Research degrees and doctorates at Herts

Research degrees

Research degrees are well-suited to aspiring academics, researchers and professionals pursuing specialist research interests. If you want to investigate a specific topic in depth and make an original contribution to your field, a research degree may be right for you. Options include PhD, MPhil, MA by Research and MSc by Research.

Professional doctorates

Professional doctorates combine advanced research with professional practice. They enable experienced professionals to investigate real-world challenges within their field while working towards a doctoral-level qualification in areas such as business, education, engineering, healthcare and public health.

Why Herts?

Conduct research in an environment that supports curiosity, collaboration and real-world impact. From specialist supervision to researcher development opportunities, Herts provides the resources and community to help you make your mark as a researcher.

Highest KEF ranking for research partnerships

Awarded "Very High Engagement" for Research Partnerships and Local Growth and Regeneration (KEF 2025).

90% research impact rated outstanding or very considerable

Research recognised for making a meaningful difference to society, policy and practice (REF 2021).

Top 25% of UK universities for research impact

Recognised nationally for research that delivers real-world impact (REF 2021).

82% satisfaction in postgraduate research degrees

Reflects the positive research experience reported by postgraduate researchers (PRES 2025).

Explore research degrees and doctorates

Explore research degrees and professional doctorates by subject area and find the programme that aligns with your research interests, professional expertise and future ambitions.

• Accounting and finance Explore research in accounting, finance, investment and organisational performance.

Accounting and finance

• Animation, film, games and creative media Investigate storytelling, digital media, games, film and audience engagement.

Animation, film, games and creative media

• Art and design Develop original research through creative practice, design and innovation.

Art and design

• Biological sciences Contribute to research addressing challenges across the life sciences.

Biological sciences

• Computer science, AI and robotics Investigate contemporary issues in management, leadership and organisations.

Computer science, AI and robotics

• Geography and environment Study environmental change, sustainability and human-environment interactions.

Geography and environment

• Health, nursing, midwifery and social work Conduct research that informs practice, policy and healthcare outcomes.

Health, nursing, midwifery and social work

• History and philosophy Examine historical, cultural and philosophical questions through original research.

History and philosophy

• Law and criminology Investigate legal systems, criminal justice and contemporary policy challenges.

Law and criminology

• Media and journalism Explore media, communication, journalism and digital culture through research.

Media and journalism

• Physics, astrophysics and mathematics Tackle complex scientific questions through theoretical and applied research.

Physics, astrophysics and mathematics

• Psychology Investigate human behaviour, cognition and wellbeing through advanced research.

Before you apply

Understand the details that will shape your advanced degree plans, from money to campus life.

• Scholarships Explore funding opportunities and financial support available at Herts.

Scholarships

• Student life Discover societies, events, support services and life on our campuses.

Student life

• Commuting Find travel information, transport links and commuting options to campus.

Commuting

• Careers Access careers support, employer connections and professional development.

Careers

• Herts and beyond Explore our campuses, local area and connections to London and beyond.

Herts and beyond

• International applicants Find information on visas, fees, entry requirements and studying in the UK.

International applicants

• Scholarships
• Student life
• Commuting
• Careers
• Herts and beyond
• International applicants

What's the difference between a PhD and a Professional Doctorate?

A PhD is designed for people who want to undertake original research and make a contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. It is often suited to those interested in academic research, research-intensive careers or developing specialist expertise in a particular subject area.

A Professional Doctorate is designed for experienced professionals who want to apply doctoral-level research to challenges within their profession. It combines advanced research with professional practice, allowing students to investigate issues relevant to their workplace, sector or area of expertise while continuing their professional development.

Do I need a research proposal to apply?

Application requirements vary depending on the programme. Many research degree applications require a research proposal outlining your proposed area of study, research aims and methodology.

Can I study a research degree part-time?

Many research degrees can be studied either full-time or part-time, allowing you to balance your studies with professional or personal commitments.

What qualifications do I need for a research degree?

Entry requirements vary by programme and subject area. Most research degrees require a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate qualification, while professional experience may also be considered for some programmes.

Will I receive training and support during my research?

Yes. Research students have access to researcher development opportunities, training, events and support through the University's research community and Doctoral College.

Can I study a Professional Doctorate while working?

Professional Doctorates are designed for experienced professionals and often allow students to combine doctoral-level research with their professional practice.

Research areas