A Guide to Postgraduate Study 2017: Newcastle University

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Newcastle University
Postgraduate Study 2017
Studying with us
Research
degrees
Research Masters’
(MRes, MLitt, MMus,
LLM by research,
MPhil)
These degrees usually involve
specialised research training
and are classified as a research-
based Master’s qualification.
These qualifications can be linked
to industry or commerce, or as
preparation for doctoral-level
research
Typically assessed by a research
project, dissertation and research
training modules. An MRes also
contains some taught modules,
so is slightly different to other
Research Masters’
You will work closely with an
academic member of staff or
team of academics
These degrees typically enable you
to undertake an in-depth research
project, but are shorter than a PhD
12 months full time/
24 months part time
PhD
(Doctor of
Philosophy)
The most common type of doctoral
degree and offered in all subject
areas
Their focus is the original research
project/thesis that you develop
You will work independently, but
receive dedicated input from your
supervisory team and via our
faculty-specific research training
programmes
Your unique project could be
theoretical or applied in nature or
involve working with external
industrial or commercial partners
On completion you will be in
a position to contribute new
knowledge and expertise to your
chosen field of research
Usually 3 years full time/
6 years part time
IPhD
(Integrated PhD)
Doctoral-level study in a range
of areas including Computer
Science, Education, Linguistics,
Phonetics and Phonology,
Mathematics and Statistics,
Marine Technology
Master’s-level taught modules
form an integral part of the degree,
typically making it a year longer
than a standard PhD
You also undertake research training
modules and complete an original
research project/thesis that you
develop over a number of years
Typically 4 years full time/
6–8 years part time
Recognised as one of the most powerful research
universities in the UK, we are finding solutions to
major global challenges in areas as diverse as health,
policy, culture and the environment and we are
looking for the best and brightest students from
across the world to join us.
Undertaking a research degree can be challenging,
but the rewards that come with making an expert
contribution to a subject and discipline you feel
passionate about are limitless.
The following section is intended to give you an
overview of the different degree types, understand
what’s involved in the different study options, and
learn more about the support you will receive as
a researcher at Newcastle.
Research awards
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The first step in your journey to becoming a researcher
is to consider which degree best suits your future career
ambitions. Although they all share a common focus,
namely the independent research that you undertake,
there are differences. For example, some research degrees
include a taught element, others combine research study
and industrial training, and a small number are linked
directly to a particular profession.
The tables below help provide an indicative overview
of the main degree types.