Studying an Integrated PhD in the UK

An integrated PhD is a 4 year study programme that is designed for graduates to acquire the necessary research skills in subject-specific interdisciplinary topics. This is an integrated PhD for graduate level students to move onto PhD studies straight after an honours undergraduate degree. The integrated Phd programme includes taught modules unlike the traditional research degrees which encourage students to take responsibility for their own research and PhD thesis. 

Research degrees in the UK traditionally last for a duration of 3 years full-time and 6 years part-time. Universities in the UK offer three types of other research degrees including:

• MPhil (Master of Philosophy) which is a 1 year full time or 2 year part time programme which may be transferred to a PhD programme later on
• MRes (Master of Research) which is an advanced postgraduate degree acquired in areas of arts, humanities and social sciences before beginning a proper PhD
• Professional Doctorate is a research degree aimed at improving professional practice in law, medicine, engineering, business and education

Normally the successful completion of a masters programme is required before embarking on empirical research and PhD studies, some UK universities offer integrated PhD degrees which can be studied directly after a bachelors and do not mandatorily require a master level education. 

Benefits of an integrated research programme

A PhD is the highest level academic certification awarded by the UK universities. However, it can be incredibly challenging to complete a PhD programme as well as financially burdening. An integrated PhD research programme on the other hand has several advantages:

• A PhD without masters is a great time saving option facilitating career progression for bachelor students who may directly move onto a Phd programme without a Master’s degree. Such a progression provides a competitive edge to graduates who move ahead in the desired career path in less time compared to the traditional route. 
• Savings on the financial costs is a major benefit of an integrated PhD degree. Completing a Masters which may last anywhere between 1-2 years can be financially draining and may require funding by way of bursaries, loans and scholarships.
• The research work allows students to make valuable contributions in their desired field through path breaking discoveries and findings of their research work.
• Integrated PhDs provide a broader training experience as students have access to tailored and highly specialist training of research processes and techniques along with hands-on guidance and supervision. 
• Many universities also award an official Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate in Research after completion of the first taught year, in addition to the PhD award. These are often required by employers in many countries to certify skill training in the desired fields.
• Students who do not wish to continue with the PhD programme can benefit from the intermediate exit award such as a Master’s degree, Postgraduate diploma or MPhil upon completion of the initial taught year and submission of dissertation or thesis.

Integrated Research Programmes at UK Universities

Top ranking universities in London and other places in the UK offer Integrated PhD Degrees in the fields of Science, Medicine, Economics, Law, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Management and Mathematics. These include:

• Imperial College London

• Brunel University london

• University of Edinburgh

• University of Sheffield

• University of Southampton

• Newcastle University

• Lancaster University 

Study PhD in the UK

If you are interested in studying Research/PhD in the UK and want to learn more about how to apply, where to apply and how to fund your studies, book a free consultation with SI-UK. Our education consultants can expertly guide you throughout the application process.

Register for free consultation

Register for free consultation