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• PhD Types - Understanding Different Doctoral Degrees

Types of PhD

When is a 'PhD' not a PhD? When it's a DPhil, DBA, EdD or other type of doctorate degree.

The traditional PhD (or 'Doctor of Philosophy') is the best-known advanced research qualification, but several other types of doctoral degree exist. Some of these are academic qualifications in specific subject areas. Others are professional doctorates with a slightly different format.

The way in which candidates study for a PhD is also becoming more varied, with the opportunity to research part time or even pursue a joint doctorate degree , awarded by more than one university.

But there's no need to be confused. This page explains and compares the options available to you.

Not sure where to start? Read our step by step guide to finding the right PhD .

Designed for experienced managers and business leaders, the DBA is a prestigious and highly-specialised professional doctoral degree.

Ideal for senior teachers and policy makers, an Education Doctorate combines advanced training with original research.

Joint PhD programmes involve collaboration between two (or more) different universities. So how does that work? Who can apply? And what are the advantages (and disadvantages) of researching in this way?

The PhD is the most common variety of doctorate, but others are awarded in specific disciplines or sometimes particular countries.

Integrated PhD programmes consist of a one-year Masters followed by three years of PhD research. Find out more about what it's like to study an integrated PhD, how to apply and the funding options available.

Thinking of applying for the Doctor of Engineering (EngD)? Our guide covers everything you need to know about the qualification, including costs, applications, programme content, and how it differs from a PhD.

Comparing PhD types

Wondering which type of doctorate degree is right for you? The following table offers a quick overview of the most common types of PhD and other doctorates:

Please note that this table doesn't include every type of doctorate. Many other subjects (and countries ) award their own specific qualifications, but we've covered some of the most popular here.

You can more about some of these degree types in our guide to different varieties of doctorate .

Understanding this table

The doctorates in the above table are divided into different types, as follows:

• Academic doctorates (such as the standard PhD) are usually awarded for original research and scholarship in traditional academic subjects. They can prepare a student for various careers, but their main focus is on broadening theoretical understanding of a subject, rather than improving professional practice.
• Professional doctorates are awarded for work that contributes directly to knowledge or practice in a specific vocational field. They still involve original research and analysis, but also incorporate more practical training and instruction. Candidates may require appropriate experience.
• Higher doctorates are usually awarded later in a person's career, as a means of recognising esteemed researchers or practitioners. Students do not normally enrol for these doctorates as traditional university degrees.
• Honorary doctorates are awarded to celebrate an individual's achievements. They do not require any specific track record of academic or professional work and can be granted at the discretion of a university. Students do not enrol for these doctorates.

As a prospective postgraduate student, you only really need to concern yourself with academic or professional research degrees.

We've included higher and honorary doctorates here in order to try and prevent them being confused with more 'conventional' PhDs (and to give you some inspiration for later in your career!).

DPhil vs PhD

Many people believe that the DPhil and PhD are different degrees. This is not true. ‘DPhil’ is an abbreviation of ‘Doctor of Philosophy’. Essentially, ‘DPhil’ and ‘PhD’ are two different ways of referring to the same doctoral degree.

‘DPhil’ is traditionally a British term and so only a few universities (most notably, the University of Oxford) still use it. Most universities around the world use the term ‘PhD’. While you might have to explain to a foreign employer what a DPhil is, you can be safe in the knowledge that both degrees are the same prestigious Doctor of Philosophy award.

Ready to start searching for a PhD ? You can filter our course search by topic, location, keywords and funding.

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Tips for Students > A Comprehensive List Of Doctorate Degrees Just For You

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

A Comprehensive List Of Doctorate Degrees Just For You

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: August 27, 2020

Are you looking to earn your doctorate degree, but aren’t sure where to begin? Or maybe you’re just curious about the kinds of degrees that are available to you. In this article, we’ll go over the different types of degrees, the difference between research degrees and professional degrees, and finally, give you a full comprehensive list of doctorate degrees available in the U.S.

