Postgraduate research

Choose to study a research degree at the University of Central Lancashire and you’ll be joining a vibrant and world-class research environment, with access to outstanding facilities and comprehensive support from our experienced academics.

A PhD is a substantial commitment. Although you’ll receive regular supervision and training you will need to undertake significant independent study and, in some cases, periods of fieldwork in the UK or overseas. Not only will you undertake an in-depth study in your chosen research topic and build on your existing knowledge of a subject, but you will also develop other transferable skills highly valued by employers.

Choose the research degree that is right for you

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

3 years full-time
6 years part-time

A PhD is the most common and familiar doctoral qualification. It is the highest postgraduate level qualification offered by universities in the UK. It gets awarded on the successful completion of a programme of supervised research. It gets assessed via a thesis and a viva voce (oral examination). You will critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic. This will result in an independent, significant, and original contribution to knowledge. You will show an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field. You will be supported by a programme of research training to enable you to develop transferable skills for your future career path.

For most students, the award of a PhD is achieved via the MPhil route. You can transfer to PhD taking approximately halfway through the degree.

You can either develop your own research idea or apply for one of our advertised studentships. Funded opportunities are available throughout the year. If you have an idea for a PhD project, please contact one of the Research Degrees Tutors listed on this page to discuss your proposal further before you submit your application.

Doctor of Medicine (MD Res)
- 3 years (part-time only)

The MD (Res) gets awarded on successful completion of a programme of supervised research. It gets assessed via a thesis and a viva voce (oral examination). You will critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic. This will result in a significant contribution to medical knowledge and/or professional practice. You will demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field. Throughout your MD (Res) journey, you will get supported with a programme of research training. It will enable you to develop transferable skills for your future career path.

Applicants for MD (Res) must have held a research or teaching appointment or have been engaged in the practice of medicine or surgery. They must have been registered with the General Medical Council of the UK for at least three years prior to entry for the degree.

If you have an idea for an MD (Res) project, please contact one of the Research Degrees Tutors listed on this page to discuss your proposal further before you submit your application.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- 2 years full-time
- 4 years part-time

The MPhil is positioned between a taught or research master's and a PhD. You will critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic. You will also demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field. MPhil is awarded on successful completion of a programme of supervised research. It is assessed via a thesis and a viva voce (oral examination). Throughout your MPhil journey, you will be supported with a programme of research training. This will enable you to develop transferable skills for your future career path.

If you have an idea for an MPhil project, please contact one of the Research Degrees Tutors listed on this page to discuss your proposal further before you submit your application.

Master of Surgery (MCh)

- 3 years part-time

The MCh is awarded on successful completion of a programme of supervised research and is assessed via a thesis and a viva voce (oral examination). You will critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic resulting in a significant contribution to a particular subject of Surgery. You will demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field. Throughout your MCh journey, you will be supported with a programme of research training. It will enable you to develop transferable skills for your future career path.

Applicants for MCh must have held a research or teaching appointment or have been engaged in the practice of medicine or surgery. They will have been registered with the General Medical Council of the UK or equal for at least three years before entry for the degree.

If you have an idea for an MCh project, please contact one of the Research Degrees Tutors listed on this page to discuss your proposal further before you submit your application.

Master of Arts (MA by Research)

- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time

If you are looking to take the first step into research, an MA (by Research) is an ideal award. You will undertake an independent project which will help you gain the qualitative and/or quantitative research skills required to carry out a long-term project. If you are aiming to study for a PhD, the MA (by Research) will prepare you for study at PhD level. It will also enable you to gain subject-specific research skills for professional development purposes.

For MA (by Research), you will demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field. You will do this by completing an approved programme of supervised research which is assessed via a thesis and a viva voce (oral examination).

If you have an idea for an MA (by Research) project, please contact one of the Research Degrees Tutors listed on this page to discuss your proposal further before you submit your application.

Master of Science (MSc by Research)

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

If you are looking to take the first step into research, an MSc (by Research) is an ideal award. You will undertake an independent project which will help you gain the qualitative and/or quantitative research skills required to carry out a long-term project. If you are aiming to study for a PhD, the MSc (by Research) will prepare you for study at PhD level. You will also gain subject-specific research skills for professional development purposes.

For MSc (by Research), you will demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field. You will be completing an approved programme of supervised research and it is assessed via a thesis and a viva voce (oral examination).

If you have an idea for an MSc (by Research) project, please contact one of the Research Degrees Tutors listed on this page to discuss your proposal further before you submit your application.

Master of Laws (LLM by Research)

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

If you are looking to take the first step into research, an LLM (by Research) is an ideal award. You will undertake an independent project which will help you gain the qualitative and/or quantitative research skills required to carry out a long-term project. If you are aiming to study for a PhD, the LLM (by Research) will prepare you for study at PhD level. You will gain subject-specific research skills for professional development purposes.

For LLM (by Research), you will show an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field. You will be completing an approved programme of supervised research and it is assessed via a thesis and a viva voce (oral examination).

If you have an idea for an LLM (by Research) project, please contact one of the Research Degrees Tutors listed on this page to discuss your proposal further before you submit your application.

PhD (by Published Work) available to UCLan graduates, current staff at the University or one of the partner institutions of the University, or honorary academics of the University
- 1 year (part-time only)

The PhD (by Published Work) provides researchers who have already published but not obtained a doctoral award an alternative route to the traditional PhD. It allows you to demonstrate through the medium of your publications that you have already undertaken doctoral-level research and have the appropriate research skills for that level.

