PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

About the project

A PhD at Cumbria allows you to develop your ambitions in a supportive, challenging and innovative research environment. With supervisory expertise at the intersections between theory and practice, the University offers a range of doctoral programmes to suit your research needs. These include full-time and part-time options for PhDs, PhDs by Art Practice, PhDs by Alternative Format and Professional Doctorates (DProf).

Course Overview

The University of Cumbria delivers a range of postgraduate research degrees, so you can ensure your programme of work matches your interest and ambitions: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): A doctoral-level award assessed through a research thesis and oral defence. Alternative Format PhD: A doctoral programme where the body of work to be assessed is in a format other than the traditional single volume thesis. PhD by Art Practice: A doctoral programme where the body of work to be assessed comprises a negotiated set of research outcomes mediated by individual creative and art practice. PhD by Publication: A doctoral-level award comprising an assessment of a student’s published works within a related field of study. In order to be eligible for consideration, applicants must be a University of Cumbria alumni and graduate of at least five years' standing and have already obtained a master’s degree or show evidence of having received research training or equivalent.

On this course you will...

• Benefit from excellent supervision by a supervisory team.
• Become a part of a dedicated Graduate School.
• Have access to our research repository, networks, and facilities.
• Have the opportunity for supervised involvement in teaching.
• Have the option to study at our Ambleside, Carlisle or Lancaster campuses.

Key Details

• Recruiting to UK / RoI / Settled in UK EU / EEA / International
• Course Location Ambleside Carlisle - Brampton Road Carlisle - Fusehill Street Lancaster
• Mode of Delivery Blended Learning
• Course Duration Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 4-7 years
• Course Start Point March October
• Award PhD
• Open Days Ambleside Carlisle - Brampton Road Carlisle - Fusehill Street Lancaster All

Minimum entry requirements

2:1 or above

Honours degree

UK Tuition fees

£5,005

Entry in 2025/26

£5150

Entry in 2026/27

International Tuition fees

£16,000

Entry in 2025/26

£16,460

Entry in 2026/27

• Course structure
• Teaching & assessment
• Entry requirements
• Fees & funding
• Proposal Guidelines

What you will learn

A Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) is awarded to students who undertake a substantial research project that impacts the future of their field of study, contributing new knowledge, techniques, and understanding. For a traditional PhD, you will research a subject independently, supported by two supervisors and occasionally three if external specialist subject expertise is required. All supervisors provide advice and oversee students’ progress, usually through regular supervision meetings. If you are full-time you will be allocated 30 hours of contact time per year and if you are part-time 20 hours per year. PhDs can potentially be undertaken in any subject the university has expertise in at doctorate level. PhDs can be undertaken full-time over a timeframe of 3-4 years, or part-time over 4-7 years.

How you will learn

In addition to the support of two designated supervisors, we have three dedicated 24/7 access Postgraduate Research Study Rooms which you can use as part of your studies on our campuses at Lancaster, Carlisle Fusehill Street and Ambleside. You can also access all campus libraries for research as well as our Graduate School online learning platform.

As a PhD student, you can utilise the Research Skills Development Programme, which provides a range of free workshops for all staff and postgraduate research students over the academic year. The workshops are formulated to provide support during your PhD journey.

At the beginning of your PhD they will help you develop your research aims and acquire specific skills or tools you need to carry out your research. The workshops aimed at mid-stage will focus on managing your research and starting to put it in a broader professional context. In the final stages they will guide you through thesis formatting, submission and examination procedures and regulations, as well as setting aside time to communicate your research with others and the potential impact of your research.

You will also participate in the annual Research Skills Summer School, held in early July each year. Hosted by The Graduate School for postgraduate researchers in a blended learning environment of virtual workshops and in-person sessions at the Lancaster campus, the Summer School is tailored to doctoral level study and the PhD journey.

Please find out more about our PhD resources from The Graduate School .

How you will be assessed

The PhD Programme includes the following assessment stages:

Transfer/Confirmation:

The transfer/confirmation process is the formal assessment postgraduate research students are required to undertake in order to continue with their PhD. It usually takes place between 12-18 months for full-time students and 18-24 months for part-time students. The transfer/confirmation process is initiated by a collaborative discussion between you and your supervisors at the time when you are ready to transfer. The panel must be able to confirm that your work is of appropriate quality and standard, and the project is viable within the registration period, based on draft chapters and/or evidence of data gathered.

Thesis:

At the end of your doctorate you will submit a thesis reflecting your body of research, with a maximum of 80,000 words and minimum of 60,000 words for PhD.

Viva Voce:

Once you have submitted your thesis you will be invited to defend your doctorate at a ‘viva voce' (Latin for ‘by live voice') or oral examination in front of a panel.

There are variations where works other than a thesis are accepted, these include a PhD by Art Practice and a PhD by Publication. Please contact Research Student Admissions at: rsa@cumbria.ac.uk for more information.

Overview

A 1st or 2:1 Honours degree, or Merit or Distinction Masters degree or its equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognised university in the UK or comparable university overseas. A Master's degree may be desirable in some subject areas.

If you have non-standard entry qualifications or wish for previous study to be considered, please contact Research Student Admissions.

To apply for the PhD Programme, you must submit an application form and a research proposal.

