integrated phd programs in uk

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Integrated PhD

A new model of Doctoral training

Studentships.

Funding for our CDTs and DTPs is provided by Research Councils so eligibility criteria apply for the studentships that they offer. This is outlined on the UK Research and Innovation website . They may also consider self-funding applicants for non-funded projects.

Integrated PhDs provide a new model of postgraduate training. They retain the depth, rigour and focus of a conventional PhD while also providing a broader training experience.

While the specific training routes may vary, they typically consist of a one-year Master's course (MSc or MRes) which leads straight into a three-year PhD.

This new style of doctoral training is available within our Research Council-funded Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs).

CDTs and DTPs

Our CDTs and DTPs recruit cohorts of students from a broad spectrum of disciplines, creating vibrant multi-disciplinary communities.

The diversity of students recruited to these centres reflects the breadth of research which they cover.

As well as benefitting from a variety of training opportunities and cohort-building activities, students studying within these centres may also have access to a supervisor and facilities at a partner institution.

Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs)

We offer the following DTPs:

• Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet , funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and hosted by the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment.
• Medical Research Council Studentships – Imperial College Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) , funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Photonics , available through several EPSRC-funded Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) in which Photonics research group members are involved.

Imperial is also a partner in London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS) , funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

Imperial currently hosts the following Centres for Doctoral Training. Explore the centres that interest you to find out more about their training programme and available studentships.

• Advanced Characterisation of Materials
• Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare – UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training
• BioDesign Engineering
• Chemical Biology - Innovation for the Life Sciences
• Modern Statistics and Statistical Machine Learning
• Next Generation Synthesis and Reaction Technology
• Nuclear Energy Futures

Professional Doctorate

Advanced standing

• Integrated PhD Programmes in the UK – A Guide

Written by Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse

An integrated PhD in the UK is a route into doctoral study for those who do not have a Masters degree or lack specialised research training. They generally last four years, consisting of one year of Masters-level study followed by three years of PhD research.

This guide will cover what an integrated PhD is, along with entry requirements, applications, funding and more!

Find an integrated PhD

Ready to start applying? Browse integrated PhD projects here on FindAPhD.

On this page

What is an integrated phd.

An integrated PhD is a four-year (or eight-year, if studied part-time) postgraduate programme. You might sometimes see integrated PhDs referred to as ‘New Route’, ‘4 year’ or ‘1+3’ programmes.

In your first year, you’ll study for a Masters-level qualification. Most often, this will be a Master of Research (MRes) or a Master of Science (MSc) . This will provide you with the foundational skills you’ll need to carry out research at the doctoral level.

In your second year onwards, you’ll work towards completing your PhD thesis . You’ll only be able to progress onto the full PhD if you make satisfactory progress during your Masters year.

You usually won’t be awarded your Masters degree straight after passing your first year – instead it will be ‘banked’ and awarded along with your full PhD at the end of your programme. However, if you don’t end up completing your PhD, you may be awarded your Masters as an ‘exit’ qualification, provided you have earned a sufficient number of credits.

What is the difference between a standard PhD and an integrated PhD?

In the UK, most PhD students are initially registered for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) , before being ‘ upgraded ’ to the status of full PhD candidate (typically after nine months of full-time study). This may sound similar to the process undergone during an integrated PhD – but the key difference is that integrated PhD students will graduate with two separate qualifications , whereas those studying a traditional PhD will only graduate with one.

Another important difference is that while standard PhDs are pure research qualifications, integrated PhDs have a taught component . During your Masters year, you’ll be required to take a series of modules that will prepare you for doctoral study.

The addition of a Masters year obviously means that integrated PhDs are generally longer, although this is not always the case. Many standard PhD programmes also take four years to complete. In fact, a potential benefit of integrated PhD study is that it can help you complete your PhD more efficiently due to the additional training you’ll receive.

Integrated Masters degrees

This guide is about qualifications that combine a Masters with a PhD. However, there is another type of integrated degree that involves studying a combined undergraduate and Masters degree. You can find out more about this kind of qualification over on our sister site, FindAMasters .

Who should apply for an Integrated PhD?

An integrated PhD is a great option for anyone who thinks they would benefit from some more structured research training before embarking on an independent PhD project. However, people who apply for Integrated PhDs generally come from one of two groups:

• Bachelors graduates who do not have a Masters degree, or
• International students who want to become accustomed to the higher education system in their host country before diving into full PhD study

You may also choose to apply for an integrated PhD if you have a Masters degree in a different subject and want a more guided introduction to your new field.

What are the entry requirements for an integrated PhD?

The minimum entry requirement for an integrated PhD is usually a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. International students may also need to meet English language requirements. Most courses will accept an overall ILETS score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each section. Make sure to check the programme description of your chosen PhD for specific entry requirements.

How can I apply for an Integrated PhD in the UK?

There are a few different ways to apply for an Integrated PhD, depending on the nature of the programme you’re applying for.

#1 Applying with a project title

For some integrated PhDs, you will be required to choose a research topic before you apply (much as you would for a standard PhD). Once you’ve found a university that offers an integrated option for the subject you want to study, you’ll need to decide whether you want to propose your own research topic or apply for a pre-designed PhD. Either way it’s best to reach out to prospective supervisors before you submit your application.