We hope you discover some new fields that pique your interest, and maybe even get you started on your path to earning a degree.

Photo by  Pixabay  from  Pexels

What is a doctorate degree.

There are four major types of degrees that you can earn in university. In order, they are: associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate degree.

A doctorate degree is the highest level of education in most fields. For fields of research or teaching it is usually a PhD, while other applied doctorates will include degrees such as Doctor of Medicine (MD), or Doctor of Education (EdD).

In order to earn a doctorate degree, you will first need to earn your bachelor’s degree. Most people choose to earn their master’s degree before entering a doctorate program, but it is possible to go straight to a doctoral degree in some cases.

Doctorate degrees can be divided into two major categories: research degrees and professional degrees.

Research Degrees

What is a research degree.

A research degree focuses on exploring a topic in depth. A research degree gives students the opportunity to conduct their own unique research on a topic of their choice in order to produce their own research papers and innovative studies of knowledge.

A research degree prepares students with the skills and experience necessary for working and conducting research in academic, governmental, and business fields.

Below is a comprehensive list of all the research degrees available in the US.

List Of Research Degrees:

• Doctor of Arts (DA)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Canon Law (JCD)
• Doctor of Design (DDes)
• Doctor of Engineering or Engineering Science (DEng, DESc, DES)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA.)
• Doctor of Hebrew Letters (DHL)
• Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD, SJD)
• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
• Doctor of Music Education (DME)
• Doctor of Modern Languages (DML)
• Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Doctor of Public Health (DPH)
• Doctor of Sacred Theology (STD)
• Doctor of Science (DSc, ScD)
• Doctor of Theology (ThD)

Photo by  ICSA  from  Pexels

Professional degrees, what is a professional degree.

A professional degree prepares students for a specific profession. Through earning a professional degree, students study the necessary information for their field, meet specific academic and licensure requirements for their desired profession, and prepare for state exams.

Below is a comprehensive list of all the professional degrees that can be earned in the US.

List Of Professional Degrees

• Doctor of Acupuncture (D.Ac., D.Acu.)
• Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (D.A.O.M.)
• Doctor of Anesthesia Practice (Dr.AP)
• Doctor of Applied Science (D.A.S.)
• Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch.)
• Doctor of Athletic Training (D.A.T.)
• Doctor of Audiology (Au.D)
• Doctor of Behavioral Health (D.B.H.)
• Doctor of Chemistry (D.Chem.)
• Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)
• Doctor of Church Music (D.C.M.)
• Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (D.C.N.)
• Doctor of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology (CScD)
• Doctor of Comparative Law (D.C.L.)
• Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.)
• Doctor of Computer Science (D.C.S.)
• Doctor of Criminal Justice (D.C.J.)
• Doctor of Criminology (D.Crim.)
• Doctor of Divinity (Divinitatis Doctor) (D.D.)
• Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.)
• Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering (D.Env.)
• Doctor of Forestry (D.F.)
• Doctor of Geological Science (D.G.S.)
• Doctor of Health Administration (D.H.A.)
• Doctor of Health and Safety (D.H.S.)
• Doctor of Health Education (D.H.Ed)
• Doctor of Hebrew Literature/Letters (D.H.L.)
• Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc., D.H.S.)
• Doctor of Hebrew Studies (D.H.S.)
• Doctor of Humane Letters (D.Hum.Litt.)
• Doctor of Industrial Technology (D.I.T.)
• Doctor of Information Technology (D.I.T.)
• Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Doctor of Law and Policy (L.P.D., D.L.P.)
• Doctor of Liberal Studies (D.L.S.)
• Doctor of Library Science (D.L.S.)
• Doctor of Management (D.M.)
• Doctor of Medical Humanities (D.M.H.)
• Doctor of Medical Physics (D.M.P)
• Doctor of Medical Science (D.M.Sc.)
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
• Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
• Doctor of Missiology (D.Miss)
• Doctor of Music (D.M., D.Mus.)
• Doctor of Music Therapy (D.M.T.)
• Doctor of Naprapathic Medicine (D.N.)
• Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D., N.M.D.)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D., D.O.T.)
• Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
• Doctor of Organizational Leadership
• Doctor of Oriental Medicine (D.O.M., O.M.D.)
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
• Doctor of Pastoral Counseling (D.PC)
• Doctor of Pastoral Music (D.P.M.)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
• Doctor of Physical Education (D.P.E.)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
• Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.)
• Doctor of Practical Theology (D.P.T., D.Th.P.)
• Doctor of Professional Studies (D.P.S.)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D)
• Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A.)
• Doctor of Recreation (D.Rec., D.R.)
• Doctor of Rehabilitation (Rh.D.)
• Doctor of Sacred Music (D.S.M.)
• Doctor of Science in Dentistry (D.Sc.D.)
• Doctor of Science and Hygiene (D.Sc.H.)
• Doctor of Science in Veterinary Medicine (D.Sc.V.M.)
• Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.)
• Doctor of Social Science (D.S.Sc.)
• Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.)
• Doctor of Transformational Leadership (D.T.L.)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)

