Why study a doctoral degree?

Doing a doctoral degree allows you to explore a topic in-depth, advancing understanding and helping to improve the world around you.

There are many reasons people do a PhD, including to:

• explore a subject they are passionate about, with likeminded colleagues
• advance their career
• become a recognised expert in a field of research

Doctoral research options

You can:

• propose and develop your own research, which you lead with the support of a supervisory team 
• apply to join a research project designed by the university’s academics

Most PhD students study for either three years full-time or six years part-time. They will write a thesis of around 80,000 words and present their research for examination.

Professional doctorates

If you work in education or healthcare, you may be able to do a professional doctorate, which combines taught courses with original research that helps benefit your industry.

Your studies could lead to other qualifications, such as:

• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Clinical Science (DClinSci)

How to decide if a doctoral research degree is right for you

Applying for a doctoral research degree takes time, commitment and ambition.

To help you decide if it’s for you, we recommend doing the short online course So You’re Thinking of a PhD?

This is a free resource developed by Manchester Met students that takes you through the process of doing a PhD from start to finish.