Research. degrees (MPhil/PhD) dream plan achieve

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1 Research degrees (MPhil/PhD) dream plan achieve dream plan achieve

2 Before becoming a researcher, I never dreamt I d be able to stand in front of a group of people and present my work. I now have 10 publications, have presented eight times, and have been to the USA, Switzerland and France to present my work. Software engineering graduate Chelsea Dobbins is researching human digital memories as part of her PhD at LJMU.

3 LJMU has a reputation for delivering pioneering research that is extending our knowledge and understanding across a diverse range of areas from neuroscience to engineering and public health to criminology. We strongly encourage multidisciplinary research and actively support collaboration with institutions across the world. The range of research opportunities at LJMU is considerable. So if you are interested in carrying out your own research, you should think seriously about LJMU s MPhil and PhD programmes. Supervision is available in each of our Faculties. We also offer Professional Doctorates, an alternative to a PhD for staff in organisations who want to research and develop their professional practice at doctorate level. For details of our Professional Doctorate programmes please go to: n n n LJMU is ranked in the top 25 English universities for PhD completion rates Around 550 students are currently completing their MPhil or PhDs at LJMU Research students form the bedrock of LJMU s vibrant research community and make a valued contribution to the intellectual life of the University 1

4 The highlights have been presenting my work at conferences and engaging with world leaders in my field, and working with law enforcement on a project that provided tangible benefits to society. 2 PhD student Robert Hegarty also works as a research assistant in LJMU s PROTECT Centre, which carries out high quality research on critical infrastructure computer technology and protection.

5 Research degrees A research degree MPhil or PhD involves training in research methods and the completion of a piece of supervised research or high level study on a problem or topic culminating in the presentation of the findings in the form of a written thesis, which is independently assessed by an oral examination or viva voce. A research degree is different to a taught programme as it is built around a supervised thesis on a substantial piece of original work normally containing material worthy of publication. What s the difference between a Master degree (MA, MSc, MRes) and a PhD? MA and MSc degrees are largely taught courses, with a research component. MRes degrees, while containing some taught elements, focus more on research skills and provide a firm foundation for students wishing to pursue doctoral study. A taught master s degree will also provide you with sufficient preparation for a PhD and is still a common entry route onto a research degree. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) You must have a Masters qualification in order to enrol on a PhD programme. An MPhil is an alternative programme route if you are interested in starting a research degree directly after completing your undergraduate study. PhD candidates are expected to critically investigate an approved topic and demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to their chosen field. PhD research should extend the forefront of a discipline and make a distinctive and original contribution to current knowledge within the subject. Evidence of originality may be through the discovery of new facts and/or by the exercise of independent critical thought. A PhD thesis is between 40,000 and 80,000 words depending on the subject area. 3

6 How long does it take to complete a research degree? Degree Mode of study Minimum Maximum PhD Full time 33 months 48 months Part time 45 months 84 months MPhil Full time 12 months 24 months Part time 24 months 48 months Entry requirements Applicants for MPhil or PhD should normally hold, or be expecting to obtain, a first or upper second class Bachelor s honours degree in a relevant subject. Opportunities exist at LJMU for applicants with existing Masters level qualifications, such as MPhil or MRes in relevant subject areas, to apply for a PhD at the University, which can be undertaken in three rather than four years full-time. If your qualifications are non-standard or different from the entry requirements stated, please contact the relevant LJMU School or Research Centre to discuss whether your application would be considered. International applicants must also hold an IELTS qualification of at least 6.5 or equivalent. Faculties may require higher scores and you may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. How much does it cost? The current 2014/2015 academic year fees are as follows: Research Full-time tuition fee Part-time tuition fee (MPhil and PhD) HOME/EU 3,845 1,886 INTERNATIONAL 12,000 Please contact the Course Enquiry Hotline for details on fees charged for part-time PhDs completed in your home country. The University operates a limited student fee bursary/stipend scheme for postgraduate researchers. For more details, please contact the relevant School or Research Centre to discuss your eligibility for such support. If you are a self-funded or part-time student you must have sufficient funds to cover your fees, bench fees (if applicable) and living costs. 4

