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.

Apply now Register your interest

Two students sitting in the Data Visualisation Suite, listening to another student present their work

Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1182

Duration4 years

Fee(s)View fees

LocationOn campus

Course summary

A PhD is generally considered the highest level of academic degree you can achieve and is an internationally recognised qualification. 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.

Critically investigate your chosen topic in great depth, with support, guidance, and encouragement from your supervisory team. Your investigation should result in the creation and interpretation of knowledge which extends the forefront of your discipline. It should make an original contribution to existing knowledge.

A doctorate is often an essential requirement for recruitment and promotion in university teaching roles. Therefore, a PhD is highly advisable if you're considering a career as an academic. In a broader sense, a PhD is a life-changing course that trains you to think at a higher level while you become an expert on a particular topic. It's quite possible 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 both the academic and practical aspects of your project. Regular supervisory meetings will provide structured opportunities to discuss progress, test ideas, and 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 will help you build the methodological and professional competencies expected of a postgraduate researcher. Structured milestones, such as sub-groups and annual monitoring reviews, ensure your project remains on track and continues to develop in depth and originality. You’ll also have access to broader academic and wellbeing support provided by the wider 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 encourages autonomy, resilience, and critical thinking.

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 through seminars, reading groups, writing retreats, and research clusters. You’ll have opportunities to share your work, learn from peers, and develop a wider understanding of research in your field.

Entry requirements

We require a UK honours degree (first or 2:1) or a UK master's degree (or equivalent qualification). We'll consider candidates with other qualifications, looking at evidence of academic ability such as published work.

If English is not your first language, you should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (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