If you’re applying for a pre-designed PhD, the supervisor will be listed on the advertisement. If you’re designed your own project, you’ll need to find an academic whose expertise aligns with your research interests. In both cases, you should let your potential supervisor know that you’ll be applying for an integrated programme. This can help them decide if they’d be suitable for the project.

Once you’ve decided on a project and found an academic who is willing to supervise it, you can submit your application online

#2 Applying without a project title

Some integrated PhDs do not require students to decide on their research topic prior to starting their programme. Instead, you’ll work on several smaller research projects in your first year alongside potential supervisors, which will allow you to make an informed decision about your final PhD topic. You’ll usually develop your research proposal during your first year. This is most common in STEM fields.

For these projects, you won’t need to contact prospective supervisors before you apply. However, it’s still a good idea to think about areas of research that interest you when completing your application.

#3 Applying for a CDT programme

Many integrated PhD programmes are funded by Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) . These are consortiums, formed by groups of research organisations (usually universities and industry partners) that provide training for cohorts of PhD students and offer fully funded studentships . If you’re applying for an integrated CDT PhD (usually described in this context as a 1+3 programme), you’ll apply either to your host university directly or to the CDT itself.

There will usually be a number of individual projects listed under each CDT programme, so you’ll need to specify which one you’re interested in when you apply. Occasionally, you will be asked to indicate a preference in your application but may ultimately be matched with a different project.

Submitting your application

Applications are usually made through an online portal on your university’s website. The exact documents required may vary, but you’ll generally need to submit a combination of the following:

• Personal statement
• Cover letter
• Academic CV
• Details of two referees
• Research proposal (if applicable)

You may also be required to attend an interview before being offered a place on an integrated PhD.

What’s it like to study an integrated PhD in the UK?

In your first year, you’ll study a series of taught modules, alongside practical research experience. Taught modules will usually focus a combination of foundational research skills and subject-specific content. You may also receive professional or personal development training.

Depending on your area of study, teaching methods could include lectures, seminars, group work and laboratory sessions. If you’re studying at a CDT, you’ll be trained alongside a relatively large cohort of fellow students during your first year, as opposed to individually or in small research group.

You’ll usually be assessed through coursework during your Masters year. This could include written research reports, presentations and literature reviews.

For some programmes (most commonly those in Arts and Humanities subjects) you’ll write up an extended dissertation of around 10,000 to 15,0000 words in your first year. This is an opportunity to start exploring your PhD thesis topic in detail.

You’ll need to complete all the modules in your Masters year to a satisfactory standard to progress to the status of full PhD candidate. You’ll usually be invited to an interview with your prospective supervisor, in which you’ll need to demonstrate that you’re ready to undertake research at the doctoral level.

Years two, three and four

Once you’ve been confirmed as a full PhD candidate, you’ll progress with your research in basically the same way as you would if you were doing a standard PhD. Your day-to-day life will consist largely of independent research, but you may also assist with undergraduate teaching, present at conferences and collaborate with other students.

You may be required to undertake additional training and professional development by your department. If you’re studying at a CDT, you’ll continue to be offered bespoke training opportunities throughout your programme.

By the end of your PhD, you’ll submit a PhD thesis that will make an original contribution to your field. You’ll also defend your work in a viva voce exam .

Read more about what it’s like to do a PhD .

Fees and funding for integrated PhDs in the UK

The cost of an integrated PhD in the UK is similar to the cost of a standard PhD. Most universities charge around £4,500 per year for UK students. Fees for international students range between £17,890-28,000 .

Most universities charge the same amount each year for integrated PhDs, but some divide fees into a postgraduate taught rate for your first year, and a postgraduate research rate from your second year onwards. This means you may pay slightly more for your Masters year.

Integrated PhDs studied through a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) are fully funded. This means that successful applicants will have the full cost of their tuition fees covered and receive a stipend to cover their living costs.

If your course is not funded by a CDT, you can still apply for a full studentship from the UK Research and Innovation Council (UKRI) . As of 2021, these are available to international students as well as UK students. However, tuition fees will only be covered at the domestic rate.

Both UKRI and CDT studentships are extremely competitive – most students will not have the full cost of their integrated PhD covered. UK students can apply for the UK government’s doctoral loan (international students may also be eligible in certain circumstances ). Integrated programmes are eligible for funding through the doctoral loan, even if you already have a Masters degree!

Other PhD funding options include part-time work or support from independent charities and trusts .

Read more about how to fund your PhD .

Want More Updates & Advice?

Sarah hastings-woodhouse.

Sarah joined FindAPhD as a Content Writer in 2021 and produces polished and thoroughly researched pages to inspire and inform prospective postgraduate students. In her time at FindAPhD, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of the postgraduate journey and has engaged with hundreds of prospective postgraduates while manning the advice stand at our popular study fairs.

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A combined postgraduate experience

Integrated PhD

A pathway into postgraduate research, about the programme.

Our Integrated PhD programme is designed to enable self-funded and government funded international students to combine a one-year master's course with a three-year PhD research programme.

There are  over 90 master's courses  across nine subject areas included within the programme, allowing you to prepare for postgraduate research before you progress onto a PhD and one of our self-funded projects.

On this page:

How it works

Making an application, other application information, benefits of our master's courses.

Our taught master's courses in biological, medical and health sciences are strengthened by our highly rated research and significant links with the NHS and industry.

Research project

Your master's includes a research project, and will enhance your knowledge and skills before beginning specialist research in your chosen field.

How long does it take?

You can study the Integrated PhD either full-time (4 years) or part-time (up to 8 years).

Our reputation

The University of Manchester is ranked 32nd worldwide (QS Global World Rankings 2024) and is #2 for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education 2024). We have been the University of the Year for Graduate Employment (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020).

An international community

Join over 7,000 of our international postgraduate students for a unique and exceptional learning experience.

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Your training pathway

Our Integrated PhD gives you the opportunity to study for an MSc that will prepare you for a related PhD project.

You'll spend the first part of the programme studying on your chosen master's course in biology, medicine and health before moving into one of our PhD programmes, working on research in the same area as your MSc.

Your PhD will be undertaken at Manchester under the supervision of researchers working on a variety of exciting projects. You'll draw on the skills and knowledge you learned at MSc level to contribute to crucial research.

Examples of linked MSc courses and PhD projects

Join our Integrated PhD programme and you'll have the opportunity to study for an MSc that will prepare you for a related PhD project.

Below are some examples of how specific master's courses in biology, medicine and health could prepare you for particular PhD projects.

Precision medicine

Master's course: MSc Precision Medicine

This MSc provides training in the principles of precision, translational and stratified medicine, and the impact of individual molecular variability.

You could use your skills and knowledge from this course to undertake PhD projects such as the following.

PhD project: Predicting response to IL6 inhibition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (Supervisors: Prof A Barton, Dr D Plant, Dr Nisha Nair)

The MSc would be an ideal platform to apply for this PhD project. Students completing the MSc would have already received training on the principles of stratified medicine, as well as training in omics technologies, such as genomics and transcriptomics, which would be applied in the proposed PhD.

The PhD would allow students to apply their learning to address an important clinical question about whether we can use omics to better target the right drugs to the right patients.

Cardiovascular health and disease

Master's course: MSc Cardiovascular Health and Disease (Research)

This MSc will enable you to develop the biomedical research skills you need for a potential career in cardiovascular science, and allied healthcare and bioscience fields, even if you have no previous research experience.

PhD project: Mechanisms of metabolic remodelling in obesogenic/diabetic cardiomyopathy (Supervisors: Prof A Kitmitto, Prof Elizabeth Cartwright)

This project will take a multidisciplinary approach for delineating the pathophysiological pathways underpinning mitochondrial dysfunction in the early stages of disease, to identify potential new therapeutic targets for intervention to prevent disease development.

The MSc provides preparatory training for PhD research by developing your knowledge of the cardiovascular system through specialist taught seminars coupled with tutorials.

Essential training in research skills, encompassing critical thinking, reasoning, communication and methods of quantitative analysis, provides a robust foundation for embarking upon academic research.

The 25-week practical research project will enhance the theoretical and experimental skillsets necessary for you to quickly transition into this PhD project.

Cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology

Master's course: MRes Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology

This MSc offers a strong grounding in the theoretical understanding and practical experience of key research paradigms, research designs and statistical techniques used in experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and neuropsychology.

PhD project: Optimising the measurement of working memory for assessment of speech-in-noise perception (Supervisors: Dr Antje Heinrich, Dr Samuel Couth, Dr Rebecca Millman)

By taking the MRes, you would receive training in many of the skills that are central to successfully completing this project, such as:

• an introduction to the theoretical foundations of memory research;
• a systematic introduction to various experimental designs;
• training on data analysis.

In addition, completing the MRes dissertation project would give you experience of obtaining ethics approval for experimental testing, and experience in recruiting different participant groups for testing.

Completing the MRes would prepare you to:

• choose the most appropriate experimental designs based on your research questions;
• collect and analyse data in an effective and efficient manner;
• report your results using an academic style of writing.

Experimental psychology with data science

Master's course: MRes Experimental Psychology with Data Science

This MSc will prepare you for a successful research career in experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience and data science.

PhD project: Infants' early understanding of word meaning (Supervisors: Dr Alissa Ferry, Prof A Theakston)

In the MRes, students will gain the essential statistical analysis skills required to support the PhD project, and have the opportunity to conduct a pilot study to begin training in the methodological aspects of the PhD project.

The MRes offers training in a range of relevant methodologies such as eye-tracking and EEG that can be used in this PhD project.

Medical microbiology

Master's course: MSc Medical Microbiology

This MSc covers the medical and molecular aspects of bacteriology, virology, mycology, epidemiology and management of infectious diseases.

