Postgraduate research
When you study for a research degree with us you’ll be joining a vibrant and world-class research environment. Enjoy access to outstanding facilities and comprehensive support from our experienced academics.
A PhD is a big commitment, but we're here to support you. You’ll receive regular supervision and training to help you succeed in your independent study. In some cases, you can undertake periods of fieldwork in the UK or overseas. A PhD will allow you to study your chosen research topic in-depth. You'll also build on your existing knowledge and develop valuable transferable skills.
What's the right research degree for you?
Types of research degrees
We offer a range of postgraduate research options to suit researchers at all levels. Read our guide to postgraduate research degrees and choose the research degree that's right for you.
Research Degree Tutors
Before you apply or submit your own proposal it’s a good idea to explore your ideas with one of our Research Degree Tutors. Email us and we'll put you in contact with the relevant tutor. Or email one of the Research Degree Tutors directly, using the details below.
Undertaking a research degree is a large commitment. Before starting your studies, you should consider some things:
- You will need to attend university regularly to study, for supervision, training and research symposia.
- Your subject area and study mode will determine the amount of time you need to spend studying on campus
- Normally you are expected to be resident in the UK and within daily travelling distance of the University.
- Some programmes will include periods of fieldwork away from the University either in the UK or abroad
Research degrees differ from other types of courses. The end date depends on you submitting a thesis and the outcome of the viva voce examination. The expected timelines for each award are below:
Full-time study
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Award Expected timeframe to submit your thesis Max time allowed for submission of thesis MA/MSc/LLM (by Research) 12 months 24 months MPhil 24 months 36 Months PhD (via transfer from MPhil registration) 36 months 48 months PhD Direct 24 months 36 months Time for examination to be completed and the award to be conferred The timescales vary depending on the result of the examination. The minimum time is around 3 months. Most students average around 6 months. Part-time study
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Award Expected timeframe to submit your thesis Max time allowed for submission of thesis MA/MSc/LLM (by Research) 24 months 36 months MPhil 48 months 60 months PhD (via transfer from MPhil registration) 72 months 84 months PhD Direct 48 months 60 months MD (Res) and MCh (Res) 36 months 48 months PhD (by Published Work) 12 months 24 months Time for examination to be completed and the award to be conferred The timescales vary depending on the result of the examination. The minimum time is around 3 months. Most students average around 6 months. Supporting your research journey
Our Graduate Research School supports the postgraduate research environment and culture. The school delivers training, as well as hosts events and activities.
- We offer research skills training that is mapped to the Vitae Researcher Development Framework
- We host the 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) competition and Annual PGR Conference
- We support the postgraduate research (PGR) Society
- We manage the UCLan Undergraduate Research Internship Programme (UURIP)
- We represent the PGR community at University level
- We support research supervisors, research degree tutors and examining teams
- We listen and respond to the PGR student voice
I never expected my MRes to open so many prospects for me, from the networks I have built, the skills I have obtained and the opportunities that allowed me to try new things.
Postgraduate research student profiles
Browse some of the innovative research topics our students are exploringJoanne Cull
PhD Student: Joanne's research is to co-develop a trauma-informed intervention to address the question: how can maternity services empower pregnant women affected by previous trauma to access support?
David Macmillan
PhD Student: David's research addresses the reduction of energy loss in tilting-pad thrust bearings by active control.
Esraa Khatab
PhD Student: Esraa's research concentrates on 'A Novel Intelligent System for Driverless Vehicles Safety using Sensors Data Fusion and Artificial Intelligence Techniques'.
Jacqueline Anderson
PhD Student: Jacqueline's project is entitled 'Dancing with Ancestors: A comparison of ancient and modern-day trance practices in psychedelic trance'
Jianyu Zhao
PhD Student: Jianyu's research project: Deep Models for Objects Real-Time Characterization and Manipulation.
Keziah Warburton
PhD Student: Keziah's research focuses on Neolithic human cave burials from the North of England, exploring the taphonomy of commingled, dispersed, and disarticulated remains.
