About research degrees

A research degree gives you the opportunity to complete a piece of original research with expert guidance from world-class academics.

The following types of research degrees are all qualifications in their own right. They each have a different duration and examination requirements.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhDs are the highest research degree-level qualification in the UK. A PhD allows you to explore a specific area of your chosen subject in-depth. You'll conduct a piece of independent and original research, which you'll write up as a thesis. A supervisor will help you to navigate your topic, offering expert advice on the direction of your research.

Completing a PhD can give you a great sense of personal achievement. You'll develop high-level transferable skills and contribute to developing knowledge in your chosen field. Our research students often present papers and posters at conferences in the UK and abroad. Many have the satisfaction of seeing their work published.

PhDs typically take three to four years to complete when studying full-time and six years when studying part-time.

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Distance learning

Some departments offer the opportunity to undertake a PhD by distance learning. This means that you undertake your research and thesis production remotely, attending York’s campus only occasionally. You can be based in the UK or abroad and can study full-time or part-time.

It offers the same high quality of supervisory support, primarily online, and demands the same level of academic rigour as a campus-based PhD.

You can expect a PhD by distance learning to take a similar amount of time to complete as an equivalent on-campus course, or about three to four years when studying full-time and six years when studying part-time.

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Integrated PhD (iPhD)

Integrated PhD programmes (iPhDs) are offered by a small number of departments. As an iPhD student you’ll be enrolled on a PhD programme, and treated as a PhD student from the outset. However, in your first year, the integrated studies year, you’ll study 120-credits worth of taught modules (normally at Masters level). You'll also undertake a period of research preparation which will include a small-scale research project and either a literature review or research proposal.

The purpose of the integrated studies year is to enhance your knowledge of the discipline so that you're as well-prepared as possible to commence your PhD research project.

In Economics, the iPhD is the standard PhD entry point for all students. In other disciplines, a department may recommend that you apply for an iPhD in place of a standard PhD if they believe that this will be in your best interests . For example, your Masters degree may not have provided the depth and/or breadth of knowledge that your supervisor feels is necessary for you to start your PhD research.

PhDs can only be studied full-time at York and typically take four years to complete.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

An MPhil is like a small-scale PhD and may suit you if you can't commit to a longer PhD.

You'll conduct a piece of original research and develop your skills in research, writing, analysis and critical thinking. Some research students enrol on an MPhil course and transfer to a PhD at the end of their second year - however, the MPhil is a qualification in its own right. Research for the MPhil is carried out in a similar way to the PhD, but the final thesis is normally shorter.

An MPhil takes two years to complete while studying full-time and four years while studying part-time.

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Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MSc) by research

A Masters by research involves completing a short, focused research project which is normally assessed by a thesis.

You can choose a specific research project and work with a greater degree of independence than on a taught Masters course. You'll work with a supervisor who will advise you on your project. Your department will provide research training and support.

A Masters by research takes one year to complete while studying full-time and two years while studying part-time.

Our partners

We are proud to partner with the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCEDE) and Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP).

Find a research degree

All research degrees | Online and distance learning courses