PhD project 1: Bacteriophage-based approaches for controlling infections associated with haemodialysis catheters (Supervisors: Prof Andrew McBain, Dr G Xia, Dr Anuradha Jayanti)

The MSc course will equip you with a broad and solid knowledge base and research skills in medical microbiology and infectious diseases, which will prepare you well to succeed in this PhD project with a focus on microbial pathogenesis and the development of novel antimicrobial therapies.

PhD project 2: Metals and host-pathogen interactions: the role of metal handling systems in the human gastrointestinal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni (Supervisors: Dr Jennifer Cavet, Dr D Linton)

The focus on clinical and molecular microbiology combined with development of a broad range of laboratory skills provided by the MSc Medical Microbiology is excellent preparation for this project.

During this PhD, the student will further develop their molecular microbiology research skills, studying two significant and related bacterial human pathogens that interact with the human host in fundamentally different ways. One, Campylobacter jejuni, causes an acute gastrointestinal infection, while the related Helicobacter pylori induces a chronic colonisation of the stomach.

We are particularly interested in how these bacteria obtain metals during infection and how they protect themselves from metal intoxication induced by the innate immune response.

Neuroimaging

Master's course: MSc Neuroimaging for Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience

This MSc explores cutting-edge cognitive neuroscience techniques and their application to research in clinical and cognitive neuroscience. You'll cover the theory behind cognitive, social, behavioural, and clinical neuroscience while gaining practical data analysis and functional neuroanatomy skills.

PhD project: Understanding and optimising motor cortex plasticity (Supervisors: Dr Caroline Lea-Carnall, Dr L Parkes, Prof W El-Deredy)

By the end of the MSc, you will have gained practical experience and a theoretical understanding of data acquisition and analysis techniques required to measure structural and functional features of the brain.

In the PhD, you will use those skills to measure changes in network connectivity in the motor cortex in response to stimulation. Your theoretical knowledge will allow you to interpret the imaging data in terms of the underlying physiology.

Apply for the Integrated PhD

Before you apply.

Before applying you'll need to:

• Ensure you have funding to support your master's and PhD.
• Check you meet our Integrated PhD entry requirements.
• Browse our PhD projects listings and identify a self-funded project you’re passionate about or  browse our Research Explorer  to find a supevisor.
• Contact the named supervisor to discuss your interest in working with them or in their advertised project, stating you are a self-funded international applicant interested in the ‘Integrated PhD programme’.
• Review master’s courses related to your project, or any suggested by your supervisor, and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Application process for the Integrated PhD

Once you've found your project, discussed your suitability with the supervisor, and checked you meet the eligibility criteria, you’re ready to complete an online application.

Full guidance on how to make an application can be found on our how to apply page but please ensure you follow the below tips:

• Only make one application for this programme.
• Ensure you select ‘FBMH Integrated 1+3 Programme’ on the online application form.
• If you select the incorrect programme, your application cannot be considered
• Include the name of your supervisor and provisional project title.
• Include a supporting statement of 1,000 words summarising your motivation for the Integrated PhD, outlining any research experience and your career ambitions.
• Indicate which of our master's courses you would like to be considered for.

Please refer to the individual MSc or MRes course page for details of application deadlines.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second UK honours degree or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK in a related subject area.

A Lower Second honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a master's degree with a Merit classification, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK.

Please refer to the individual  MSc or MRes course page  for detailed entry requirements.

As part of the selection process for the programme, you will be required to attend a short interview.

Have any questions? Get in touch.

Applications.

For queries regarding the application process, the projects on offer or your eligibility, please contact the Doctoral Academy.

Email:  [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5608

You may wish to contact supervisors directly about projects. You can find the name of the supervisor on each project, and their contact details in the University's online directory

University of Manchester intercalation queries should be sent to Professor Sue Atley and the intercalation team.

In the Getting started section

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Study at both Masters and research level

Become a game-changing researcher

We offer a wide range of Integrated PhDs across the social sciences, arts and humanities, and science and health.

• Study at Masters-level and then conduct your own research - be awarded a PhD at the end of the course.
• Gain the skills you need in the first Masters-level year in order to undertake research study.
• Receive guidance, supervision and expert teaching from world-class academics.

What is an Integrated PhD?

A traditional Integrated PhD provides a route into research study if you do not have a Masters degree, or have very little research training. It enables you to spend your first year completing Masters-level training, followed by a full-time PhD. The PhD element of the course will allow you to study your chosen subject in depth, whilst being supervised by one or more members of our academic staff.

What is an Integrated PhD with research and communication skills?

We have recently introduced a brand new type of Integrated PhD which includes additional research and communication skills.

We recognise and understand the importance of continuing professional development for students and have designed these research programmes for students who do not have English as a first language and may have been studying in a different country, or have been out of a traditional academic environment for some time. These tailor-made research degrees seek to give you the best underpinning for your doctoral studies. A core aim is for students to refine their English language skills for scholarly communication, enhance academic skills for postgraduate study, hone higher-level research skills, and master how to study and manage academic work in the UK. These Integrated PhDs do not include a Masters degree in their first year, like other existing Integrated PhDs offered at Essex. You will enrol with the intention of achieving a PhD award, with only a PG Diploma or PG Certificate available as exit awards after the first year. You will take a number of core and compulsory modules in your first year, and the next three years will be conducting your individual research project. 

