Overview

In the Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Sunderland , you will critically investigate your chosen topic in great depth, with support, guidance and encouragement from our supervisory team. Crucially, your investigation should result in the creation and interpretation of knowledge which extends the forefront of your discipline. It should make an original contribution to knowledge.

Key Facts

A PhD is “probably the most internationally transferable qualification” according to the Higher Education Policy Institute.
Increasingly, a doctorate is an essential requirement for recruitment and promotion in university teaching roles. More broadly, a PhD is a life-changing programme that trains you to think at a deep level while you become an expert on a particular topic. It is quite possible that you will end up knowing more about that topic than almost anyone else in the country.

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Programme Structure

Curriculum:

More broadly, a PhD is a life-changing programme that trains you to think at a deep level while you become an expert on a particular topic.
It is quite possible that you will end up knowing more about that topic than almost anyone else in the country.
A PhD is highly advisable if you are considering a career as an academic

Check out the full curriculum

Visit programme website

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

More details

Part-time undergraduate courses are different and can be applied for by completing and submitting the online application form.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

92

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IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Sunderland, United Kingdom

Disciplines

General Studies View 18 other PhDs in General Studies in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The normal entry requirement for a research degree is a UK honours degree (first or upper second class) or a UK Masters degree or a qualification which is regarded as equivalent. We will consider candidates with other qualifications, looking at evidence of academic ability such as published work.

If English is not your first language, you will need a British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking (or equivalent).

You will be asked to write a 2-3 page research proposal that specifies the:

Aims of your research
Rationale for the research question(s)
Proposed methodology and techniques for analysis
Provisional time plan for the research

Make sure you meet all requirements

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14500 GBP / year

≈ 14500 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4700 GBP / year

≈ 4700 GBP / year

Living costs

Sunderland

United Kingdom

758 - 1438 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Doctor of Philosophy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Sunderland

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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