What is a PhD?
A PhD is an independent piece of research and writing that presents an original contribution to existing knowledge within a given discipline. Liverpool Hope University will award the degree of PhD to students who have demonstrated:
- the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication;
- a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;
- the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
- a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
Typically, holders of a PhD degree from Liverpool Hope University will:
- be able to make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches.
- have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility;
- demonstrate largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations.
The maximum length of a PhD thesis at Liverpool Hope University is 100,000 words.
How long will it take?
The period of study for a PhD is:
- Full-time candidates: typically 3 years; final deadline 4 years
- Part-time candidates: typically 5 years; final deadline 6 years
Professional Doctorates are designed for experienced professionals who want to develop their practice and make an original contribution to knowledge through research. They are doctoral-level qualifications, at the same academic level as a PhD, but are specifically designed around research arising from professional practice.
The Professional Doctorate combines a structured taught phase with substantial independent doctoral research. The taught phase provides opportunities to develop advanced research knowledge and skills, explore critical issues in professional practice, and engage with researchers and professionals from a range of disciplines.
Following successful completion of the taught phase, students progress to the research phase and work with a specialised supervisory team to undertake an original programme of research within their professional field.
Liverpool Hope University offers twelve Professional Doctorate routes:
How is the Professional Doctorate structured?
The Professional Doctorate has two phases: a taught phase and a doctoral research phase.
The taught phase is designed to develop the research expertise needed to undertake doctoral-level research. Students build their knowledge and understanding of research progressively, from identifying and critically engaging with issues in professional practice through to reviewing literature, developing methodological expertise and designing their own doctoral research project.
The taught phase consists of six 30-credit modules:
- Critical and Contemporary Issues
- Introduction to Research in Practice
- Literature Review in Your Specialism
- Research Methods
- Methodology and Methods in Your Specialism
- Research Proposal
Together, these modules provide 180 credits. Throughout the taught phase, students develop as researchers while applying their growing research expertise to their own professional field. By the end of the taught phase, students will have developed the knowledge, skills and methodological understanding required to undertake their independent doctoral research.
During the research phase, students will work with a supervisory team to undertake a substantial programme of original research within their professional field. The research phase culminates in the submission of a doctoral thesis of up to 60,000 words.
How is it taught?
The Professional Doctorate offers different patterns of study depending on students’ circumstances. There are three modes of study: part-time, full-time and an online route for international students.
The part-time and full-time routes are based at Hope Park. Each taught module includes two Saturday teaching days and one evening session.
The part-time taught route is completed over two years and is designed to be combined with an existing professional career. Students complete three modules each year, with teaching taking place over six Saturdays and three evening sessions per year. This is complemented by independent study and research.
The full-time route, requires a full-time commitment to doctoral study. Full-time students complete all six taught modules in one year and therefore attend twelve Saturday teaching days and six evening sessions across the academic year. Students should expect to devote the remainder of their working week to independent study, reading, research and the development of their doctoral project.
We also offer an online route for international students based in their home countries. This route follows the same Professional Doctorate programme and is delivered fully online, enabling international students to undertake the programme without attendance at Hope Park.
Across all three routes, teaching is focused on developing students’ research expertise and supporting the development of their own doctoral research. Students engage with researchers and professionals from different disciplines while also receiving specialist support related to their own professional and research interests.
How long does it take?
For part-time students, the taught phase is completed over two years. This route is particularly suited to students who wish to undertake doctoral study alongside an existing professional career.
For full-time students, the taught phase is completed over one year. Full-time study requires a full-time commitment to the programme.
Following the taught phase, students progress to the doctoral research phase. The research phase typically takes around three years to complete, although there is flexibility depending on the nature of the research and the time required to complete the doctoral project.
What is an MPhil?
The MPhil is an award of considerable distinction in its own right, and is awarded for the successful completion of a substantial element of research or equivalent enquiry. The MPhil differs from the PhD only in terms of the scope of study required, demonstrated by the shorter word limit of 60,000, and the extent of the original personal contribution to knowledge.
Liverpool Hope University will award the degree of MPhil to students who have demonstrated:
- a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice;
- a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship; originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline;
- conceptual understanding that enables the student: to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
Typically, holders of an MPhil degree from Liverpool Hope University will:
- be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level;
- continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
- have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
How long will it take?
The period of study for an MPhil is:
- Full-time typically two years; final deadline three years
- Part-time typically three years; final deadline four years
The UK doctorate: A guide for current and prospective doctoral candidates
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and the National Union of Students (NUS) have created a guide for PGR students which recognises the diversity of awards and the student population to help guide doctoral students and applicants through what a UK doctorate is. We would encourage you to refer to this guide during the application process.
