PROGRAMME AIMS
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in a specialist area. You will develop an all-round knowledge of your discipline, and a broad range of transferable skills.
You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area. You will work under the guidance of your supervisors. To be awarded a PhD you will submit a thesis and successfully defend this thesis in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The prescribed period of study for a part-time PhD is 72 months, and your thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the sixth year. The University regulations do allow a further 12 months study time for completion of the thesis but students are recommended to aim to complete within 6 years. Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD.
It is recommended (but not required) that students enrolled on the PhD by Distance programme will come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study in order to meet with supervisors. The visit could also be for the annual review process, or to attend research training courses. It is also recommended (but not a requirement) that PhD by Distance students return to Edinburgh for their oral examination (viva voce).
Years 1 and 2
Students are encouraged to:
* Attend the School induction for PhD students and other inductions/training required.
* Engage with School Postgraduate Research Training Sessions, including enrolling on the Research methods courses specifically designed for Postgraduate Research students in the School of Health in Social Science.
* Complete a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) by the end of month 2.
* Attend training courses offered by the Institute for Academic Development (IAD) and relevant graduate schools (i.e. the Scottish Graduate School of Arts & Humanities or the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences).
* Attend relevant research seminars and lectures across the University
* Submit a Report in preparation for the 1st Year Progression Review panel toward the end of First Year.
* Attend the School's annual PGR Conference (or similar school event if conference not taking place).
Students are required to:
* Complete a 10 week review paper
* Successfully complete the 1st and 2nd Year progression reviews
Years 3 and 4
Students are encouraged to:
* Continue to discuss training and professional development with your supervisors
* Update your Training Needs Analysis (TNA)
* Submit a paper for the Progression Review toward the end of Year 2.
* Engage with School Postgraduate Research Training Sessions, including enrolling on the Research methods courses specifically designed for Postgraduate Research students in the School of Health in Social Science.
* Present your work at the School's annual PGR Conference (or similar school event).
* Present your work (oral or poster) to your peers at relevant school events.
* Present your work at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to your research field.
* Participate in committees relating to postgraduate research.
* Attend relevant research seminars and lectures across the University.
* Contribute to the academic life of the School, such as through the PGR community, reading/discussion groups, research groups, open days, and outreach activities.
* Pursue opportunities for study away or exchange visits.
Students are required to:
* Successfully complete the 3rd and 4th Year reviews
Years 5 and 6
Students are encouraged to:
* Continue to discuss training and professional development with your supervisors.
* Update your Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
* Participate in committees relating to postgraduate research.
* Attend relevant research seminars and lectures across the University.
* Contribute to the academic life of the School, such as through the PGR community, reading/discussion groups, research groups, open days, and outreach activities.
* Publish research work in appropriate journals, as agreed with your supervisors.
* Present your work at the School's annual PGR Conference (or similar school event), as well as at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to your research field.
* Write up and submit your thesis.
Year 7
Students are required to:
* Complete and submit thesis for examination;
* Complete a Notice of Intention to Submit (approx. two months prior to expected submission);
* Prepare for viva examination.
A student must submit their thesis for assessment, to the relevant College, within 12 months of the completion of their prescribed period of study.
The PhD Examination -
The PhD thesis is examined in a viva voce examination with two Examiners. At least one examiner must be external to the University of Edinburgh.
The Examiners can recommend one of the following options:
a) that the dissertation is passed and the candidate is awarded the degree of PhD
b) that the dissertation is passed subject to minor corrections
c) that an additional oral examination is needed
d) That additional work is needed on the thesis up to 12 months but no further examination is required
e) that the dissertation requires substantial work, and is resubmitted up to 24 months: a second viva voce exam will be required by the Examiners
f) that the dissertation is awarded the degree of MPhil;
g) that the dissertation is awarded an MPhil following minor corrections
h) that the dissertation requires substantial work before being submitted for an MPhil
i) that the dissertation is awarded an MSc by Research
j) no award is given
FURTHER INFORMATION
PhD students in the School of Health in Social Science must also follow the additional information given in the School's Postgraduate Research Student Handbook (available on Registration).
The University's Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Students and Supervisors gives further information about the requirements of a PhD at the University of Edinburgh:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/copsupervisorsresearchstudents.pdf
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