Research degree programme

Why study with us?

There are two research degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil). Both these higher degrees are awarded on the basis of a thesis, which embodies the results of the student’s research, the MPhil thesis containing evidence of originality in scholarship and the PhD thesis being a longer work containing an original contribution to knowledge.

All three faculties (Education, Health and Wellbeing, and Arts, Business and Science) offer opportunities to study at MPhil or PhD level, part-time or full-time. Individual research projects are organised through subject areas directly.

The University of Cumbria is known for having a supportive and caring environment. You will find staff here very approachable and keen to help you to achieve.

The Graduate School supports all research degree students during their time at University of Cumbria. We provide a friendly information point for students and staff on procedures from admission to graduation. We also arrange the Research Skills Development Programme including PhD Summer School.

Resources and facilities

There is a dedicated work space for full-time postgraduate research students currently on the Lancaster campus. This is equipped with individual study facilities, storage areas and computer equipment.

Entry requirements See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credits

Selection criteria

PhD by research

Admission to MPhil/PhD is made by submitting a research proposal and guidance is provided to support applicants in this process. Some experience of research, research training or professional practice is expected. An MA/MSc or equivalent is desirable, but not essential. An interview will be required.

Accreditation of Prior Learning may be considered. If you have non-standard entry qualifications or wish for previous study to be considered, please contact the Graduate School.

PhD by published work

Candidates for the degree of PhD by submission of published work must be:

• members or past members of staff at Lancaster University or at one of Lancaster University's associated institutions (Edge Hill University, University of Cumbria, Blackburn College, and Blackpool and The Fylde College), or
• alumni of Lancaster University or of one of Lancaster University's associated institutions (as listed above). In order to be eligible for consideration, alumni must be graduates of at least five years' standing and have already obtained a masters degree or show evidence of having received research training or equivalent experience.

Additional contact information

Main contact

Sonia Mason
Title/Role: Graduate School Administrator
Email: sonia.mason@cumbria.ac.uk
Phone: 01524 384221

Faculty Research Co-ordinator contacts

Professor Diane Cox
Faculty: Health and Wellbeing
Email: diane.cox@cumbria.ac.uk
Phone: 01524 590853

Apply now

For entry in October, applications will be accepted between 1 April and mid-September and for entry in April, between 1 October and mid March.

For further application information, please contact Sonia Mason at the Graduate School.

Course summary

Research degree study has to be an original investigation with the aim of increasing our knowledge and understanding of the selected topic. The Higher Education Funding Councils state that research also includes “work of direct relevance to the needs of commerce and industry, as well as to the public and voluntary sectors; scholarship; the invention and generation of ideas, images, performances and artefacts, including design, where these lead to new or substantially improved insights; and the use of existing knowledge in experimental development to produce new or substantially improved materials, devices, products and processes, including design and construction”.

There are two research degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil). Both these higher degrees are awarded on the basis of a thesis, which embodies the results of the student’s research, the MPhil thesis containing evidence of originality in scholarship and the PhD thesis being a longer work containing an original contribution to knowledge.

Research areas

• Local regeneration: nuclear, health, local government and HE
• Service delivery for NHS and care organisations and users
• EU and global activity
• New models of learning
• Learning disabilities
• Medical imaging perception
• Rehabilitation
• Nursing and midwifery
• Health improvement and public health
• Mental health
• Sport and physical activity

Case studies

"The range of professional and personal skills and knowledge learnt or developed during PhD study at University of Cumbria are highly valuable for my current position, which is appreciated by my co-workers. It has had an incredibly important impact on my scientific career and personal development." - Mariusz Pietrzyk, PhD Medical Physics

Mariusz completed his doctoral studies with the Medical Image Perception Research Group, in Medical Imaging Sciences (MIS), Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at Cumbria in 2010 and is now established as a Lecturer in Physics, Postdoctoral Research Associate and International Research Project Coordinator in Medical Radiation Sciences of the Faculty of Health Sciences University of Sydney and is also a Research Fellow at the Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI), University of Sydney, Australia.