Research degrees
Research has helped our physical, psychological, sociological and economic development. Behind this research is a dedicated research student – someone with a real passion for their area of expertise. If you have the drive and determination to make new discoveries and contribute to how the world is evolving, a research degree is ideal.
Postgraduate research involves independent study to critically investigate and evaluate a subject of your choice. The taught elements of research degrees are significantly less than for postgraduate taught courses.
A research degree can lead to an academic career as a university researcher or lecturer. There are also opportunities in industry and the public sector.
A research degree gives you a range of high level transferable skills that will be valuable within any career.
You work on a self-directed research project of your choice, with a supervisory team to guide and assist you.
Research degrees involve
- studying a specific field in-depth, usually over two or three years
- writing-up your research in the form of a thesis or dissertation
- undertaking an oral examination – known as a viva – conducted by specialists in your field of research
As well as gaining expertise in your chosen field, you develop broader skills. You
- become increasingly self reliant and autonomous
- gain confidence in presenting your work and discussing related material
- gain considerable experience of project planning and delivery
This expertise will help you to build a successful career, whether you intend to stay within academia or work in another area. The skills you gain are valued by all types of employers. And because there are relatively few research students, this award will help you stand out.
During your time as a research student, you may get the chance to get involved in teaching and seminars, giving you valuable experience if you want to pursue a career as a lecturer. You can also present papers at conferences and publish your work, establishing your reputation as an expert in your field.
There are two types of research degrees – masters awards and doctorate awards.
Masters
Master of Research (MRes)
This research training contains some taught modules, but the main focus is on individual research project work. They are designed to further your subject knowledge and can be tailored to your subject of interest. In many cases the MRes is designed to prepare you for doctoral research, so you study it alongside your PhD. An MRes typically takes about two years of full-time study.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Master of Law by Research (LLM)
This is the first stage of your PhD. You critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic to demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field. There are some taught units on research methods and you are supervised by an experienced academic. You present and defend a thesis by oral examination. This stage typically takes about two to three years of full-time study to complete.
Doctorates
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
During this phase of your research, your aim is to make an original contribution to knowledge and understanding within your subject area, extending the knowledge within your field.
To qualify for a PhD award you
- undertake a piece of supervised research
- critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic
- successfully complete training in research methods appropriate to the field
- demonstrate an understanding of those methods
- produce work resulting in an extension to knowledge and an original contribution to knowledge and understanding – worthy of publication and peer review by the academic community
You submit your work for examination in the form of a thesis, presented to a professional standard and defended by an oral examination.
The standard duration of a PhD is three years of full-time study.
Professional doctorate
A professional doctorate is awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to their discipline through their research. The award is based on you
- undertaking a piece of supervised research in your professional field
- critically investigating and evaluating an approved topic resulting in a submission which successfully articulates the findings and makes an original contribution to knowledge and professional practice, and which contains publishable results
Higher doctorates
These are a higher tier of research doctorates. They may be awarded on the basis of a formally submitted substantial body of published original research of a very high standard.
They include
- Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
- Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
- Doctor of Science (DSci)
- Doctor of Laws (LLD)
We have
- two research institutes
- eight research centres
- eight research groups and networks
International organisations including NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Nokia, Microsoft, Sony, Philips and BP have used our research and consultancy expertise to help them in a variety ways, such as developing new products and researching markets.
Businesses often return to us, safe in the knowledge that we will find the answers they are looking for. You can be confident you're entering a reputable and committed research environment, respected by industry leaders – which is something future employers will value.
'I've experienced nothing other than support, guidance and empathy from my lecturers and the admin staff at Sheffield Hallam.
‘Compared to my undergraduate degree, the MRes and PhD are definitely more focused on your career. When I finish my research degree I'd like to go on to lecturing and to be an active researcher – writing publications and participating in conferences.’
Georgina Burns, PhD Sociology student