Earn A Degree Online

If you are interested in earning your doctorate degree in any desired subject, consider earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree online, so that you are one step closer to your goals.

Earning a degree online is a great way to study while working, raising a family, or just going at your own pace.

University of the People is a tuition-free university that allows students to earn their degree 100% online. We pride ourselves on offering affordable degree programs to our students, so that everyone has equal access to quality education.

We offer degrees in business administration , health science , computer science , and education , so if you’re looking to earn a doctorate degree, University of the People is the best place to start.

Wrapping Up

There are many fascinating and practical doctorate degrees to choose from. Whether you’re interested in research in education and language, or becoming a nurse or veterinarian, there is a degree for every field and interest.

For those who are determined to earn a doctorate degree, a great way to start is to earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree online, so you can be one step closer to your goals. We hope you find something to pique your interest in this comprehensive list of doctorate degrees.

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

• PhD in USA – A Guide for 2024/25
• Finding a PhD

A PhD in USA takes approximately 5 – 6 years of full-time study and can cost between $12,000 – $45,000 per academic year. PhD programs in USA differ from that in the UK and Europe in that students must first take taught classes, coursework and exams before starting their research project.

Why Do a PhD in USA?

The United States has long had some of the most distinguished universities and advanced PhD programmes in the world. Combined with curriculum flexibility, rigorous teaching methods, vast funding opportunities, breathtaking campuses and significant career prospects, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most sought-after study destinations for research students.

In addition to comprehensive training standards, here are a few other reasons why a student may choose to undertake their PhD in the United States:

• Longer learning timeframes – A PhD in the US lasts longer than a PhD in the UK or Europe. This allows students to more confidently transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies; more commonly referred to as ‘graduate studies’ in the US. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about your subject, research methods and academic writing in general before starting your research project.
• World-class universities – It’s no secret that some of the most well-known higher education institutions that continue to dominate global rankings are based in the United States. Although many factors go into determining whether a position is right for you, a PhD at a high-ranking American university will undeniably have many benefits, from excellent learning standards to access to innovative equipment and deep expertise.
• International network – The US has long been a popular choice among PhD students around the world. As such, the US hosts a diverse and multicultural learning environment in which many research students will quickly feel at home.
• Opportunities – With over 4,000 universities in the US, we can safely say you will have plenty of opportunities to find the ideal combination of project, supervisor and university that works for you.

Universities in USA

Universities in the United States can be divided into two types: public universities and private universities.

Public universities are financed by the state in which they are based. Because of this, public universities charge less for students from within the state and more for students from outside the state, including international students.

