The PhD is a programme of independent, self-directed academic research, supported by a team of supervisors that makes an original contribution to knowledge written up in a thesis. The PhD programme also supports the development of research and generic skills to equip you to operate successfully as a professional researcher in any setting.

By studying for a PhD, you will gain extensive knowledge and expertise in a specific area of your choice.

The MPhil is a research degree that focuses on independent, self-directed research reviewing or surveying, collating and evaluating existing knowledge on an approved topic. Students will then present the findings in a thesis for examination including a viva exam.

Like the PhD, the MPhil develops your research and generic skills and is pursued under the guidance of a team of expert supervisors. It differs from the PhD in that it is a smaller scale of work, conducted over a shorter period of time and does not create new knowledge in the field.

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a doctoral research degree undertaken by medical graduates. An MD project is of more focused scope and therefore shorter in length than PhD study but is of comparable depth and the work should also make an original contribution to medical knowledge. It may be laboratory- or clinically-based and will focus on a specific clinical research topic.

Practising UK-based GMC-registered clinicians may undertake a full- or part-time MD to work on a research question that arises from or is part of their clinical duties and interests. 

Professional doctorates are structured doctoral research degrees with taught elements that address aspects of theory, practice and research. They are equivalent in time, intellectual demand and academic outcomes to those of a traditional PhD.

Professional Doctorate students make a contribution to both theory and practice in their field, and develop professional practice by making a contribution to (professional) knowledge primarily through advanced supervised research written up as a thesis.

The PhD by Published Work route is intended primarily for mid-career research-active academics who, for one reason or another, haven’t had the opportunity to undertake a research programme leading to a PhD. Submissions for this award will consist of coherent body of work which is of the same quality, rigour and volume as required of a standard PhD in your field and which constitutes an original contribution to knowledge. 

At the University of Wolverhampton this route is only available for academic staff of the University appointed to a full-time contract or occupying a substantive part-time post equivalent to at least 0.2 of a full-time contract.

See 'Part D: Regulations for the degree award of PhD by Published Work' for more information: 

Higher Doctorates are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a command over a field of study and who have made a significant original contribution to the advancement of knowledge or to the application of knowledge (or to both).

Applications may be made for the following higher doctorates:

• Doctor of Arts (DArt)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Design (DDes)
• Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
• Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
• Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
• Doctor of Music (DMus)
• Doctor of Science (DSc)
• Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc)
• Doctor of Technology (DTech)

Higher doctorates are awarded based on a submission of a substantial portfolio of research-based work. The applicant must have published research outputs in the accepted media within their field of significant quality and quantity, and be involved in peer reviews of their subject.

 The work submitted must be of high distinction and must establish that the applicant is a leading authority in the field or fields of study concerned. Applicants must evidence a sustained and coherent contribution in their field over a number of years that is consistent with the applicant playing a leading role in their subject area. Applicants must demonstrate leadership in their field, the nature of which must be set out clearly in the applicant’s statement.

See 'Part E: Regulations for the award of Higher Doctorate' for more information.

All applications are assessed on an individual basis and in some cases the University may require you to meet higher entry requirements than the minimums outlined below. More detailed information is available in the relevant research degree regulations on the Research Degree Regulations webpage.

To apply for a research degree, you should normally hold one or more of the following:

• a first or upper second-class honours degree, or
• a master’s degree, or
• evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the University, or
• a qualification which is regarded by the University as equivalent to a first or upper second-class honours degree.

Applicants holding alternative qualifications, including professional qualifications, shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. In exceptional circumstances, the University may permit entry to research degree programmes to applicants who do not hold typical academic qualifications. Professional experience, publications, written reports, or other appropriate evidence of previous research shall be taken into consideration. The University may place additional entry requirements, including written or oral submissions, on applicants who do not meet the criteria to ensure an ability to study at the required level.

For a Higher Doctorate

The following shall be eligible to make application for the Higher Doctorate degree:

• Any member of the University’s staff who at the time of application have been employed by the University for not less than three years.
• An honorary or visiting member of staff of the University of Wolverhampton who have served for not less than four years
• Any alumnus of the University of Wolverhampton or the former Wolverhampton Polytechnic
• A person who has carried out research at or in association with the University of Wolverhampton for a period of at least fifteen years, which has led to publications that will form a substantial component of the body of work presented in support of the application

Applicants should be holders, of at least seven years’ standing, of a doctoral degree awarded by a UK University (or equivalent body), or of a qualification of equivalent standard.

English language requirements

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no individual element less than 6.0. The only exemption to this is for students who are not required to do so as per UKVI regulations.

For an applicant wishing to pursue a research degree in the areas of built environment, chemistry, computing and mathematics, computer science, or engineering, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score of 6.5 (Writing - 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any other component).

The fees charged for our postgraduate research degrees depend on whether you are a home student or an international student. Have a look at our Research Degrees Fees page for how much your programme will cost per year*.

*Research Support Fees: In addition to course fees, you may be liable for other charges, such as Research Support Fees (RSF). RSFs are a fee charged to provide funding to cover research-related items/activities which are essential in order to carry out the research. RSFs are detailed alongside our fees and these will be confirmed at the time of offer.

As a research student, you could self-fund or apply for funding from an employer or other organisation. Prospects.ac.uk has detailed information about funding postgraduate study.

Financial support for research study

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to www.wlv.ac.uk/howtopay.

Government loans

From 2018, the government is making loans available for postgraduate research students of up to £25,000, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan. 

Please note: If you are intending to make an application to Student Finance England (SFE) to fund your studies, before applying to SFE, you will need an offer letter from the University with a formally agreed start date for your doctoral research. An offer will only be made following successful completion of the application process, therefore your start date may be at least 3 months from the date you submitted your research application to us. 

Loyalty Discount

The University offers a 20% Loyalty Discount to students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions (PhD and MPhil) please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students

For Professional Doctorates please see: Postgraduate Loyalty Discount - University of Wolverhampton

Research councils

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.

University Research Studentships

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects.

Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Centre - please contact them directly.

Other sources

The Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund

Living in Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton has been voted the cheapest UK student to live in and ideally located for travel around the UK. Find out more about living in Wolverhampton by clicking here.

For more information applicants should refer to guidance from our Visa & Immigration team

All of our postgraduate research students belong to both their Faculty and The Doctoral College. The Doctoral College delivers a comprehensive programme of research training and development, as well as social events for you to meet with others and exchange ideas.

Additional support for all of our research students includes:

• The Gateway - Offering advice before you join us, including information on funding and career
• Careers, Enterprise & the Workplace - Careers advice & guidance, jobs & placements, volunteering, start your own business.
• The Chaplaincy - A friendly and unique place on campus for people of all faiths and none.
• Students’ Union - A Students Union bar, as well as opportunities to get involved in social and sporting activities, advice and support.
• Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) - Comprehensive support services for students with disabilities.
• University of Wolverhampton Alumni Association: Careers advice, discounts and opportunities to network and join us at special events.