Essex offers three types of postgraduate research degree.
A Master of Science by Dissertation (MSD) is a one-year research degree, sitting at the same level as an MSc. You will carry out independent research on a topic of your choice, with an academic supervisor. At the end you will write up your research and defend it in an oral exam known as a viva.
An MSD is an ideal degree if you are considering a research degree without the longer commitment of a PhD. However it does not preclude you from undertaking a PhD in the future, and if your research is progressing well you may be able to apply to upgrade to a PhD.
An MPhil is a two year research degree, on a topic of your choice with a supervisor. You will initially be enrolled on an MPhil if you apply for a PhD. If your research is progressing well then you will be changed to a PhD in your second year. You can opt to stay on the MPhil track, in which case you will finish your research and write up at the end of the two years, and will still have a viva.
A PhD is a minimum of three years. You will carry out research in to your chosen area of expertise, which will be written up in to a thesis and defended in your viva.
You can also take many of our research degrees on a part-time basis. This allows you to fit your research in around other things in your life, such as care and family responsibilities.