Private universities are not financed by their state, but by private donors, research funds and tuition fees. For this reason, private universities generally charge higher tuition fees than public universities and require all students to pay the same amount, regardless of whether they come from out-of-state or abroad.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 , eight of the top ten universities in the world are located in the United States. These are:

Method of Study

The main difference between a PhD in the US and a PhD in Europe lies in the program structure. Whereas a European PhD essentially consists of a single phase lasting three to four years , an American PhD consists of three different phases, each with its own time frame.

• Phase One – The first phase lasts approximately two years and focuses on building a basic foundation for the doctoral student. This phase consists largely of taught components such as lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions, in which the student learns more about theoretical concepts and research methods within their discipline.
• Phase Two – The second phase can be considered an assessment phase, which runs both periodically alongside and at the end of the first phase. Here, students complete coursework and take exams on the basis of the material they have covered of which they must pass in order to proceed to the third phase.
• Phase Three – The third phase lasts approximately three years and resembles the European PhD structure. During this period, the student undertakes an independent research project, including forming a research design, conducting experiments, writing a thesis (more commonly referred to in the USA as a dissertation) and sitting a viva exam.

Teaching Requirements

Besides structure, a key difference between a PhD program in the US and in Europe is the focus on teaching requirements. In the US, doctoral students are expected to lecture, lead tutorials, host laboratory sessions, mark coursework and provide office hours for undergraduate students. Although students studying in European will likely contribute to these at some point during their study, this would normally be on a voluntary basis and involve less time commitment.

Research Flexibility

Another difference is project flexibility. In Europe, students typically apply to a PhD project predetermined by a supervisor, and although there may be some scope to adapt the project, depending on the funding provider , it will usually be limited to how the project is carried out rather than what it is about. In the US, however, a student applies to become a doctoral candidate within a department rather than applying for a particular research project. This is because students are expected to decide on their thesis topic (also commonly referred to as a dissertation research topic) near the end of their first phase after they have developed a better understanding of their subject and know where their interests lie. Therefore, research students in the US generally have more flexibility and influence in the direction of their research than students in the United Kingdom or Europe.

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

PhD admission into US universities can be highly competitive, both because of the limited number of positions and the large number of annual applicants.

The eligibility requirements for a doctoral program in the USA can generally be divided into four sections:

• Grade Point Average ( GPA ) – in the US, a scoring system known as Grade Point Average is used to measure academic ability. A student’s GPA is calculated as a weighted score of the subjects they study during their undergraduate degree; an equivalent score is calculated by universities for international applicants. Although universities rarely set minimum GPA requirements for doctoral study, it’s worth being aware that a GPA of 3.0 is equivalent to a UK second class honours (2:1); the typical entry requirement for UK universities.
• Graduate Records Exam (GRE) – most universities will require you to take a series of examinations known as Graduate Records Exams, which are used to determine your suitability for graduate study. GREs will assess your analytical, reasoning and critical thinking skills as well as your depth of your subject.
• Student aptitude – in addition to academic ability, US universities also look for characteristics of a strong researcher. These include traits such as engaging in the subject in your own time, e.g. by attending talks and conferences, demonstrating a high degree of independence and enthusiasm, and a general passion for your subject.
• English Language Proficiency – international students whose first language is not English must sit language exams such as IELTS or TOELF to demonstrate their English language proficiency.

International students will also require a F1 student visa in order to study in the US, however, you would typically apply for this after you have secured a place into a doctorate program.

How to Apply for PhD in USA

When applying for a PhD position at a graduate school, the application process will differ between universities, however, they will all typically ask for the following:

• Academic CV – a short document summarising your educational background and current level of experience .
• Personal statement – a document which outlines why you believe you are suitable for PhD study and your passion for the subject.
• Academic transcripts – a complete breakdown of the modules and their respective marks you have taken as part of your previous/current degree.
• GRE scores – a transcript of your Graduate Records Exam results.
• Research statement – a condensed version of a research proposal outlining your general research interests, if required.
• Recommendation letters – references from several academic referees who endorse your qualities as a person, your abilities as a student and your potential as a doctoral researcher.

