PhD Doctor of Philosophy Full-time

A PhD is generally considered the highest academic degree you can achieve and is an internationally recognised qualification. Your original research will culminate in a written thesis of 40,000-80,000 words.

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Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1182

Duration4 years

Fee(s)View fees

LocationOn campus

Course summary

You can undertake a PhD in one of the following subject areas:

Art and Design
Business and Management
Computer Science
Culture
Education
Engineering
Law
Media and Communications
Medicine
Nursing and Health*
Psychology
Sciences*
Sport
Social Sciences
Tourism.

*Please note applications for PhDs in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are currently paused to self-funding students. We hope to re-open this route soon.

Your original research will culminate in a written thesis of 40,000-80,000 words.

You'll critically investigate your chosen topic in great depth. You'll receive support, guidance, and encouragement from your supervisory team. Your investigation should result in the creation and interpretation of knowledge. This should extend the forefront of your discipline. It should make an original contribution to existing knowledge.

A doctorate is often an essential requirement for university teaching roles. Therefore, a PhD is highly advisable if you're considering a career as an academic. A PhD is a life-changing course that trains you to think at a higher level. You'll become an expert on a particular topic. It's likely that you'll end up knowing more about your topic than almost anyone else in the country.

How you'll learn

Your learning experience centres on the development of advanced, independent research skills. You'll work alongside academic supervisors and engage in a range of scholarly activities. These will support the progression of your project and your growth as a researcher.

Individual supervision

A dedicated supervisory team will support you. They'll guide your research direction and challenge your thinking. They'll also help you navigate the academic and practical aspects of your project. Regular supervisory meetings will provide structured opportunities to:

Discuss progress
Test ideas
Refine your approach.

Research training and development

You’ll take part in research training and development sessions, tailored to your stage of study. These may include:

Research design
Literature reviewing
Data analysis
Academic writing
Ethics
Impact planning
Dissemination.

These sessions help you build the skills expected of a postgraduate researcher. This includes methodological and professional competencies. Milestones, such as sub-groups and annual reviews, keep your project on track. This helps develop your projects depth and originality. You’ll also have access to wider academic and wellbeing support from the University.

Independent research practice

Much of your learning will take place through hands‑on research. You'll design and carry out your own research study. This may comprise:

Fieldwork
Laboratory work
Archival research
Creative practice
Empirical data collection
Theoretical analysis.

This self-directed approach helps you become more independent. It also builds resilience and critical thinking skills.

Academic community and peer support

You'll be part of a vibrant research community here at Sunderland. Our central research hub enables you to work alongside peers. You'll participate in seminars, reading groups, writing retreats, and research clusters. You’ll have opportunities to:

Share your work
Learn from peers
Develop a wider understanding of research in your field.

Entry requirements

You'll need one of the following or an equivalent qualification:

A UK honours degree (first or 2:1)
A UK master's degree.

We may accept other qualifications. This could include published work to assess your academic ability.

If English isn't your first language, you should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5. You must score at least 6.0 in each part: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Research proposal

As part of your application, you'll be asked to write a research proposal.

Your research proposal is a summary of the research you intend to carry out as part of your chosen research degree.

It should outline:

the aims of your research
the rationale for your research (the area you’ll be investigating, what is already known, and why your research will contribute to the area)
how you’ll conduct your research (your proposed methodology and techniques for analysis)
a provisional time plan for the research

See our article on how to write a research proposal for further information, including tips on how to structure your proposal.

Fees and finance support

See all course tuition fees.

Apply now