submitting your proposal, we advise you to check that your research fits the Department’s research interests. As part of your application, please nominate at least one preferred supervisor. 

Visit our research page

Discover York

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.

Discover more about our researchers, facilities and why York is the perfect choice for your research degree.

Graduate Research School

Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.

Meet us online or on campus

Find out all you need to know about applying to York

Scholarships

Find scholarships to support your studies

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Imperial College London Imperial College London

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• Postgraduate doctoral
• Application process
• Choose a course

Looking for funding?

Use our scholarships search tool to look for available scholarships. Also explore our latest funded PhD vacancies .

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. 

It normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is also possible to undertake a PhD part time, over five to six years.

The main activity of a PhD is to carry out an original research project under the direction of one or more supervisors, to be written up as a thesis.

Different routes to achieving a PhD

There are a number of ways to achieving a PhD at Imperial:

• by undertaking a course of study based on your own research proposal
• by joining a research project that comes with funding attached (known as a studentship)
• by combining it with Master's study in an integrated route that typically lasts four years

Pursuing your own research idea

To search for PhD opportunities based on your own research proposal you first need to identify a research group within Imperial whose area of expertise best matches your idea.

Use the links below to search the different PhD opportunities within our academic departments, centres and institutes. This includes information about current studentships and often guidance on finding a supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach means our expertise often spans departmental boundaries – and so do our courses – so you may find opportunities in an unexpected area of the university.

Faculty of Engineering

• Aeronautics
• Bioengineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• School of Design Engineering
• Earth Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Medicine

• Department of Brain Sciences
• Department of Immunology and Inflammation
• Department of Infectious Disease
• Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
• Department of Surgery and Cancer
• National Heart and Lung Institute
• School of Public Health

Faculty of Natural Sciences

• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Centre for Environmental Policy

Imperial College Business School

• Doctoral programme

Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication

• PhD in Arabic, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish Studies
• PhD in science communication studies

Global Challenge institutes

We have six Global Challenge institutes, which were created to address some of society's biggest challenges.

If you have an idea for a PhD that falls within the remit of one of our Global Challenge institutes please contact them directly to discuss before making a formal application.

• Data Science Institute
• Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment
• Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering
• Institute for Security Science and Technology
• Institute of Global Health Innovation

Energy Futures Lab  does not offer PhD programmes, but does deliver the  MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures .

Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies | Imperial College London-Technical University of Munich

We have recently formed  a strategic partnership in education, research and innovation  with the Technical University of Munich, one of Germany’s most international and entrepreneurial universities, producing highly ranked research, like Imperial, in science, engineering and medicine.

As part of the partnership, Imperial and TUM have launched a 'Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies' with the aim of co-developing cross-disciplinary clusters of PhD students who will have access to world-leading academic supervisors and state-of-the art facilities at both institutions.

The first round of the programme will focus on the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Robotics'.

Find out more about the Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies and apply

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

Discover more about this subject area

PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

• 2nd in the UK for Education (Complete University Guide 2024).  
• The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Education research (overall GPA, REF2021).
• Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

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The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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Qualification, university name, distance learning phd engineering.

14 degrees at 6 universities in the UK.

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• PhD Engineering
• PhD Chemical Process Engineering
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• PhD Energy Engineering
• PhD Engineering Management
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• PhD Engineering and Technology
• PhD Mechanical Engineering
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Energy Engineering PhDs and Mphils (Distance Learning)

University of portsmouth.

If you're ready to take your interest and expertise in Energy Engineering into a postgraduate research degree, then Portsmouth is the Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Civil Engineering - Distance Learning, PhD

Swansea university.

The PhD Civil Engineering - Distance Learning is subject to the same University regulations as the standard PhD programme, except that all Read more...

• 1 year Distance without attendance degree: £4,800 per year (UK)

Mechanical & Design Engineering PhDs and MPhils (Distance Learning)

If you're ready to take your existing expertise and knowledge in Mechanical and Design Engineering into a postgraduate research degree, Read more...

Electronic Engineering PhDs and Mphils (Distance Learning)

If you're ready to take your expertise in Electronic Engineering into a postgraduate research degree, then Portsmouth is the perfect place Read more...

Engineering PhD

University of sunderland.

A PhD is “probably the most internationally transferable qualification” according to the Higher Education Policy Institute. You will Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,681 per year (UK)
• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,681 per year (UK)
• 4 years Full time degree: £4,500 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,681 per year (UK)

PhD Distance Learning in Engineering Management

University of york.

Pioneer impactful research in key areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation, strategy, and leadership in engineering Read more...

• 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

General Engineering PhD

London south bank university.

This programme provides specialist study for graduates intending to work in research and development environments in a variety of Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,892 per year (UK)

Engineering Research Degrees - PhD

Birmingham city university.

An engineering PhD can be a pathway to a career in a wide range of related jobs, including in management roles – or in the academic world. Read more...

• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,991 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD in Engineering

Develop creative research in areas of heritage practice you're passionate about. Study with a distinguished department and receive expert Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Mechanical Engineering PhD

This success is underpinned by a strong record of external income generation with the total current contract value of research and Read more...

PhD Distance Learning in Engineering

A PhD in Engineering allows you to delve deep into research which combines creativity, innovation and sustainability. In the School of Read more...

Chemical Process and Energy Engineering PhD

We aim to provide a thriving research environment and advanced training in a broad range of areas relating to Green Process Engineering, Read more...

Electronic and Electrical Engineering PhD

Engineering and the built environment phd.

The wide range of research activities in our School, together with the mix of academic staff, post-doctoral research fellows and visiting Read more...

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