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The University of Bath awards various research degrees: Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Engineering (EngD), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor in Health (DHealth), Master of Surgery (MS) and Doctor of Medicine (MD): the vast majority of research students at Bath register initially for the degree of MPhil and transfer from this to the degree of PhD. Further information about the EdD may be obtained from the Department of Education, about the MS, MD and DHealth degrees from the School for Health, and about the EngD programmes from the Departments of Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering and the School of Management.
MPhil and PhD degrees
What is required and how is my work assessed?
In order to be awarded an MPhil or a PhD, you will be expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of your chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. The University Regulations require that this thesis must provide 'evidence of originality of mind and critical judgement in a particular subject'; for the degree of PhD to be awarded, it must also contain material which is deemed 'worthy of peerreviewed publication'. The final stage of the PhD degree is the oral or viva voce examination, in which you will be required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners, normally consisting of one examiner from within the University and one from outside. If you submit a thesis for the degree of MPhil, the examiners may choose not to conduct a viva voce examination.
Supervision
All research students at the University of Bath are allocated supervisors. You will have regular meetings with your supervisors, who will advise you on the directions your research should take, and provide advice on aspects of the production of your thesis, but the ultimate responsibility for deciding when the thesis is ready for submission rests with you.
Monitoring your progress
There are various procedures in place to ensure that your progress is monitored properly throughout your time as a research student at Bath, including reports composed jointly by students and their supervisors which are then submitted to the Faculty or School Board of Studies.
The University Research Students Committee also monitors research postgraduate progression and completion rates as part of its remit for setting and monitoring the standard of all aspects of postgraduate education within the University.
Transfer from MPhil to PhD
The transfer from MPhil to PhD is subject to your passing an assessment process, the details of which vary between Departments, but which normally involves submission of written work and an oral examination. This generally takes place during the second year of study.
How long will it take?
Depending on whether you are full-time or part-time, the amount of time allowed by the Regulations for the various research degrees is shown here.
Once you have completed the necessary research, and provided that you have been registered for the minimum time required by the Regulations, you may, subject to the approval of the Board of Studies, transfer to one of two 'writing-up' statuses. Students who continue to require minimum supervision and continued access to the Library and computing facilities pay the Continuation Fee (£530 pa in 2008 - 9), and students who require no further supervision and no access to the Library and other facilities pay the Administration Fee (£84 pa in 2008 - 9).
The MRes degree and Integrated PhD programmes
The one-year full-time taught MRes course is a valuable and exciting addition to PhD research programmes in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (where it is recognised by the ESRC within the 1 + 3 research funding scheme), in the School of Management, and in the Faculty of Science, where it is offered under the umbrella of the NewRoutePhD. It aims to provide students with an insight into a range of research activities, techniques and skills, enabling them to carry out their subsequent doctoral research as effectively as possible. It is also available as a stand-alone qualification. Department entries in this prospectus indicate whether they offer an Integrated PhD programme.
Professional doctorates
The portfolio of professional doctorates currently includes the degrees of EdD, DBA, DHealth and EngD. All are defined by placing research of the highest academic quality in the context of ‘real world’ professional practice and reflection, to the enrichment of both. The University is keen to expand this area of work, so do keep an eye on the website for new developments.
Training for research students
During a research degree, you will acquire lots of generic and transferable skills as well as learning how to do research in your discipline. You will be required to undertake training and development in skills that can be applied to any field of work: there may be courses on communication skills, project management and writing skills, for example. Many of these will be organised by your Department, School or Faculty. Others are offered centrally by the Staff Development Unit, and there are external programmes run by the Research Councils and other bodies. Your supervisor can help you decide which areas you need to work on and help you choose the right training options. If you are involved in teaching, the University provides appropriate training through the Staff Development Unit, some of which is credit-bearing.
Details of many of the courses currently on offer can be accessed from the Staff Development website as well as via the Graduate Office website.
Further information
The University has a Code of Practice for Research Students and their Supervisors as part of its Quality Assurance procedures.