Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degrees both involve a period of research, followed by the submission of a thesis.
PhD / MPhil Introduction
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) takes three years of full-time study and requires the submission of a thesis of not more than 100,000 words and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) takes two years of full-time study and requires the submission of a thesis of not more than 60,000 words. Both degrees are also available by part-time study: over a period of 6 years for a PhD and over 4 years for an MPhil.
Most students who are accepted begin a period of research leading to a PhD. However, the first year of both degrees is probationary and progress to year two is dependent on satisfactory progress.
Students following both degrees are normally supported in their research by two supervisors. The first of these will be a member of staff who has expertise in the general area of the prospective student's proposed research topic. Many students will know the names of both supervisors before they begin study, but it is not unusual for the second supervisor to be appointed during the first year.
The Moray House School of Education offers a number of courses in research methodologies, which research students are encouraged to take during their first year.
In addition Moray House has a Graduate School which arranges seminars and talks throughout the year and which all research students and supervisors are invited to attend.
Research proposal
As part of your application for these degrees, you should submit a detailed research proposal - please go to our 'Guidelines for a research proposal' page for more information about how to write your proposal.
The full range of research interests across The Moray House School of Education can also be viewed in our Research section.
This article was published on Nov 16, 2011