Currently, the research degrees on offer are:

• PhD Accounting and Finance (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Actuarial Science (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Biological Sciences (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Computer Science (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Criminology (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Data Science (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Economics (with research and communications skills)
• PhD Electronic Systems Engineering (with research and communication skills)
• PhD English Language Teaching (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Film Studies (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Government (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Health Studies (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Human Resource Management with Organisation Studies (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Law (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Linguistics (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Literature (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Management (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Mathematics (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Nursing Studies (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Psychology (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Sociology (with research and communication skills )
• PhD Statistics (with research and communication skills)
• PhD Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling) (with reseach and communication skills)

How is an Integrated PhD different from a standard PhD?

Integrated PhDs are different from standard PhDs in a few ways.

• An Integrated PhD combines both taught study (in your first year) as well as independent research (during the PhD element of the course).
• An Integrated PhD should take longer to complete than a standard PhD (because it includes the Masters-level year).
• Integrated PhDs are designed for students who have not previously completed a Masters course but are particularly interested in pursuing research study.

Which departments offer Integrated PhDs?

The following Departments all offer either traditional Integrated PhDs or our new Integrated PhDs with research and communication skills.

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

• Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
• Essex Law School

Faculty of Social Sciences

• Department of Economics
• Department of Government
• Department of Language and Linguistics
• Department of Sociology
• Essex Business School

Faculty of Science and Health

• School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
• School of Health and Social Care
• School of Life Sciences
• School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science
• Department of Psychology  

How long does an Integrated PhD take to complete?

An Integrated PhD can take anywhere from 4-8 years to complete, depending on your study mode. The first year can only be studied full-time, which will take you a year to complete. When you begin the PhD element of the course, this will take you a further 3-4 years studying full-time, or 6-7 years studying part-time.

Where will I be based?

All of our Integrated PhDs are taught and supervised from our Colchester Campus, except for three Essex Business School courses, which are based at our Southend Campus. These are:

Integrated PhD Business Administration

Integrated phd management studies, integrated phd entrepreneurship, how will i be assessed.

During your PhD element of the course, you will undertake a large, independent research project and you will be examined by viva. Short for 'viva voce', the viva is an oral examination in which examiners (usually two) pose questions to the candidate about their thesis. The assessment of your Masters-level year will depend on the specific course you are studying, but this is usually a combination of coursework, a dissertation and examinations.

What qualification will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of the full course, you will gain a PhD. If you only complete the first year, you will receive either a Masters qualification, if you study one of the traditional Integrated PhDs, or a PG Diploma or PG Certificate if you study one of the Integrated PhDs with researh and communication skills. 

Is there any funding available?

We have a wide range of funding sources available for postgraduate students - from loans and discounts to bursaries and scholarships. Visit our fees and funding page to learn more about the different options that may be applicable to you.

How do I apply?

Check out the detailed information on our postgraduate research applying  page, which describes step-by-step what you need to do to apply. This page also covers the application deadlines for our research degrees.

I am an international student. Is there anything extra I need to know?

If you require a student visa to study in the UK, then we will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to you when you have met the requirements for this. The CAS will allow you to make a single visa application for a student visa which will cover the full duration of the Integrated PhD course.

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Research degrees (49)

Integrated phd accounting.

Study and explore new research and insight into accounting and accountability processes on this integrated Masters and PhD programme

Integrated PhD Accounting and Finance

Join our four-year PhD in Accounting and Finance at Essex Business School. Enhance research and communication skills, tailored for non-native English speakers.

Integrated PhD Actuarial Science

Our four-year PhD in Actuarial Science (with research and communication skills) course has been designed to support students.

On our Integrated PhD Actuarial Science, you can study survival analysis, risk management, asset-liability management for pension funds, and more.

Integrated PhD Biological Sciences

Our PhD Biological Sciences (with research and communication skills) course has been designed to support students who do not have English as a first language.

Integrated PhD Tropical Marine Biology

We have research expertise in the ecology of coral reef systems, tropical seagrass beds, mangroves and fisheries, deep sea/marine connectivity, and more.

Integrated PhD Management

Join our 4-year PhD Management at Essex Business School, designed for non-native English speakers. Enhance research, communication, and academic skills.

Interrogate issues in the contemporary workplace and how these relate to wider society on a local and global level on this integrated Masters and PhD programme.

Interrogate the issues surrounding management and organisations and how these relate to wider society and the economy on this integrated Masters and PhD.

Explore management studies and business analytics to develop research to help navigate business challenges with this integrated Masters and PhD programme.

Explore the debates surrounding entrepreneurship, organisational development and innovation in the new economy on this integrated Masters and PhD programme.

Integrated PhD Computer Science

Our PhD Computer Science (with research and communication skills) course has been designed to support students who do not have English as a first language.

Spend your first year completing a Masters-level qualification, followed by a full-time PhD studied over 3-4 years.

Integrated PhD Criminology

Our four-year PhD in Criminology, tailored for non-native English speakers, emphasizes research and communication skills, with entry options in Oct or Jan.

