The University offers three types of doctoral programmes.
While each programme serves a specific function and offers varied structured study routes, they all lead to the same qualification: a Level 8 doctoral degree.
A doctorate is the highest level of academic qualification, marked by its contribution to knowledge.
Programme structures
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
The PhD programme is structured around research and transferable skills training, whereby students undertake a period of supervised research in preparation to submit a thesis (i.e., an original contribution to the field of study). A standard PhD programme takes 3-4 years to complete full-time, and 7 years part-time.
Prof Doc (Professional Doctorate)
Professional Doctorate programmes contain some combination of taught compulsory and elective units, individual and/or group projects, and a written thesis under the supervision of academics (depending on the programme of study). A professional doctorate programme takes 3-4 years to complete full-time, and 7 years part-time.
iPhD (integrated PhD)
iPhD programmes contain a combination of taught, research and professional skills training elements, where students also undertake a period of supervised research in preparation to submit a thesis (i.e., an original contribution to the field of study). A standard iPhD programme takes 4-5 years to complete full-time, and 8-9 years part-time.