7 LJMU Alumni Award Final year students and alumni of LJMU are eligible to apply for a 15% reduction in their postgraduate tuition fees if they progress onto a higher degree programme at the University. This generous discount: n applies to research degree tuition fees as well as those for taught masters programmes n is available to both Home and International LJMU students and alumni (subject to eligibility criteria). All LJMU alumni can apply for this Award irrespective of when they graduated (subject to eligibility criteria). Postgraduate International Scholarships LJMU offers a series of scholarships for international applicants accepted onto research degrees (and taught masters programmes). These scholarships take the form of tuition fee waivers. Current LJMU international students and alumni interested in pursuing research (or postgraduate study) at the University are eligible to apply, along with new applicants. For full eligibility criteria and details on how to apply, go to: LJMU PhD Scholarships Support for full-time three year studentships is available via the LJMU PhD Scholarship scheme. Studentships are available for applicants in all disciplines where excellent research is being performed. Fully-funded three year PhD Scholarships comprise: n Annual fees (currently 3,845 per year) n A contribution towards running costs ( 1,500 per year) n Plus an annual stipend ( 13,863 per year, normally awarded tax free) - please note, you must be a full-time student in order to qualify for this support Fees-only Scholarships are also available. If you are applying for Scholarships that do not include a stipend you must be able to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself over the period of three years full-time study. See pages 6 and 7 for further details. Go to Find a PhD for the latest details on funded PhD opportunities at LJMU: 5

8 I would strongly recommend to other Thai astronomers that they come to LJMU. You receive great supervision and the Astrophysics Research Institute has a wide field of expertise. 6 Farung Surina was awarded a PhD for her research entitled Investigation of the Progenitors and Outbursts of Classical and Recurrent Novae. She now works as a lecturer in Chiangrai Rajabhat University.

9 Applications for Scholarships will be judged on: n the calibre of candidates and their academic qualifications (minimum 2:1 or First Class Honours degree and/or Master s qualification). n the quality of the research project and how it connects with research currently being undertaken at the University. n whether the research can contribute towards the Research Excellence Framework (REF); interdisciplinary research will be weighed highly. Please note: n applications for PhD Scholarships must be submitted via your main PhD supervisor at LJMU. n the number of Scholarships available is limited. n Deadlines apply both for applying for scholarships and when Scholarship PhD studentships must be filled (unless otherwise agreed); please contact the Graduate School for more details. For more details on eligibility criteria and how to apply for PhD Scholarships and matched funding, please contact Sarah Payne (s.payne@ljmu.ac.uk). Please note: international, part-time and MPhil students and those completing Professional Doctorates are not eligible for support under these schemes. Funding sources The main awarding bodies are the Research Councils, but funding may also be available from Trusts and Charities or National Bodies and Government Departments. Industry sponsorship, bank loan schemes and Professional and Career Development Loans may also be available. For more detailed guidance, we would recommend that you visit the Prospects postgraduate website: You may also want to check the Grants Register, published annually by Palgrave Macmillan and the Directory of Grant Making Trusts, published annually by the Directory of Social Change. Please contact LJMU for details on funding available from research councils, trusts and charities, national bodies and government departments at the University plus up-todate funding opportunities published in the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding. Go to: for more details. The University operates a limited student fee bursary/stipend scheme for postgraduate researchers. For more details, please contact the relevant School or Research Centre to discuss your eligibility for such support. Go to the LJMU website for the latest details on funded PhD opportunities: The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding LJMU staff and students have free access to this Alternative Guide, which contains a huge database of funding opportunities plus comprehensive guidance and tools to help you prepare a winning grant application. For further information about research opportunities, please go to: 7

10 World leading research status (2014 Research Excellence Framework) Ranked 62 nd in Research Quality Ranking up 19 places on RAE 2008 (THES) 97% of 64% research is rated world-leading or internationally important in our world ranking School of Sport and Exercise Sciences LJMU research activity now ranked as internationally excellent or above 99% of Physics-related research is worldleading or internationally important 4 th in the UK for both law and education-related research (Post-92 UK universities) RANKED 95% 68% of research by the School of Engineering, of health-related research Technology and Maritime Operations is is world leading or world leading, internationally important internationally excellent or recognised internationally Research rated internationally important or recognised internationally: Computing and Mathematical Sciences: 94% of research Art and Design (History, Practice and Theory): 85% of research Built Environment: 83% of research 8

