Types of programme available
The Graduate School offers a wide range of study programmes at postgraduate level, from stand-alone study days for professional development, to a full PhD degree.
Postgraduate Taught
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)
- Master of Science (MSc), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Research (MRes)
Degree CeremonyPostgraduate Taught courses are advanced level qualifications, normally taken after a Bachelors/Undergraduate Degree (or equivalent).
Most taught courses last one year but many can be taken part time or by Distance Learning.
The programmes consist of coursework with other students (lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory work as appropriate) and, for the Masters degree, independent study for a supervised dissertation or project on a topic agreed with the relevant department. Both are examined, and in some cases, satisfactory performance in the coursework will determine whether a student continues on to independent study.
The new Master of Research programme prepares students for PhD or careers in industry by focussing on research for a significant portion of study – with around two thirds of the course being devoted to research and one third to taught elements.
Browse our postgraduate taught courses
Postgraduate Research
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent)
MPhil is a stand-alone programme that allows students to undertake a research programme over one year. Sometimes this can be an intermediate step before registering on a subsequent PhD programme, depending on how the project develops. You can apply to transfer from the MPhil on to the PhD programme if you wish to continue, in consultation with your supervisor.
PhD and MPhil research degrees allow you to undertake in-depth study in a specific area. PhD is either 3 or 4 years duration, depending on your background and the project outline. It is a ‘supervised’ degree, with a structured approach to supervision and development.
An MD or DClinDent is a doctorate in medicine or Clinical Dentistry and can only be done after the award of a medical or dental degree. An MD is considered to be an ‘advised’ degree rather than a supervised degree, more akin to a taught programme in terms of its supervision and monitoring. MD’s can be laboratory based or clinically based and the title of the degree does not make inference about the subject matter.
View available PhD opportunities
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Stand-alone modules and individual study days for Health and Social Care Practitioners
We offer many options for CPD across our faculty for those wishing to develop in particular areas of healthcare practice and management. Many are eligible for NHS funding and can be taken part time or via Distance Learning.
CPD in the School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery