This qualification requires a minimum of 12 months full-time study or 21 months part-time. You're required to follow an approved scheme of research and coursework and to submit a thesis based on this work. This may include original research, a critical review of existing knowledge or a combination of both. Full-time study for a doctoral degree normally lasts a minimum of three years. A part-time option is available. The minimum period of part-time study is set according to how much time you're able to devote to study. You'll complete a programme of coursework and submit a thesis with the results of your research. It must make a "distinct contribution to knowledge". There's also a viva oral examination.Research areas Health systems Optimisation Risk & uncertainty Knowledge Operations & supply chain management We have a flourishing community of around 40 research students in the department. Our students come from many different countries and work on a variety of topics. All full-time research students (and some part-time students): have full access to computing facilities, email and internet undertake a research methodology course during their first year The department organises an annual residential workshop for research students and supervisors. It's held over two full days, involving discussion of individual projects and general issues such as research strategy, time management and writing-up. There are regular departmental research seminars, with staff and research students both attending and contributing. Other events, academic and social, are often organised by the students themselves.