Combine your Masters and PhD study with our four-year integrated PhD Criminology.

Integrated PhD Statistics

Areas of research on our Integrated PhD Statistics include statistical modelling and smoothing, Bayesian computational statistics, and nonparametric statistics.

Integrated PhD Data Science

Our four-year PhD in Data Science (with research and communication skills) course has been specifically designed to support students.

On our Integrated PhD Data Science you can study industry 4.0, information retrieval, multidimensional scaling, optimisation, statistical learning, and more.

Integrated PhD Economics

You receive advanced research training and expert supervision to reach your full potential, as well as access to top quality research facilities.

If you have a good idea about what the focus of your research will be, you'll need to find a suitable supervisor at Essex. Search for a research area or subject first and then make contact with a supervisor to discuss your ideas before you apply.

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Life Sciences Integrated PhD

Key information, find a supervisor.

Mode of study

4 years full-time

International £23,615

Entry requirements

Research profile

The Life Sciences Department at Brunel is a vibrant, multidisciplinary community of scholars addressing key issues and global challenges for humankind. The Department brings together academics in Biosciences, Environmental Sciences, Psychology, and Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences, working together to carry out world-leading research with the potential to improve human health and well-being.

Together, we work towards integrating academic and scientific rigour with the needs of health care providers, governments, industry, and the not-for-profit sector, aiming to deliver creative solutions to global challenges and, thereby, bring health, economic, social, and cultural benefits to societies.

You will benefit from this Integrated PhD programme immensely if you want to:

• receive more guided and hands-on supervision of your learning and research process, especially if you come from more traditional teaching cultures
• increase your chances for timely completion of your PhD programme in comparison to students taking traditional route PhD, cutting down the expenses associated with prolonged study
• access to tailored, highly specialist research training not available as part of the support provided to traditional route PhD students
• maximise your chances for a successful research analysis by applying practical assignments and training which are part of the integrated PhD directly to the research you do for your thesis
• receive an official Postgraduate Diploma in Research in addition to your PhD award to certify the completion of skills training which may be required by employers in some countries if you wish to pursue an academic career

Browse the work of subject-relevant research groups

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team .

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

While we welcome applications from students with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:

• A systems approach to plastic waste valorisation, supervised by Kok Siew Ng
• Applications for education and/or healthcare: Exploring the potential of ‘human-like’ computing, supervised by Arthur Money
• Artificially intelligent conversational agents: exploring their value in education and/or healthcare, supervised by Arthur Money
• Blinded by the load – electrophysiological and pupillometric indices of the interplay between non-spatial and spatial attention, supervised by Bianca De Haan
• Children’s gender-related development: The role of cultural visibility and acceptance of gender diversity, supervised by Francisco Gomez Jimenez
• Developing a device for marine life and water quality monitoring, supervised by Gera Troisi
• Item-Level Scoring of Memory Tests as an Approach to Detect and Study Abnormal Cognitive Ageing, supervised by Matteo De Marco
• Machine learning approaches in health data science for risk prediction of cardiovascular diseases, supervised by Raha Pazoki
• Mindfulness-based Environmental Sustainability (MiBEST), supervised by Elena Antonova
• Naturalness of autonomous vehicles, supervised by Joseph Giacomin
• Testing the efficacy of virtual reality and action simulation training for improving balance in children/young adults with movement coordination difficulties, supervised by Adam Bruton, Carla Harkness-Armstrong, Aliah Shaheen and Rebecca Hings
• The impact of heat stress on human health, performance, and function across the lifecourse, supervised by Oliver Gibson
• The role of PE/PPE proteins in tuberculosis, supervised by Anthony Tsolaki
• Trust In Autonomous Vehicles, supervised by Joseph Giacomin
• Turning the curse into a blessing: using mindfulness to reduce psychosis-risk in people with high positive schizotypy who have heightened creative abilities, supervised by Elena Antonova
• Understanding teaching and learning in Higher Education with a focus on AI and/or authentic assessments, supervised by Stephanie Baines and Pauldy Otermans
• Understanding the effects of meditation on mood, cognition, and the brain, supervised by Andre Szameitat
• Understanding the mechanisms behind age-related balance and movement change, and/or exploring strategies to improve balance, function, and wellbeing in the older adult population, supervised by Daniel Low

Research journey

The Brunel Integrated PhD combines PhD research with a programme of structured research, professional and subject training. The programme typically takes 4 years (compared to 3 years for a non-integrated PhD programme). On successful completion, you will be awarded a PhD with an Integrated Postgraduate Diploma in Research in your chosen subject specialisation.

The programme involves demonstrating through original research or other advanced scholarship the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of an academic discipline or professional practice, the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the general of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline.

The programme of taught modules runs in parallel to your research work during the first three years of study, with the fourth year providing time for you to focus on writing up your PhD thesis. The taught modules cover research and professional skills as well as providing discipline-specific content. The Brunel Integrated PhD aims to support an individual’s development as a research professional. It aims to produce researchers who are well prepared to embark on careers as academics or professional researchers. As well as the skills to conduct and disseminate high-quality academic research, researchers will develop a range of broader (‘transferable’) skills to help ensure that their work has an impact in the wider world.