Application Deadlines and Fees

Since PhD programs in the United States have taught components, they commence at the same time as all other taught degrees, and therefore share the same application deadlines and start dates. This corresponds to an application period that typically begins in August and ends in February. Admission decisions are typically made in April, with successful students starting in August/September.

When you apply to a graduate school, you will be expected to pay a fee for each doctorate application to cover the school’s administrative costs for processing your application. The fee varies from university to university, but typically ranges from $50 to $100 .

Funding your PhD in USA

It’s very common for a PhD student to receive financial aid in the form of a PhD scholarship; in fact, this will be the case for the vast majority of students in the US.

PhD funding can be ‘fully funded’ covering the student’s graduate program tuition fees, accommodation and living costs, or ‘partially funded’ covering the student’s tuition fee only in part or full.

Besides funding, a graduate student can take on an assistantship, such as a graduate teaching assistant or research assistant, in which they take on a part-time salaried position at the university alongside their studies.

Due to the international and collaborate nature of American universities, there are also a number of international scholarships available, such as the Fulbright Scholarship and the AAUW International Fellowship .

PhD Duration in USA

In the US, a PhD takes approximately 5 – 6 years to complete if studying full-time, and 8 – 10 years if studying part-time.

If you already have a Master’s degree, your first phase can be shortened by one year at the discretion of the university.

Cost of a PhD in USA

The cost of a PhD program in the US can vary considerably depending on the type of university, i.e. whether it’s a public or private university, the doctoral course, i.e. whether it’s in a STEM subject such as computer science, engineering or a non-STEM subject, and whether you are a home or international student.

In general, however, the typical annual tuition fee for a PhD in the US is between $12,000 and $45,000 per academic year.

As with any doctoral degree, additional costs may include travel for collaborations, bench fees, accommodation and living expenses.

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Course type

Qualification, university name.

4001 degrees at 152 universities in the UK.

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About Postgraduate

A PhD in Gender Studies in the UK is an advanced academic programme which offers an interdisciplinary platform for scholarly research into gender and sexuality. These programmes, typically spanning three to four years full-time and up to seven years part-time, are designed for master’s graduates, as well as early or mid-career professionals, with backgrounds in fields like anthropology, sociology, psychology, education, history, literary or film studies.

The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of gender theories, feminist methodologies, and the intersectionality of gender with other social categories. The programme is research-intensive, encouraging students to pursue independent and innovative research in areas such as gender and policy, queer studies, gender and media and global feminism.

What to Expect

Central to the gender studies PhD programme is the emphasis on original research, guided by experienced academics. The programme's objective is to develop critical thinkers and researchers who can contribute to the evolving discourse on gender issues.

Coursework includes advanced theoretical and methodological training, seminars, and elective courses tailored to the students’ research interests. Many programmes also offer opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, international research and participation in academic conferences.

Graduates of gender studies PhD programmes in the UK are highly regarded in various professional sectors. They emerge with a profound understanding of gender dynamics, prepared for careers in academia, research, policy advocacy or leadership roles in organisations dedicated to gender equality. Their doctoral research often influences public discourse, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of gender.

Related subjects:

• PhD Agriculture, Animal Care, and Veterinary Science
• PhD Archaeology
• PhD Architecture
• PhD Biology and Life Sciences
• PhD Building, Planning and Construction Management
• PhD Chemistry
• PhD Communications and Media
• PhD Computer Science and Information Technology
• PhD Creative Arts and Design and Illustration
• PhD Economics
• PhD Education
• PhD Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• PhD Engineering
• PhD English Literature
• PhD Environmental Health and Safety, Protection and Conservation
• PhD Financial Management and Accounting
• PhD Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics
• PhD Gallery, Conservation and Museum Studies and Museology
• PhD Geography and Earth Sciences
• PhD Health Care Management and Health Studies
• PhD History
• PhD Humanities and Social Sciences
• PhD Industry, Logistics, Manufacturing and Production
• PhD Journalism and Publishing
• PhD Languages
• PhD Law and Legal studies
• PhD Leisure, Hospitality Management and Event Management
• PhD Linguistic Studies
• PhD Literature
• PhD Management, Business and HR
• PhD Marketing and PR
• PhD Mathematics
• PhD Music Technology and Production and Sound Engineering
• PhD Nursing and Midwifery
• PhD Other Sciences and Research
• PhD Performing and Dramatic Arts, Acting and Music Studies
• PhD Philosophy
• PhD Physics
• PhD Physiotherapy and other Therapies
• PhD Psychology
• PhD Religious Studies and Theology
• PhD Social Work, Community Work and Counselling Skills
• PhD Sports and Recreation
• PhD Surgery, Medicine and Dentistry
• PhD Teaching and Training
• PhD Tourism and Travel
• PhD Transport Services and Aviation