11 What does LJMU offer research students A dedicated Graduate School Whether you need advice on progressing to a PhD, information about examinations and research degree regulations or assistance with ethical approval, the Graduate School is on hand to give you the advice and guidance you need to succeed in your research. To find out more, go to: Research excellence LJMU offers research students the opportunity to become part of a vibrant research community, which is delivering world-leading and internationally-excellent research right across the institution. LJMU achieved world-leading status in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), moving 19 places in the research quality ranking, from 81st in RAE 2008 to 62nd for REF 2014 (THES). The proportion of LJMU research activity rated internationally excellent or above almost doubled, from 34% in RAE 2008 to 66% in REF2014. Excellent supervision Supervision is key to successfully completing a PhD. You will be assigned a dedicated supervisory team to support and guide you through your research programme. The University s Code of Practice for Research Students and Supervisors provides information about expectations and responsibilities for postgraduate research students and their supervisors throughout the research programme. To find out more, go to Bespoke research training LJMU is committed to providing research students with relevant and appropriate opportunities to develop both specialist and generic research skills in line with its Researcher Development Framework. 9

12 A Research Student Induction Day is held at regular intervals throughout the year and we also offer a generic skills training programme throughout the academic year. Collectively, these sessions will help you to understand the requirements and expectations associated with doctoral research, develop transferable skills and gain worthwhile experience of delivering presentations, report writing, viva preparation plus a clear understanding of ethical approval processes and regulations. The University supports the UK Vitae Researcher Development Framework. You will be encouraged to use this Framework to identify where your personal strengths and weaknesses are so that an appropriate skills development plan can be put in place to support you during your research programme. Your training plan will be reviewed regularly in consultation with your Director of Studies to ensure that all training is timely and relevant to the stage of your research programme. Outstanding facilities Research students have access to resources across the University including: n Extensive print and electronic library collections, plus LJMU s Special Collections and Archives which include an archives consultation area, researchers work room, professional sound studio plus social space for staff and students. n The Tom Reilly Building which has appetite laboratories, neuroscience labs, an indoor 70-metre running track, physiology suites, a DEXA scanner for measuring body fat, muscles and bone density, a driving simulator and a chronobiology lab. n The General Engineering Research Institute which has an Atomic Force Microscope, Confocal Microscope, White Light Interferometer, Laser Triangulation 3D Sensor, TV Holography (ESPI) System, Dominator Advanced Machine Tool, Ultramat Advanced Machine Tool and X-Ray Inspection System. n 1.6 million state-of-the-art nursing, midwifery and paramedic clinical practice suites equipped with an extensive range of clinical equipment for simulations and clinical skills development Employability training LJMU s Postgraduate Employability Programme (PEP) offers more than just careers advice for researchers and Early Career Researchers. The programme combines career talks from lecturers across the University plus industry insights from representatives and professionals outside of academia. The programme is designed to help you gain insights on how to persuasively present yourself to employers, develop effective presentation and career management skills and explore career alternatives. 10

13 Acclaimed research centres and institutes Much of LJMU s research activity is organised into Research Centres and Institutes. Research opportunities are available in all of these Centres and Institutes as well as in academic Schools in each of the Faculties. For more details go to: n Astrophysics Research Institute n Brain and Behaviour Research Centre n Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies Research Institute (BEST) n Centre for Health and Social Care Informatics (CHaSCI) n Centre for Public Health n Centre for the Study of Crime, Criminalisation and Social Exclusion (CCCSE) n Centre of Educational Research and Evaluation Services n Electrical and Electronic Engineering Research Centre n European Institute for Urban Affairs n Exhibition Research Centre n General Engineering Research Institute (GERI) n Institute of Cultural Capital n Liverpool Logistics, Offshore and Marine Research Institute (LOOM) n Mechanical Engineering and Materials Research Centre n Research Centre for Critical Infrastructure, Computer Technology and Protection (PROTECT) n Research Centre for Literature and Cultural History n Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeocology n Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Sciences (RISES) 11 7

14 Liverpool is a vibrant city that embraces diversity. From the first day in Liverpool, I felt that the city was my home. LJMU provides postgraduate students with powerful training about the most required skills and competences. 12 Palestinian Ihab Saqqa started his PhD on the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Stock Exchange after completing his MBA at LJMU.

