Distance-learning PhD by Supervised Research

Group of research students If you live outside the UK and hold a good and relevant Master's degree from a UK university (or equivalent), you may apply to undertake a PhD by supervised research on a part-time basis while continuing to live abroad. Everything said about our general PhDSR candidatures applies here too (see Supervised Research PhD), but there are some extra considerations.

Because, under this scheme, you’re not resident at Essex, we need to be confident that you can work independently. In your application, you’d need to demonstrate therefore that:

(a) you are equipped with all necessary basic research skills (or, where not, that arrangements have been made for the acquisition of such skills) and have access to academic literature and computing facilities in your own country; AND

(b) (if you are not a native speaker of English) you have an especially high level of ability in the English language, including writing; AND

(c) your research proposal is especially well focussed, taking into consideration the research and supervision interests of our staff. It is more likely that a supervisor will accept you as a distance PhD student if you are planning to research in an area that is central to that supervisor’s own research interests.

Distance PhD students register for a minimum period of six years part-time study; in exceptional circumstances, and where the character of the research environment and the nature of the research make it appropriate, the minimum period may be reduced to not less than three years of part-time study. Standard part-time fees will be charged.

When we accept a Distance PhD student, we will decide on an individual basis the frequency and mode of contact between you and your supervisor and student, the extent of face-to-face contact envisaged and periods of time to be spent at the University. We do expect you to visit us here at least once a year for an extended period of intensive supervision. Your Supervisory Board meetings will normally be held here at the University of Essex.

Applying

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