The Research Degrees Programme
The Institute of Education currently offers the following research awards either by full or part-time study:
- PhD
- MPhil
- EdD
- Master of Research: Education and Society (MRes)
- MA (by research)
- MSc (by research)
PLEASE NOTE that the MRes programme is being rewritten over the academic year 2011-2012 so we will not be recruiting students to this programme until September 2012.
Students registered on these courses conduct a research project on some aspect of education. This is reported in a thesis which forms the basis of the assessment for the award. For the PhD, the thesis is expected to be approximately 80,000 words, for the MPhil 40,000 words and for the MA/MSc 30,000 words. The EdD (Doctor of Education) comprises both taught modules and a thesis of 40-60,000 words, as does the MRes which involves written assignments and a dissertation of 10,000 words, made up of a 6,000 word essay and a case record of data.
Students are supported by a small team of supervisors (usually two tutors – a Director of Studies, who is largely responsible for their supervision, and a second supervisor who offers additional expertise and support). In addition, students are required to participate in a specially designed research training programme consisting of workshops and discussion groups. These are held on six weekends over two years (week-end and week-day blocks over one year for full time MRes students) and may be based on either the Didsbury or Crewe sites. There is also a programme of formal research seminars with invited guest speakers, and informal discussion groups where researchers and other students within the institution talk about their projects over coffee and sandwiches.
The Institute of Education has a dedicated Research Centre based on both sites which accommodates the research support staff and acts as a base for full and part-time students. There is also a Research Degrees Co-ordinator for the whole of the Research Degrees Programme who is available to all students to provide guidance and/or advice. Students also have access to the excellent facilities of the MMU library and sophisticated IT resources.
It is normal for students who wish to complete a PhD to register for an MPhil with the possibility of transfer to a PhD. In exceptional circumstances, for example where students can evidence prior research training and have completed a relevant Masters degree, the Institute Research Degrees Committee will consider an application for direct entry to the PhD Programme. There are two main phases to the MPhil/PhD research degree programme. First, after enrolling, students are expected to work with their supervisory team to produce a formal research proposal. This involves reading around the area of interest in order to refine the aims and theoretical orientation of the project. Consideration also has to be given to an appropriate methodology and research design. The proposal is then considered by the Institute Research Degrees Committee. Full time student are expected to submit this proposal after six months enrollment, part-time students after twelve. For the EdD this process takes place after two years, after completing Part A of the Programme.
Second, when the proposal is approved, students are formally registered on the degree programme and may proceed with the work. Please note that eligibility to proceed to formal registration is dependent on the successful outcome and acceptance of the student’s research proposal by the Institute Research Degrees Committee. It is the expectation, if work is progressing satisfactorily, for students following an MPhil to transfer to PhD. Students are then required to submit a transfer report, outlining the work already done and plans for future work, to the Research Degrees Committee for their consideration. If approval is given, students may then proceed to a higher level award. The time registered for the initial award becomes part of the overall period of registration towards an MPhil/PhD.
Full |
Time | Part |
Time | |
Max |
Min |
Max |
Min |
|
| MA/MSc (by research) | 24 months |
12 months |
36 months |
24 months |
| MRes | 24 months |
12 months |
36 months |
24 months |
| MPhil | 30 moths |
18 months |
48 months |
36 months |
| PhD | 48 months |
36 months |
72 months |
60 months |
| EdD | N/a |
N/a |
66 months |
54 months |
PLEASE NOTE that the MRes programme is being rewritten over the academic year 2011-2012 so we will not be recruiting students to this programme until September 2012.
Under exceptional circumstances students may make an application to the Research Degrees Committee for a reduction or extension to these time periods.