Postgraduate Research Programmes
Durham University is a research intensive university and the Faculty of Social Science and Health offers a wide range of research degrees. These degrees are ideal for anyone who would like to pursue study in a specialist research area of interest to them. Research degrees involve students following their own timetable of academic study, under the supervision of an academic supervisory team. Assessment is usually by thesis which is submitted at the end of the course.
You can study for one, two or three years (full-time), or two, four or six years (part-time) towards different research qualifications:
- PhD Doctor of Philosophy - 3 years / 6 years
- MD Doctor of Medicine - 2 years / 4 years
- MEd Master of Education - 2 years / 4 years
- MJur Master of Jurisprudence - 1 year / 2 years
- MPhil Master of Philosophy - 2 years / 4 years
- MSc Master of Science - 1 year / 2 years
- MA Master of Arts - 1 year / 2 years
Professional doctorates
We also offer the opportunity to study towards a professional doctorate or PhD with integrated studies, which combines an extended research thesis with a structured taught element. We offer a variety of these programmes, including Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Education.
Research training
All research students will have the opportunity to develop their research and transferable skills through theResearch Training Programmes offered by their academic department and the Graduate School.
Before applying
When applying to study for a research degree you must consult the department with which you would like to study and check that there is someone who can supervise your chosen thesis.