The research proposal is an important part of an application for a research degree and we recommend you read our guide to writing a research proposal: PhD Research Proposal Guidelines .

A proposal needs to include:

To apply, please click on the Apply Now button, which will take you to our online application form. Please email any questions about your application to Research Student Admissions at: rsa@cumbria.ac.uk . As part of the online application, you will need to submit a research proposal.

Applications are assessed on:

• A Working Title of the Topic Area
• Potential Lead Supervisor and Academic Subject Area
• General Overview of Area
• Identification of the Relevant Literature
• Key Research Questions
• Methodology
• Timescale/Research Planning
• Bibliography
• Content of your academic qualification.
• Degree certificates and transcripts of previous higher education (college/university) degrees or other courses that you have completed/for which you are currently studying. Note that, for transcripts in languages other than English, a certified English translation will be required.
• Consistency of your academic performance in your academic qualification.
• Academic and/or work personal references.
• Work experience (where relevant).

Language requirements

• A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in in Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening) or equivalent.

Preparing Your Research Proposal

A crucial part of a PhD application is the research proposal. This page provides guidance on writing a research proposal. Here are a few suggestions on what to include and what to avoid.

In making an application, make sure that the specialist area you wish to study is covered by a member/s of staff at the University of Cumbria. You can use the PhD Supervisors webpage to explore supervisor profiles relevant to your intended topic, or check the fields of study on the university's Research Centre webpages.

Normally a proposal should be between 1500 and 2000 words (approximately 6 pages of A4 double-spaces) and will include the following:

This should be succinct and descriptive and should do more than convey the key words associated with the proposed research.

This should take the form of a brief abstract of the general area of study. You might also refer to the way in which your own background gives you competences in your chosen area.

In considering the proposal the admissions panel will be looking for evidence that an applicant has sufficient grasp of current research in the field to allow the formulation of a feasible research question.

It should include the research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any) and the proposed method. Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample and any instruments that will be used, where applicable.

In this section you should develop your proposal to demonstrate that you are aware of the existing debated and issues raised in relevant bodies of literature. References to key articles and texts should be made to show that you appreciate their relevance to your research area.

A PhD is a piece of research containing an original contribution to knowledge and so you should demonstrate that your proposed area have not been studied before, and identify what your niche area will be.

You must demonstrate that the topic can be completed within the normal time period allowed (2-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time), therefore you need to show that it is manageable. Focus on key questions within your niche area.

You need to demonstrate an awareness of the methodological tools available to you and show some understanding of which would be suitable for your research. For example, it may be that qualitative methods, including the analysis of interviews, is appropriate.

Alternatively your approach may involve forecasting or statistical, financial or econometric modelling. In other cases you may be combining methodologies. You need to specify the approach you feel will be most appropriate.

You need to demonstrate an awareness of the need for planning and the timescale of the research.

You should include a short list of references to key articles and texts included in the application.

• Broad topic areas which would be unmanageable as PhD topics - make your topic as specific as possible.
• Vague descriptions of research areas - describe your research area in detail.
• Subject areas where the University of Cumbria has no expertise.

Tuition Fees

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Stationery, printing and digital storage

Approximately £30 to £40 per year

Required · Per year · Stationery

You should budget for stationery and consumables for personal use. These may include notebooks, pens and pencils, digital storage devices, printing and photocopying. The amount you spend will depend on your study preferences.

Books and journals

Approximately £50 to £300 over the course of your studies

Optional · Throughout the course · Books and journals

Most core textbooks and journals are available through the University library. You may choose to purchase personal copies of books or other resources used to support your studies.

Some courses recommend particular books or provide an estimated annual budget for purchasing personal copies. Search for your course below for details.

Technology requirements

Cost depends on the equipment and internet service you choose

Required · Throughout the course · Digital learning and IT

You will need regular access to a laptop or computer capable of accessing the internet and running software such as a word processor and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 is provided as part of your studies. You will also need a reliable internet connection. The amount you spend will depend on the equipment and internet service you choose.

Information on borrowing university laptops

• Location Ambleside Campus Nestled in the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ambleside campus is the perfect place for world-savers, animal lovers, and adventurers. There is never a dull moment when surrounded by such natural beauty and opportunity. Find out more

Location

• Location: Ambleside Campus
• Location Carlisle - Brampton Road Campus Located just outside the city, right on top of Hadrian's Wall, the Brampton Road campus is full of history, buzzing with excitement, creativity, and a sense of endless possibility. The home of creators, entertainers, rule breakers, and change-markers. Find out more

Location

• Location: Carlisle - Brampton Road Campus
• Location Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus The Fusehill Street campus has been the setting of life-saving treatments since World War I. Now, it's home to world changers, life-savers, crime fighters, and entrepreneurs with access to high-quality facilities and innovative thinking. Find out more

Location

• Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus
• Location Lancaster Campus Lancaster is the Red Rose heartland, a student haven full of history and culture. With iconic stone architecture, parkland, and a caring community, this is the place to get involved. The campus houses top-quality facilities tailored to the needs of life-savers, world changers, and future leaders. Find out more

Location

• Location: Lancaster Campus

Find out more about studying with us

• Student life Start your journey.

Student life

• Accommodation Comfortable and safe living.

Accommodation

• Funding Affordable solutions.

Attend an Open Day at Cumbria

An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.

Research areas