Being a research student

Research degrees Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A research project in one or more disciplines with a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge. Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

A thesis that is usually a record of original work or an ordered and critical exposition of existing knowledge.

Masters by Research

See page 9

The Doctoral School

The Doctoral School is a hub of activity to support research students as you complete key stages of your academic research. It provides a range of administrative and specialist support, skills training, fees and funding information, and opportunities to create academic and social networks during your degree and beyond. The Researcher Development Programme, available to all research students, off ers training courses to strengthen your transferable skills along with your research, such as ethics training, research methods, academic writing, presentation and leadership skills.

Supervision

You’ll have one or more supervisors to support your research, but ultimately, your research is led by you. You’ll be supported with regular meetings with your supervisor and will have formal annual reviews, for which you’ll be asked to prepare a written submission, including an upgrade review.

Assessment

Typically, in your fi nal year, you’ll focus on writing and fi nishing your thesis, and then present your research at an oral viva voce examination with two expert examiners working in the relevant fi eld of study. MPhil degrees normally require a minimum of two year’s full-time study and PhD degrees take a minimum of three years to complete.

Teaching opportunities

Suitable teaching opportunities are available for research students who may wish to gain experience and build their skills. Some studentships may also require you to teach. See page 32 for more information.

Teacher training opportunities

Teacher training is available and required for students who are teaching without an experienced teacher present. Completion of Royal Holloway’s teacher training programme inSTIL leads to associate fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA). You can also apply for associate fellowship by being a mentor to new research students.

How to apply

In order to apply to a doctoral research degree at Royal Holloway, you’ll need to select a supervisor from one of our departments. To do this, • View the research information about our departments and research projects in the prospectus and on our website, to inspire and inform you about our research expertise. • Make informal inquiries to the Director of

Postgraduate Education for the subject, to discuss whether your research proposal is suitable and to ask about funding opportunities and studentships, including studentships.

Visit royalholloway.ac.uk/PGdirectors

Funding

There are several ways to fund your research degree, including studentships and sponsorship. See page 32 for more information.

“I chose to study at Royal Holloway for its high quality greenhouse gas research in the Department of Earth Sciences. I really enjoyed working with my research group, and I was also given the opportunity to collaborate with a network of European universities and professors, helping to identify what my options are for the future. I really feel that I made the right choice with my PhD. Not only have I been off ered support with my research, I’ve been encouraged to take advantage of everything off ered to me, which has helped to develop soft skills such as presenting, essential for my career development.”

Julianne PhD student, Earth Sciences