A Guide to Postgraduate Study 2017: Newcastle University

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Newcastle University
Postgraduate Study 2017
Studying with us
Your research
journey
Establishing your
doctoral-level research
proposal, finding funding
and identifying a potential
supervisor requires time
and perseverance. This is
because you are looking
for a tailored programme
of study that is centered
on your interests and
provides expert supervision
in that area. Potential
supervisors will also
want to see that you have
understood the match
between their work
and yours.
Your research
proposal
If you already have a particular
research project in mind, then you
should follow the ‘Step by step’
instructions highlighted, right.
If you don’t yet have a clear idea
of a specific research project,
but know broadly which area
you would like to work in, then
you may find it more useful
to apply for a project that has
already been established. These
normally have a named supervisor,
a fixed project title and funding
already in place.
Typically, this type of project will
be referred to as a ‘studentship’
opportunity. Studentships
at Newcastle are regularly
advertised on our funding
database. See below for more
information.
Finding funding
Finding funding for your
research degree is often a
time-consuming and competitive
process. There is no one single
source of information, so it’s
important that you do your
research and start your search
early. Although funding is made
available throughout the year,
the majority of funding is likely
to be advertised between
September and May.
Our searchable database
advertises many of the funding
opportunities available at
Newcastle and is updated
on a weekly basis. As a result,
it’s worth bookmarking the
page and checking back on
a regular basis to see the latest
opportunities.
Step by step...
1
Begin by refining your PhD research
idea/project title
OR
Search for a studentship project
2
Review our research groups and
academic staff profiles online and
consider whether their interests are
a good intellectual fit with yours
3
Contact the identified academic/s
or research group to discuss your
project and find out if they are
able to supervise you
5
Apply online. We accept applications
throughout the year, with students
typically beginning their studies in
either September or January. Some
PhDs also have start dates in April
EngD
(Engineering
Doctorate)
A combination of research and
industrial training
Generally more vocationally
orientated than a PhD. Spend
a significant amount of time in
industry developing scientific
techniques and management skills
Provides advanced technical skills
through attendance at Masters’-level
training courses
Tuition in Transferable Skills and
Educational Leadership (TSEL)
A doctoral level industrially relevant
project will be undertaken
4 years full time
MD
(Doctor of Medicine)
An MD involves clinical research
or a combination of clinical and
laboratory work
A higher degree undertaken by
clinically qualified staff, normally
during postgraduate medical
training
Typically, only graduates with an
MBBS are eligible to register for
an MD
You will undertake an original
research project and thesis
Usually one year less in length
than a standard PhD
Typically 2 years full time/
4 years part time
Professional
doctorates
eg Clinical
Psychology, Doctor
of (DClinPsy);
Applied Educational
Psychology, Doctor
of (DAppEdPsy);
Education, Doctor
of (EdD)
Slightly different to a PhD as these
degrees are closely aligned to the
participant’s professional training
May include a combination of
taught modules, work placements,
a project and a dissertation
Generally undertaken by those
looking for the highest level
of academic and professional
recognition in their chosen field
Length of study can vary, but not
usually less than 36 months
63 62 Research
awards (continued)