Find out more here.

This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.

Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here:  Research degree progress structure.

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme . The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

Library services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.

Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

Find out more: Brunel Library

Careers and your future

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.

Find out more.

UK entry requirements

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). 

An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.

Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement  and a research statement. Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement  here .   

EU and International entry requirements

English language requirements.

· IELTS: 7.0 (min 6.0 in all areas)

· Pearson: 64 (min 59 in all subscores)

· BrunELT: 68% (min 58% in all areas)

· TOEFL: 98 (min 20 in all subscores)

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our  English Language Requirements  page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our  Brunel Language Centre .

Please check our Admissions  pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/5 entry, international.

£23,615 full-time

£11,805 part-time

£4,786 full-time

£2,393 part-time

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.

Some courses incur  additional course related costs . You can also check our  on-campus accommodation costs  for more information on living expenses.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

PhD studentships

• ESRC Funded Studentships in Health & Wellbeing at Brunel University London via the Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership.
• Understanding the response of freshwater microorganisms to environmental change through the lens of energy allocation

Scholarships and bursaries

• Brunel Graduate Discount

Related courses

Psychology phd, ageing studies phd, cognitive and clinical neuroscience phd, culture and evolution phd, environment and health phd, environmental sciences phd, health economics phd, welfare, health and wellbeing phd, public health and health promotion phd, sport, health and exercise sciences phd.

PhD (Integrated) in Economics

This is a 4-year Programme. The expected duration is 48 months, and the maximum allowed length of candidature is 60 months, if students choose to get into nominal registration role. In the first year, students entering the Integrated PhD programme are required to complete the taught elements of our MSc in Economics programme. Progression onto the research element of the programme is determined by satisfactory completion of these taught elements, with a minimum average of 60% across all modules (and a pass mark of 60% for the Level 7 dissertation) and with no module below the University pass-mark for Standalone Masters programmes. The Integrated PhD offers a structured PhD pathway that includes a wide choice of formal instruction, coupled with an extensive range of specialist research topics across the breadth of the subject. There is a progression from an initial emphasis on instructional modules towards full time research, supported by high quality supervision.

The integrated PhD programme is highly flexible and student-centred.

Programme Overview

Entry requirements, programme structure, fees & funding, learning & teaching, career opportunities.

Our postgraduate research programmes are conducted under expert individual or joint supervision. Supervisors are research-active members of staff with expertise in your area of interest. The MSc Programmes Director acts as Personal Academic Tutor to students during the taught component of the programme before the supervisory team for the research element is identified.

The course is particularly suitable for overseas students seeking to convert from other scientific disciplines, and also those who are awarded four-year scholarships through their government or other sources. Please note that there is no funding available for this programme through the University of Southampton, ESRC or NERC.

Year PhD Programme

Students entering the Integrated PhD programme are required to complete the taught elements of our MSc in Economics programme.

In the following years, students will have the opportunity to attend different complementary field modules.  The field modules are taught by internationally renowned experts visiting the Economics department on a regular basis and internal academic staff.

View the Course Description Document

Apply using the University online application form . A full guide to this process may be downloaded from here.

Applications can be submitted at any time although we would encourage applicants to apply before the end of May. If you are seeking financial support for your postgraduate studies, we recommend that you apply before the end of January so you have time to gather the necessary documentation for your funding body/sponsor.

Prospective students are asked to draft a short research proposal within their application form. A research proposal is a project outline which students write as part of the application process. We use it to assess the quality and originality of their ideas, whether they are able to think critically and whether they have a grasp of the relevant literature. It also gives us important information about the perspectives students intend to take on the research area, and how you fit into the discipline area's research profile overall. This will helps us assign a suitable supervisor for your project.

It is normal for students to refine their original proposal in light of detailed literature reviews, further consideration of research approaches and comments received from the supervisors (and other academic staff). Note also that this research proposal can be updated and modified at completion of the Master’s dissertation after consultation with the supervisory team. At the application stage, what we are looking for is clear evidence of potential for successful PhD study and a proposal which reflects that.

At least two members of academic staff will consider the application.

Typical entry requirements

The University’s Admissions Policy applies equally to all programmes of study. The following are the typical entry criteria to be used for selecting candidates for admission into the Integrated PhD programme.

Selection process

The University’s approved equivalencies for the requirements listed below will also be acceptable.

At a minimum, successful applicants must meet the admissions requirements of the University Code of Practice for Research Candidature and Supervision .

This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country.

Typical course content

Unlike undergraduate study, the open-ended nature of research means it is not possible to always predict the structure of a programme of study leading to a thesis.  The following is an indicative list.  Where there is a definite requirement to undertake a certain activity this is stated.

4 Year PhD Programme

Students entering the Integrated PhD programme are required to complete the taught elements of our MSc in Economics programme. Students who satisfy the progression requirements for the iPhD proceed with PhD research.

