About this course

Excellent research opportunities await at LJMU's Astrophysics Research Institute, enabling you to work at the forefront of developments with leading experts.

• Study full or part-time over one to seven years
• Complete your research degree (MPhil/PhD) in a Faculty known for its internationally-acclaimed research
• Explore scholarship opportunities
• Benefit from expert supervision and researcher training
• Enjoy excellent facilities and great employment connections

The programme route you undertake will depend on your qualifications and experience. Most of our students initially register for MPhil/PhD and go on to complete their PhD via successful progression from MPhil.

You can study for an MPhil full time over one or two years or part time over two to four years. Progressing from an MPhil (and including MPhil registration), you can study for a PhD full time over 33 to 48 months or part-time over 45 to 84 months. If you are taking a direct route PhD, you can study full-time over two to three years or part time over three to six years.

On joining LJMU you will be allocated up to three supervisors (including a Director of Studies) who will work with you during your studies. Progression monitoring is undertaken formally and informally by this team on an ongoing basis.

Each year, each Faculty provides the University Research Degrees Committee with a summative report on the progress of all its eligible postgraduate research students.

Throughout your studies, you will also have the support of LJMU’s Doctoral Academy which offers expert advice and guidance to those enrolled on MPhil and PhD programmes.

Assessment

How learning is monitored on your programme

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme. Assessment techniques vary from module to module to reflect relevant assessment approaches and the key learning points of each topic.

Final examination for both the MPhil and the PhD is by thesis and oral examination.

The MPhil differs from the PhD in terms of the depth of study required and the extent of your personal contribution to knowledge. It requires competence in conducting an independent enquiry as well as in the use of appropriate research methods and techniques. Examiners will expect you to display satisfactory background knowledge of the subject.

To gain a PhD you are expected to show mastery of a special field and to have made an original personal contribution to the understanding of a problem, the advancement of knowledge, or the generation of new ideas. Examiners will expect you to be at the forefront of understanding in your chosen topic.

If you are studying for an MPhil you may be able to progress to a PhD, via written and oral assessments in Year 2 (for full time students) or Year 3 (for part time students).