A PhD is a doctoral degree based on a significant and original individual research project which culminates in an in-depth thesis (or alternative form of submission as below) which is relative to an area of staff expertise.

You can complete your PhD on a full or part time basis, on campus or by distance (if the nature of the research allows). There are no classes to attend as the PhD is based on research.

PhD by Thesis

This is the most popular route to the award of PhD. You will normally initially register for an MPhil/PhD and submit an PhD transfer report at the end of year 1 (or equivalent for part-time) which will be assessed to determine whether you can continue your studies to PhD. At the end of your programme, you will submit for examination and defend a thesis (of up to 100,000 words) on your approved topic which must demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge.

It may be possible to register directly for the award of PhD if you already hold a Masters degree which included a significant research component providing it is in the same discipline as your proposed research and it included training in research and execution of a research project.

PhD by Portfolio

If you're a professional with an existing body of work, a PhD by Portfolio could be the route for you. There are many advantages to completing your doctorate in this way. One of the biggest appeals is that it can be completed in 12 months part time. This not only makes it cost effective but also a viable option for busy professionals who may be musicians, authors, engineers or healthcare professionals, educators or in the police / armed forces who have a suitable body of work.

Up to three projects/pieces of work and associated outputs are required at the application stage; the majority of these will be complete at the time of application and / or registration. You will be supervised to write a critical overview of up to 15,000 words which brings the projects together into the final PhD by Portfolio submission. This must demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge. As with all PhDs, the final assessment includes a viva examination.

The attraction of experienced professionals having a PhD will vary, with some wanting to get a job in academia, while some are more interested in receiving acceptance and recognition from the institution or profession they operate in for work they have already done.

PhD by Publication

If you are a past or present member of staff, alumni or have very strong links with the University of South Wales, you may apply for a PhD by Publication. You will submit for examination and defend an approved body of published work, together with a critical overview.

Applicants for PhD by Publication normally require six peer reviewed journal articles, or equivalent book chapters or monographs, as sole or first author.