15 Your research proposal In order to apply for a research degree at LJMU, you must prepare a research proposal outlining your proposed area of study. Your proposal is very important as it is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have the ability to carry out original doctoral-level research. It will also help us to identify an appropriate supervisor that matches your area of interest. Your proposal should be no more than 2,500 words and should clearly identify the topic you wish to study and the questions you wish to address. Your research proposal should include the following information: n Title (you can revise this during your research should you be accepted by LJMU). n A short statement on what you want to examine as part of your research. n A brief overview of the general area of study within which your proposed research falls, summarising the current state of knowledge and recent debates on the topic. This will allow you to demonstrate a familiarity with the relevant field as well as your ability to communicate clearly and concisely. n The central aims and questions that will guide your research and how you intend to answer these questions. Try not to make these too broad. Instead prioritise one or two main questions, from which secondary questions may follow. n Briefly state the main research techniques (interviews, case studies, modelling, etc) that you might use, plus data collection procedures. n An explanation of why your research is important and what makes it original in your chosen field. n A bibliography identifying the most relevant and recent works for your subject area. In thinking about your proposal you should bear the following questions in mind: n Have I formulated the problem to be researched in the context of contemporary scientific and theoretical debate - why does it matter, why now? n Have I established appropriate aims and objectives? n Have I shown how my work will build on existing research? n Have I outlined a clear and convincingly argued analytical framework? 13

16 n Do I have a well-thought out research design with a reasoned and realistic explanation of the scale, timing and resources necessary? n Have I provided a clear description of my research methods and why I plan to use these methods rather than others? n Are my methods appropriate to the research question, and can these methods deliver valid results? n Is my framework for collecting data collection appropriate and realistic; will it provide quality, reliability and validity? n Can I demonstrate a clear and systematic approach to data analysis? n Have I considered the ethical implications of my research? n Have I identified and fully addressed potential difficulties in gathering information? n Have I identified and understood any limitations on my research? n Can I identify potential users of research outside the academic community? n What is my dissemination strategy for my findings? n Before you write up your research proposal, we d recommend you get some feedback from LJMU. n You might also want to read the Doctoral Degree Characteristics guide published by the QAA, which is available on their website: 14

17 If you are seriously thinking about doing a PhD at LJMU, here s what you need to do... 15

18 1 Formulate your research idea In order to achieve a PhD you need to make an original contribution to the understanding of a problem, to the advancement of knowledge or the generation of new ideas. So read as much as possible around your subject area and begin thinking about how you would present your idea in a proposal. Remember, your research topic also needs to be of sufficient depth to sustain your interest for three to four years. 2 3 Select the most appropriate LJMU Research Centre, Institute, School or Faculty Investigate who does what and where at LJMU and identify the Research Centre, Institute, School or Faculty that has expertise in your topic. Contact a potential supervisor It s really easy to contact your potential supervisor, simply complete the Postgraduate Research Enquiry Form and LJMU will identify academics with experience in a relevant field and get them to contact you to discuss your proposed research in more detail. Go to to submit your enquiry form. Alternatively contact the Graduate School who will be able to identify an appropriate member of academic staff for you to talk to ( /6464/6467) 16

19 4 Finalise your research proposal Armed with positive feedback from relevant academic staff at LJMU, you can draft a research proposal. This needs to include: n details on your intended area of research n core research questions n possible methodologies n proposed approach n timescale for completion Please see page for more details. 5 6 Make your application All research applications are submitted online: As part of the application process you will need to submit details on your qualifications, work experience and academic referees; a pre-written Personal Statement (copied and pasted into the application form); a pre-written research proposal (to be copied and pasted into the application form). International applicants will also need to provide passport details and/or an International Agent Number. Funding It is very important that you plan how you are going to fund your PhD. Research the deadlines for applying for grants and bursaries. You should also contact the Graduate School, relevant LJMU Research Centre, Institute, School or Faculty for details on the University s PhD Studentship Schemes and LJMU Alumni Award.

20 website: enquiry helpline: international enquiries: LJMU TV: