collageStudents who want to further their education after obtaining a bachelor’s degree may want to pursue a Master. This advanced degree is available in a wide range of areas such as science, business, technology, arts and humanities.
Europe, one of the world’s seven continents, is usually known as the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia. Second smallest continent, with 10,180,000 (km2), the area regroups 50 countries.
Who is a PhD in Nursing?
A Ph.D. in Nursing discovers nursing problems in academia along with health structure enhancement. The Ph.D. study allows candidates to advance and take care of original investigation during which postgraduates concentrate on theory evolution and examination along with clinical processes or health administration. The typical program length of a Ph.D. is three years; this is comprised of one semester of additional study and 2.5 years of dissertation work and research.
UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
Course Summary
About the course
A University of Hertfordshire research degree is an internationally recognised degree signifying high levels of achievement in research. It develops extensive subject expertise and independent research skills which are honed over an extended period, depending on the level of the award. You would undertake a substantial, original research project for the duration of the degree, under the supervision and guidance of two or more academic members of staff. Your supervisory team provides guidance both in the selection of a research topic and in the conduct of the research. You are also supported by attendance at postgraduate seminar series to develop subject specific knowledge and research skills relevant to your field of research. The degree is assessed solely on the basis of the final research output, in the form of a substantial written thesis which must be “defended” in a viva. During the course of the degree, you would be given opportunities to present your work at major conferences and in refereed research publications.
Why choose this course?
By undertaking a PhD at the University of Hertfordshire you will gain: An internationally recognised research qualification. Developing advanced subject expertise at postgraduate level. Develop research skills through practice and extensive research experience. Employers are looking for high calibre graduates with advanced skills who can demonstrate independence through research.
Teaching methods
A PhD is a not a taught course. Students are expected to initiate their learning and development through seeking out opportunities provided by the University. Your supervisors will assist and support you throughout your time with us. The PhD programme can be undertaken on a full or part time basis and we endeavour to provide a fully supportive research and learning environment with flexible supervision to enhance your experience and help you to make the most of your research learning time with us. Your supervision team will have both subject expertise and PhD supervision experience
Tuition fees
UK fees
For this course (per year)
£5,430
Average for all Postgrad courses (per year)
£5,202
International fees
For this course (per year)
£13,650
Average for all Postgrad courses (per year)
£12,227
Entry requirements
An honours degree (normally at least 2:1 or above) in an appropriate discipline.
University information
The University of Manchester
Degree awardedDoctor of PhilosophyDurationPhD 3 years, MPhil 1 yearEntry requirements
We require:
- An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject
- AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution
- OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.
NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience.
We also have a four-year programme which is strongly recommended for anyone who:
- has not studied in the UK before;
- has not completed specific research methods training at master’s level and received ‘very good’ grades;
- has not completed a research dissertation at master’s level and received ‘very good’ grades;
- has not scored at least 6.5 in all areas of the IELTS (or equivalent) if English is not their first language.
Full entry requirementsHow to applyYou should complete the online application form to apply for this programme. On the online application form select PhD Nursing for the 3 year programme, or the relevant PT/DL options. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.
Early application is advisable. We cannot accept late applications without prior agreement via the Doctoral Academy.
Application deadlines
Home applicants – apply by 15 July
Overseas (including EU nationals) applicants – apply by 1 st week of June
Programme options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| MPhil | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Programme overview
- Learn from some of Europe’s leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
- Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
- Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy’s training programme.
- Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2020).
Open days
Attending an open day is a great way to find out what undertaking postgraduate research at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2021, the tuition fees are as follows:
- PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £4,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): £19,500 - PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): TBC
International, including EU, students (per annum): £9,750 - PhD (full-time distance learning)
UK students (per annum): £4,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): £19,500 - PhD (part-time distance learning)
UK students (per annum): TBC
International, including EU, students (per annum): £9,750
Academic entry qualification overview
We require:
- An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject
- AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution
- OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.
NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience.
We also have a four-year programme which is strongly recommended for anyone who:
- has not studied in the UK before;
- has not completed specific research methods training at master’s level and received ‘very good’ grades;
- has not completed a research dissertation at master’s level and received ‘very good’ grades;
- has not scored at least 6.5 in all areas of the IELTS (or equivalent) if English is not their first language.
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, or for those who have not recently studied in the United Kingdom, you must supply an official IELTS or TOEFL transcript to support your application, or provide a date on which you will be taking a test. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.
We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 90. For each of the components of the English test you should meet the minimum requirement of 6.0 (IELTS) or 21-23 (iBT).
English language requirements for our distance learning programme are:
- IELTS 7.0, with a score of 6.5 or above in each component
- TOEFL 106 internet based (with a minimum score of 20 in each component)
For more information about English language tests see English language requirements .
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements, including English language, see entry requirements from your country .
Professional entry qualification
Additional requirements for distance learning students
The distance learning PhD maximises flexibility and decreases the need for travel and to have an actual presence on campus (apart from the annual intensive study week), but it does not decrease the time and commitment required for serious and successful PhD study.
As well as the academic and language entry requirements outlined above, distance learning students must also prove that they have the time, commitment and language ability and facilities available needed to work remotely.
As part of their application, students should demonstrate that they have:
- at least two days per week minimum study time (part-time students) or full-time hours availability (full-time students);
- access to study sites and research participants;
- if seconded from employment to undertake the programme,approval and support from your employer for study time;
- adherence to University and home environment ethics and research governance procedures;
- consistent computer and IT access;
- a broadband connection: minimum downstream 2 Mb, upstream 256k;
- up-to-date Windows software;
- a webcam and microphone.
Students must maintain the expected virtual presence and communication to remain registered on the distance learning PhD programme.
Please note: When applying, distance learning students should clearly indicate their interest in the distance learning PhD on the application form.
How to apply
You should complete the online application form to apply for this programme. On the online application form select PhD Nursing for the 3 year programme, or the relevant PT/DL options. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.
Early application is advisable. We cannot accept late applications without prior agreement via the Doctoral Academy.
Application deadlines
Home applicants – apply by 15 July
Overseas (including EU nationals) applicants – apply by 1 st week of June
Advice to applicants
In addition to the formal online application, candidates should send:
- two academic references on official headed paper;
- a research proposal (see below for more details);
- personal statement (see below for more details);
- evidence of assurances about study leave where appropriate;
- formal confirmation of funding status, e.g. a letter from your sponsor or documentary evidence of your ability to meet all fees and living costs;
- a current CV;
- transcripts of your academic qualifications, including the marks obtained for individual modules, as well as the overall grade.
Candidates will be required to attend an interview. If it is not possible for you to attend in person, we will attempt to interview by Skype/video conferencing or telephone.
We are not able to process applications until we receive the required documentation.
About the research proposal
Your proposal should be 2,500 words (+/- 10%) long and include the following sections.
- Title.
- Background (previous research in the area and own interest in the topic).
- Research problem and study aims/research questions.
- Relevance of the proposed study to Manchester’s research priorities and strengths in midwifery.
- Proposed study design, with justification for choice.
- Overview of proposed data collection methods and analysis techniques, with justification for choice.
- Unique contribution of the study to knowledge (what new knowledge might your study provide).
- Brief consideration of practical and ethical issues.
- References (these are not included in the word limit).
About the personal statement
Your personal statement should be approx. 1,000 words in length and must provide details on your:
- career development to date and why you wish to apply for PhD study;
- future career plans;
- research experience (emphasis on best project);
- research interests (area and methods);
- other supporting information: recent publications if any (indicate best publication) or other research training and experience.
Interview requirements
Candidates will be required to attend an interview with their prospective supervisor as well as a Postgraduate Tutor. If it is not possible for you to attend in person, we are able to interview by Skype/video conferencing.
Disclosure and Barring Service check
Depending on the project you undertake, you may be required to undertake DBS screening. We will notify of you this requirement if appropriate.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course
Programme description
Our PhD/MPhil Nursing programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Nursing.
This postgraduate research programme in nursing gives students the opportunity to work with internationally renowned scholars engaged in innovative research that will make a difference in people’s lives and in health and social care.
We particularly welcome students from all health and social care disciplines who have an interest in exploring related subject areas.
3-year PhD (FT, PT, FT Distance Learning, PT Distance Learning options)
The PhD programme of study consists of:
- high-quality supervision by two members of staff with appropriate expertise to guide the PhD applicant throughout the study ensuring academic objectives are met and suitable training is provided;
- research and transferable skills training and support;
- optional taught course units in core research methods (to be discussed with supervision team);
- independent study;
- an advisor to offer pastoral support.
In addition to the support and guidance of the supervision team, students will have access to a comprehensive, tailored training programme.
Students will meet with their supervisors during induction week (and the beginning of each subsequent year) to undertake a skills audit to identify their learning needs and devise an individualised training programme.
A mandatory transferable skills unit is offered that includes:
- managing literature and searching;
- project management;
- research governance;
- involving patients and the public in research;
- ethics and academic writing.
There is also the option of additional training in research methods, completing taught master’s-level units.
Special features
All of our postgraduate research programmes are also available by distance learning. This innovative option is aimed at students who are generally unable to be present on campus, but have the desire, potential, time and resources to undertake a PhD.
This option does include attendance at an annual on-campus, intensive study week where you meet supervisors and fellow students.
If you meet the additional entry requirements (see the Entry requirements section), and wish to apply to study via distance learning, please ensure that this is clearly indicated on the application form.
The three-year PhD and MPhil programmes can be completed on a full time or part-time basis.
Training and development
All of our postgraduate research students attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Centre for Academic and Researcher Development (CARD).
The programme provides key transferable skills in areas such as commercial awareness, academic writing and public engagement. This training equips our postgraduates with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy.
The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.
See the training and development page for more information.
Teaching and learning
PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one year (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).
Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.
Coursework and assessment
Our PhD programmes follow the University’s methods of assessment for PhD study and student progress is monitored via a detailed electronic system (e-prog) using a standard set of progress and monitoring forms.
Students must submit work at specific stages, review their progress, identify their learning and development needs, and meet with their supervisors throughout their course. Some meetings and evaluations are informal, while others are formal and documented.
3-year PhD
You will submit a continuation report at the end of 11 months (23 months if part-time). This will summarise your knowledge and skills in your topic of study and your ability to apply this to produce a robust research plan to complete your study.
It is examined by two external examiners by a viva examination, and must be passed to progress to Year 2. Any taught units that are taken in full must also be passed to progress to Year 2.At the end of Year 2, you will submit a progress report via eProg for assessment by the supervisors and postgraduate research tutor. At the end of Year 3, the PhD thesis will be examined by an internal and external examiner.
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