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Welsh Literature (Llenyddiaeth Gymraeg) PhD

Bangor university.

It it is entirely possible to study with us through the medium of English or Welsh. An MPhil allows for one full academic year of Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Epidemiology and Population Health PhD

London school of hygiene & tropical medicine, university of london.

& Structure The MPhil and PhD are aimed at students who anticipate a career in which research plays a major role and who want to focus on Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £6,740 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £3,370 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD Research Degree Programme in collaboration with the University of East London

Rose bruford college.

MPhil/PhD Research Degree Programme in collaboration with the University of East London. Freedom to explore your work Research a thesis Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,740 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,870 per year (UK)

Management PhD

Birkbeck, university of london.

An MPhil/PhD is an advanced postgraduate research degree that requires original research and the submission of a substantial dissertation Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree
• 7 years Part time degree

PhD - Faculty of Health & Social Sciences

Bournemouth university.

In the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences we conduct research in areas such as midwifery, nursing, leadership and dementia, as well as Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

Law PhD, MPhil - Dispute Resolution

University of leicester.

Leicester Law School is a research-led department, recognising the important relationship between excellence in research and in teaching. Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,942 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

PhD Research Degrees in Art & Design

Nottingham trent university.

Our Art and Design research is dynamic and imaginative. We have an outward looking research culture, with a strong focus on art and design Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Science, Information Technology and Engineering PhD

Canterbury christ church university.

Our academics in the fields of science, information technology and engineering are engaged in research across a diverse range of areas from Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,872 per year (UK)

Health Sciences, MPhil/PhD

University of greenwich.

Study a research degree (MPhil/PhD) in Health Sciences to deepen your knowledge and engage in research that can change policies and Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD at UCA

University for the creative arts.

MPhil/PhD at UCA at UCA A PhD is an advanced postgraduate qualification that will require you to plan and complete your own focused Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,670 per year (UK)

Scandinavian Studies MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

The Department of Scandinavian Studies offers supervision in a variety of subjects relating to Nordic language, culture and history. Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £3,015 per year (UK)

Forensic & Investigative Sciences PhD

Anglia ruskin university.

Pursue your research studies with a pioneering group in analysis-based research and make a valuable contribution to scientific Read more...

• 2.5 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)
• 3.5 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

Edge hill university.

This PhD provides you with the opportunity to interrogate a research topic of interest and develop your knowledge and research skills that Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,200 per year (UK)
• 4.5 years Part time degree: £3,720 per year (UK)

PhD Sociology

Sheffield hallam university.

Course summary Undertake a supervised study in a range of sociological areas. Benefit from the knowledge of research active staff who Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

PhD in Translation Studies

Soas university of london.

The MPhil/PhD in Translation Studies is a research training programme which combines foundational and advanced training in the core areas Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK)

PhD Research Degrees

Arts university bournemouth.

Research degrees are awarded in recognition of significant contributions to knowledge and scholarship produced through the development of Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,000 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £3,000 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate Research in Mathematics

University of east anglia uea.

We are a top tier, research-led university and are committed to making a substantial impact on the global challenges facing society. Our Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Cranfield School of Management’s PhD

School of management, cranfield university.

