Edge Hill University offers three routes to a research degree: MRes, PhD, and professional doctorate.
Your time will be primarily spent conducting research. You will acquire the knowledge and skills to help you design and conduct your research project, evaluate the research, and disseminate your results. In doing so, you will develop a range of transferable skills which can help you with further research within or outside academia, including critical thinking, project management, time management and presentation.
The next entry point for research degree recruitment is October 2021.
- MRes
- PhD
- Professional doctorate
- Research Student Development Programme
- Applications
- Fees & studentships
MRes
Read more about MRes study in the University’s e-prospectus.
The Masters by Research (MRes) lasts one year (full-time) or eighteen months (part-time) and assessment is carried out through a research proposal, dissertation and viva voce examination.
The first four months (full-time) after registration are spent undertaking core training and methodological training to help develop your research proposal and broader research skills before submitting your project proposal. You will also work with your supervisor to carry out a learning and skills needs analysis which will shape your programme of related studies, during which you will develop as a researcher.
After you have submitted your proposal, you will focus on your research until your final submission.
If you wish to discuss the MRes, please contact ProffesFiona Hallett, MRes Leader.
PhD
Read more about PhD study in the University’s e-prospectus.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) usually takes around three years to complete but can take up to four (full-time).[1]
The first four months after registration are spent in core training to help develop your research proposal and broader research skills before submitting for a project registration viva examination. There your proposal will be thoroughly assessed, including via an oral examination.
Eighteen months after starting, you will submit a report and draft chapter for progression viva at which your work to date will be assessed, this time involving an expert in the field from outside Edge Hill University.
After passing the progression viva, you will continue until you are ready to submit your thesis for final viva: around three years – and no later than four years – after your initial registration date. This viva will be assessed by an examination panel including a different external expert to the progression viva.
If you wish to discuss your proposed research topic, please contact your chosen department. If you have general queries about studying for a PhD at Edge Hill, please contact the Graduate School.
[1] The University prioritises full-time applications; it may be possible to apply for a part-time PhD but applications must be approved by the PVC (Research) before an interview can be offered. Part-time PhDs usually take around four and a half years to complete but may take up to six. Part-time PhD applicants must provide a statement detailing why they are applying for part-time, rather than full-time, for the PVC Research to consider.
Professional doctorate
Available only in specific areas (see below), the professional doctorate is a part-time doctoral programme of research that will allow students to develop as researchers to doctoral level by conducting research in an area relevant to their professions.
The first seven months after registration are spent in core training to help develop your research proposal and broader research skills before submitting for a project registration viva examination. There your proposal will be thoroughly assessed, including via an oral examination.
Up to three years after starting, you will submit a report and draft chapter for progression viva at which your work to date will be assessed, this time involving at least one expert in the field from outside Edge Hill University.
After passing the progression viva, you will continue until you are ready to submit your thesis for final viva: around four and a half years – and no later than six years – after your initial registration date. This viva will be assessed by an examination panel including a different external expert to the progression viva.
Professional doctorates are available in:
Emergency Services Management (DESM)
Research Student Development Programme
You will undertake training to help your development as a researcher throughout your time at Edge Hill.
You will work with your supervisors to conduct a learning and skills needs analysis at the start of your programme of research. This will help you tailor some of the training and development activities you undertake during your time here. PhD and professional doctorate students will repeat this analysis annually.
Core sessions
Methodological sessions
Programme of related studies
Subject-specific training
Applications
Entry requirements
Before you apply
Application deadlines
How to apply
Interviews
When will you start?
How much time do you need to devote as a student?
Fees & studentships
Self-funded students
Home applicants (UK & EU)
Tuition fees for PhD, professional doctorate and MRes can be found on the University’s Money Matters web pages.
International applicants (non-EU)
Tuition fees information can be found on the International Office web pages.
Please note: part-time study is subject to certain visa restrictions. Please contact the International Office to check whether the University can sponsor your visa.
How to pay fees
Tuition fees can usually be paid in full on enrolment or in three equal instalments throughout the year. No charge is added for using a credit card.
Please note, if you have outstanding debts of any kind to Edge Hill University you should contact the Finance Department to arrange a formal repayment agreement before applying.
Studentships
Edge Hill University advertises one type of studentship throughout the year:
Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs)
Current studentships
The University is currently not advertising studentships.
GTAs are normally advertised around January each year.
Applications (when available) can be made through the University’s jobs webpage.