Overview

Overview of PGR degree provision, including degrees that provide opportunity for off-campus study.

The general aims of doctoral research degree programmes are to:

• provide students with an opportunity to acquire expert knowledge in a specialist field of an academic discipline;
• furnish training in research methods, such as the use of technical literature and published materials, and the techniques of empirical research (e.g. experimental and/or fieldwork methods and the use of records and documents);
• enable students to design, implement and report upon an independent research project;
• foster development of a capacity for analysis, constructive criticism, originality and independence of thought;
• provide experience of participation in the research culture of an academic department, including (where appropriate and available) opportunities where appropriate to teach undergraduate students;
• enable students to develop the professional, practical, and personal skills and attributes for career progression in their chosen field;
• facilitate students to undertake autonomous research and make a contribution at the forefront of knowledge in their field.

The University of Southampton delivers the following doctoral degrees at Level 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (October 2014).

• The Doctor of Philosophy which requires students to complete a programme of supervised research and preparation of a thesis.  Assessment is solely by final thesis or by published work (see also the Submission of a Research Paper PhD Thesis: Guidance), or by an artefact or performance that is accompanied by a written commentary placing it in its academic context.
• The Professional Doctorate which requires students to undertake a combination of taught compulsory and/or elective modules, individual and/or group projects, and preparation of a thesis.  Such doctorates may also involve professional-based practice placements.
• The Integrated Doctor of Philosophy (iPhD) which requires students to complete a prescribed programme of modules in the early stages of the degree with the remainder of candidature devoted to supervised research and preparation of a thesis.  See also the Integrated PhD Framework.
• The Higher Doctorate degrees of Doctor of Letters, Music, Science, Science in the Social Sciences and Laws which may be awarded by the University of Southampton to an individual who has distinguished themselves by their contribution to research, learning or (in the case of the Doctor of Music) to musical composition. See also the Submission for a Higher Doctorate Guidance.

Research degrees may be studied on a full- or part-time basis.  In cases where there have been periods of full-time and part-time candidature, the calculation of the maximum permitted period of candidature shall be proposed by the Doctoral College (Faculty) Office to the Faculty Director of the Graduate School for approval.  See also the Determining the maximum period of candidature when changing between full-and part-time study guidance.

The Research Degrees that include Periods of Off-Campus study policy outlines the different types of circumstances where a research student may be spending time away from the University as part of their programme of study.

The Joint and Double Research Degree Framework defines and outlines the key functions and activities required for the management and day to day operation of a Joint and Double Research Degree arrangement that the University of Southampton enters into with a partner institution.  All partnerships must be approved via the procedure outlined in the Education Partnerships Policy.

The PhD by Distance Learning Framework sets out the requirements and expectations that should be met by a School if it wishes to set up a PhD by Distance Learning.  Proposals should be made via the PhD by Distance Learning: Evidence of Compliance form and approved by PGR QME Subcommittee.

The Split-Site PhDs: Principles and Procedures provides specific guidance to Schools wishing to set up this type of agreement.  All partnerships must be approved via the procedure outlined in the Education Partnerships Policy.