Programme Type:

Course Overview

Our award-winning writers include Miriam Darlington (author of the nature writing book, Owl Sense), Ben Smith (author of the novel, Doggerland), and Anthony Caleshu (author of The Victor Poems and founding editor of Periplum press).

This full-time or part-time doctoral programme is suitable for people who have a particular research question or topic in mind, and wish to explore this through independent study in order to produce an original contribution to the subject. If you aspire to a research career this is the most appropriate research degree to undertake.

You will be guided by a small supervisory team of academic experts under the direction of a Director of Studies. 

You will be expected to fully engage with skills development and training and to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts.

Your PhD will be assessed via submission of either a written thesis (approximately 80,000 words), or one that combines critical writing with artistic, creative and/or professional practice, and a viva voce (an oral examination).

Entry Requirement 

Academic Requirements:

Masters degree or equivalent from a UK higher education institution in a relevant subject.

Applicants normally have to supply a research proposal, personal statement, and occasionally evidence that they are prepared to undertake the proposed project. This may include a portfolio, or a sample of critical writing, depending on their area of study.

Other UK or overseas qualifications may also be accepted – with academic reference

English Language Requirements:

The following Secure English Language tests (SELTs) are Home Office (UKVI) approved and accepted by the University of Plymouth and the University of Plymouth International College (UPIC). The scores required have been increased from the UKVI minimum specified scores to meet University requirements.

  • IELTS (Academic)
  • Trinity College London ISE (only a SELT if taken in the UK)
  • LanguageCert International ESOL 
  • Pearson PTE Academic

A SELT must be taken at an approved UKVI center.

The other tests and qualifications listed here have been deemed acceptable by the University of Plymouth and UPIC to meet our entry requirements and UKVI requirements for study at RQF 6 and above. 

Please note that these tests and qualifications are not SELTs.

When studying on a pre-sessional course or course below RQF 6, a SELT is a mandatory requirement set by UKVI. 

If studying at RQF 6 level and above, the University is permitted to accept other qualifications that we deem meet UKVI and our requirements.

Fees

Full time Home/Islands International
Band 2 £4473 £17170
Band 1 £4473 £13645
Writing up* £510 £510
Extension year** £2400 £6840
Research carried out mainly overseas (MPhil/PhD/ResM/MD only) N/A £6820
Resubmission fee £500 £500

This information was accurate on : 20/04/2021
Please contact us for more information about this courses

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