Applicants for PhD (by Published Work) must:

be a current member of the staff of the University or one of the partner institutions of the University; or
be an honorary academic of the University; or
be a graduate of the University

You will critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic resulting in an independent, significant and original contribution to knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field. It is assessed via submission of a synoptic commentary and a defence of the Published Work at viva voce (oral examination).

If you are interested in applying for PhD (by Published Work) please contact one of the Research Degrees Tutors listed on this page to discuss your proposal further before you submit your application.

MD (by Published Works)

1 year (part-time only)

The MD (by Published Work) is aimed at researchers in a clinical environment who have made a significant contribution to medical knowledge and/or professional practice. If you have already published but not obtained a doctoral award, the MD (by Published Work) provides an alternative route to the traditional MD and allows you to demonstrate, through the medium of your publications, that you have already undertaken doctoral-level research and have the appropriate research skills for that level.

Applicants for MD (by Published Work) must:

have for at least 5 years prior to the entry for the degree, held a research or teaching appointment; or
have been engaged in the practice of medicine or surgery; and

have been registered with the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom.

You will critically investigate and evaluate diagnosis or management in a clinical environment resulting in a significant contribution to medical knowledge and/or professional practice. The MD (by Published Work) is assessed via submission of a synoptic commentary and a defence of the Published Work at viva voce (oral examination).

If you are interested in applying for MD (by Published Work) please contact one of the Research Degrees Tutors listed on this page to discuss your proposal further before you submit your application.

PhD by Portfolio

PhD by Portfolio is a 48-60 month programme (part-time only), aimed at those who have a wealth of professional and vocational experience to bring to their programme, which will be evidenced at the application stage. The PhD thesis, of 80,000 words equivalent, is a portfolio constituted by three ‘linked and distinct’ project areas, capped by a 15,000 word synoptic report. Two project areas will be retrospective, drawn from the applicant’s professional/vocational background, while the third is a ‘live’ research project, conducted under supervision. A high level of synthesis between the three projects areas is expected, focussing the research at a single title. Examination is by thesis and verbal defence (viva-voce).

How to get more information: Please refer to the table below with contacts to Research Degree Tutors who will be able to advise you on your application.

Apply online through UCLan Admissions: You will be required to submit a supplementary MS Word document as the basis for your application for PhD by Portfolio. Please email Research Admissions to obtain this document. There is guidance to help set out your past experiences, and propose ideas for active research.

Professional Doctorates are specialist doctorate level qualifications available in areas where students have made a significant contribution to enhancing a professional area through the application, development, and testing of theoretical frameworks. They are designed to enable professionals to study and develop their own practice-based research in a structured and supported environment and offer the chance to enhance your professional career to doctorate level by supporting original research that will have an impact on practice, policy, and theory.

For detailed information about our Professional Doctorate programmes, please visit the individual course pages:

Alumni Loyalty Discount

If you're a UK student with a previous award from us you may be eligible to receive 20% tuition fee discount.

More information

Research Degree Tutors

Before you apply or if you wish to submit your own proposal for a research project, it’s a good idea to explore your ideas with one of our Research Degree Tutors. You can either email us at researchadmissions@uclan.ac.uk and we will introduce you to the most relevant colleague in your research area or email one of the School Research Degree Tutors directly, using the table below:

Applied Health

Kenneth Young

Applied Health / Biomechanics

Sport and Cultural Studies

Jess Macbeth

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Howard Hurst

Sport and Exercise / Food Nutritional Sciences

Sport Business / Sports Coaching

Sport Studies / PE / Outdoors

Institute of Coaching and Performance

Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (DProf) enquiries

David Rhodes

Research themes

Discover our range of University research themes to tailor your degree towards. Our research fits under six broad themes, ranging from arts and culture to transformative sciences and technology.

Discover our themes

How to apply

Research of national and international excellence is at the heart of academic life at the University of Central Lancashire. On completion of your research degree you should be in a very strong position for pursuing your chosen career. If you're ready to start your research degree, you'll find details of the application process on the next few pages.

Application guidance

Fees, costs and funding

It is important that you know how you are going to fund your studies for the duration of your research degree, and ensure you have the resources to pay all your fees, costs associated with your research programme and your living expenses.

Find out more

Studentships

Most studentship funding is for PhD places. Schemes vary and may provide either full cover or partial funding for tuition fees, and some may also include a maintenance grant. Please check individual awards for eligibility.

Current research students are not eligible to apply for our research studentships.

View our latest studentships

What to expect

Undertaking a research degree is a substantial commitment and before embarking on your studies, you should consider the below requirements:

You are expected to attend 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

How long will my programme be?

Research degree programmes differ from other types of courses in that the end date depends on the student 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 for students to submit their the thesis for examination	Maximum time allowed for submission of the thesis for examination	Time for examination to be completed and the award to be conferred
MA/MSc/LLM (by Research)	12 months	24 months	The timescales vary depending on the result of the examination. The minimum time is around 3 months. Most students average around 6 months.
MPhil	24 months	36 Months
PhD (via transfer from MPhil registration)	36 months	48 months
PhD Direct	24 months	36 months

Part-time study

Scroll or swipe on small screens to see all table columns

Award	Expected timeframe for students to submit their the thesis for examination	Maximum time allowed for submission of the thesis for examination	Time for examination to be completed and the award to be conferred
MA/MSc/LLM (by Research)	24 months	36 months	The timescales vary depending on the result of the examination. The minimum time is around 3 months. Most students average around 6 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

Studying for a research degree01 / 03

Student blogs

Tom's MRes experience Week in the life of an MRes student

Graduate Research School

Supporting your research journey

Our Graduate Research School supports the postgraduate research environment and culture, delivering training, as well as hosting 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

Postgraduate student profiles

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.
Joanne 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?
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.