In addition to the taught components, students can take additional training in statistical packages and also attend two library skills sessions: one at the start of the academic year and one at the start of the dissertation period. The University also provides English courses for students wishing to improve their English skills. This may be particularly useful for improving writing skills. Supervisory teams will also provide timely advice to students on this matter during the master’s dissertation period

In the following years, students will have regular meetings with their supervisory team and discuss their learning strategies as well as the progress of their research. This is the most important part of the programme. The student together with the team may decide to attend additional modules and learning activities. Students wishing to gain further training in research methods are also able to attend the specialised training offered by the National Centre for Research Methods led by the University of Southampto.

An important component of the subsequent research-based training involves participating in research workshops and seminars in Economics.  All PhD students are required to present their research in one workshop per year during their third and fourth years of registration.  The Department is also running weekly external speaker seminars and internal staff workshops to which PhD students are asked to attend.

Between months 30 and 33 of the start of the programme students are assessed on their performance. If students meet the requirements, they will be confirmed on the PhD programme, otherwise they may be given further time to satisfy the confirmation requirements or be asked to terminate their studies without the PhD award.

Evidence of continued progress is provided by publications and presentations in a suitable venue (e.g. an international conference). It is unlikely that further major training will be needed at this stage. The target date for submission of the PhD thesis is normally at the end of Year 4 as this may coincide with the end of any supporting studentships.

Normally, students are expected to submit their thesis by the 48th month of study. However, for students in full time registration who need a fifth year (in nominal registration role) for writing up, the final PhD thesis must be submitted at the latest by the end of the 60th month (excluding periods of suspension) unless special dispensation is granted by the Graduate School. The latter will only be granted rarely, in the case of exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.

The iPhD is typically a four-year programme, if studied full-time. In year 1 students are required to complete the taught elements of one of our two MSc Programmes (MSc in Economics, MSc in Economics & Econometrics). Students who satisfy the progression requirements for the iPhD proceed with PhD research. The following modules are only indicative examples of the options available. There is a wide array of option modules to choose from, subject to availability.

Macroeconomics Microeconomics Dissertation

Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics

Optional Students must choose ECON6004 Quantitative Method OR ECON6024 Econometrics 1. This module will become core once chosen. Quantitative Methods Finance Macroeconomic Policy 3 International Trade Labour Economics

These modules are only indicative examples of the options available. There is a wide array of option modules to choose from, subject to availability.

Tuition fees

Fees for postgraduate research degrees vary across the University. All fees are listed for UK, EU and international full-time and part-time students alphabetically by course name.

Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.

The learning outcomes corresponding to the taught component are:

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this programme you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

A1 mathematical and statistical tools for economic analysis;

A2 the theoretical foundations of microeconomics and macroeconomics;

A3 the process of model formulation, analysis and validation in economic theory;

A4 the application of economic theory and economic reasoning to a range of topics, including the analysis of economic policy;

A5 qualitative and quantitative economic data and the appropriate methods for structuring and analysing such data;

A6 the statistical foundations of econometric methods;

A7 recent developments in econometric inference and their application to economic data;

A8 alternative approaches to quantitative modelling in economics;

A9 theoretical and empirical developments at the research frontier in two specialised areas of the subject.

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Lectures, seminars, problem classes and independent research.

Assessment Methods

• Written examinations, problem sets, project-based coursework and periodic meetings with supervisory panel.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this programme you will be able to demonstrate the following key intellectual skills that characterise the economist's approach to problem solving and decision making:

B1 The ability to abstract the essential features of complex data and to formalise and construct a model for the critical analysis and evaluation of theory, of its application and of policy.

B2 A critical understanding of the application of inductive reasoning to assumption based models.

B3 The ability to validate empirically economic models through a process of estimation, testing and evaluation using a range of statistical methods applied to a variety of economic data.

B4 The ability to evaluate the applicability of a range of research methodologies to the conduct of economic research.

B5 The ability to formulate research questions in economics and/or econometrics and translate these into appropriate research designs.

Assessment methods

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this programme you will be able to:

C1 communicate complex economic arguments in both written and oral form;

C2 make effective use of a range of ICT including the Internet, word-processing, databases and spreadsheets;

C3 identify, select and access a range of sources of printed, electronic and other material as a means to the development and presentation of arguments and evidence;

C4 demonstrate awareness and understanding of the ethical and legal issues associated with the conduct of research in the social sciences;

C5 design, implement and manage a piece of research.

• Written examinations, problem sets, project-based coursework, Master’s dissertation and periodic meetings with supervisory panel.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

D1 make informed judgements on the design and effective implementation of policies to address a range of economic problems;

D2 have an extensive knowledge of the principal sources of economic information and data;

D3 master a range of statistical software for the organisation, presentation and analysis of economic data.

Successful iPhD doctorates will be able find work taking up positions as teaching and research academics. They will also be leading economic or econometric analysts in public or private sector, including central and local governments and the institutions of the European Union, in statistical offices, central banks, financial supervision authorities, international aid organisations, commercial banks and financial institutions, etc. Finally, this programme also forms a solid basis for a career in private sector in management, or in consultancy.

Study locations

Highfield campus

Economic, Social and Political Science is based on the main campus of ... Find out more