If you choose to study at Southampton, you’ll work with internationally respected academics and experience world-leading research as it happens. You will become part of a 4000-strong postgraduate student community and have access to state-of-the-art learning resources.
- We offer a choice of over 200 taught programmes and more than 90 research degrees
- Our study opportunities include programmes which offer both taught and research components as well as international opportunities
- Our students come from over 100 different countries
- Our completion rate in 2005/06 was 90% for UK/EU students and 93% for international students.
Taught courses
Taught courses vary in emphasis - some provide essential training leading to research, while others offer career-specific preparation. Many courses are available as both full-time and part-time modes and some may also be followed through distance or flexible learning. For most of our courses, teaching is normally timetabled from 9am to 6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9am to 1pm on Wednesdays.
Generally you can progress to a Masters degree via a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma by accruing credits from each module or unit you choose. The award of a Postgraduate Masters degree can provide a platform from which you can continue towards doctoral level studies.
Whichever postgraduate route you choose, you will benefit from the support of academic staff working at the leading edge of their fields. You will also have access to the latest resources and a vibrant, student-centred environment that will enable you to achieve your full potential.
Research programmes
- gain expert knowledge in a specialist field
- design, implement and report on a research project
- foster your capacity for originality and constructive criticism
- participate in interdisciplinary personal and professional skills training co-ordinated through Faculty Graduate Schools
- network with other postgraduate research students through Graduate School activities.
MPhil
The minimum period of study for an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is one year, but in most cases postgraduate research students enrol for two years. Your initial studies under the close guidance of an academic supervisor will prepare you for potential transfer to PhD registration. You will normally transfer around the mid-point of your project, depending on your performance.
PhD
PhD study takes place within a demanding and rigorous research environment. The depth of your personal knowledge will increase and you will be expected to make an independent contribution to knowledge in your field. PhD applicants normally register initially for MPhil and transfer to PhD subject to satisfactory progress. For a PhD you can normally expect to finish your research after around three years full-time study.
For most of our courses, teaching is normally timetabled from 9am to 6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9am to 1pm on Wednesdays.
Glossary of PG qualifications
| Masters level | ||
| LLM | Master of Laws | |
| MA | Master of Arts | |
| MBA | Master of Business Administration | |
| MBV | Master of Business Venturing | |
| MMus | Master of Music | |
| MPhil | Master of Philosophy | |
| MRes | Master of Research | |
| MSc | Master of Science |
| Doctoral level | ||
| EdD | Doctor of Education | |
| EngD | Doctor of Engineering | |
| DClinP | Doctor of Clinical Practice | |
| DClinPsych | Doctor of Clinical Psychology | |
| DM | Doctor of Medicine | |
| PhD | Doctor of Philosophy |