Cranfield School of Management’s PhD programme is internationally renowned, for its rigour, structure, faculty support and global Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,715 per year (UK)

Economics PhD

University of liverpool management school, university of liverpool.

The University of Liverpool Management School’s (ULMS) Economics PhD programme has a long tradition of developing economists for the next Read more...

Architecture, Construction and Environment PhD

University of gloucestershire.

What is Architecture, Construction and Environment A Landscape Architecture research degree offers you the opportunity to explore Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,400 per year (UK)

1-20 of 4001 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• University of Warwick
• University of West London
• Durham University
• Royal Northern College of Music
• City, University of London
• Brighton and Sussex Medical School
• Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• University of Hull
• Bishop Grosseteste University
• Liverpool John Moores University
• Hull York Medical School
• ICMA Centre (University of Reading)
• Health Sciences University (formerly AECC University College)
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• University of Portsmouth
• Cardiff University
• University of Nottingham
• University of Huddersfield
• University of Suffolk
• Kingston University

Related Subjects:

PhD subject areas

As a postgraduate researcher at the University of Stirling, you’ll be part of a vibrant and supportive research community that has a reputation for turning insight into impact.

Explore the subject areas below to see the wide range of disciplines you can conduct your research in, and learn more about the types of research degrees on offer to decide whether a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Professional Doctorate is right for you.

Postgraduate research subject areas A–Z

Accounting and finance, applied social research, aquaculture, biological and environmental sciences, communications, media and culture.

• Computing Science
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Dementia and Ageing

Family Therapy

Health sciences, literature and languages, management, work and organisation.

• Mathematics

Marketing and Retail

Social work.

• Sociology and Social Policy

Substance Use

Can’t see your subject area.

The subject areas listed on this page represent broad topics we offer supervision in. If you don’t see a subject area that is an exact match for your interests – or if you want to conduct interdisciplinary research – you should apply for the area that seems most relevant to your research proposal. Our experts supervise PhD students in a huge range of topics, and we can reallocate applications to the most suitable subject area after you apply. 

If you’d like to ask as a question about PhD study at Stirling, please get in touch . To find out more about interdisciplinary research at Stirling, view our Research themes and programmes .

Accounting and Finance PhD

Our Accounting and Finance research is recognised as being academically excellent, policy relevant, and of benefit to society. 

The Accounting and Finance Division at Stirling offers a stimulating environment in which to study towards a PhD. Students come onto this pathway from a variety of backgrounds, including disciplines allied with accounting and finance such as economics. There is a national shortage of researchers in this area and the need to increase the number of PhD students to address this shortage has been highlighted in independent reports. As such, students who complete the PhD Accounting and Finance programme have excellent career prospects and will be in high demand in both academia and industry. Students graduating from this programme have found faculty positions in top universities across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as in leading financial institutions.

The PhD Accounting and Finance programme is accredited by the ESRC and affiliated by the Accounting and Finance pathway of the Scottish Graduate School, which is supported by the British Accounting Association (BAA) and its regional Scottish Accounting Group (SAG) (active for over 20 years) as well as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). Whether your career aim involves a research or teaching lead academic career, or working in a leading financial institution, the PhD in Accounting and Finance can help you achieve your goals.

The University of Stirling is accredited by AACSB International in recognition of our excellence in business education. This puts the University of Stirling Management School among the top 6% of business schools globally.

• Apply for PhD Accountancy and Finance
• Apply for MPhil Accountancy and Finance

Doctor of Applied Social Research

Our Doctor of Applied Social Research is designed to transform the way you think as a professional and ensure you can make a powerful impact in your field.

If you’re an experienced professional who wants to advance your expertise and broaden your career opportunities, this course is an ideal match. From the outset, you’ll gain high-quality research skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace and refined through access to seminars and advanced training opportunities. You’ll also benefit from the guidance of our expert staff and your interaction with fellow professionals and executives from a range of social science backgrounds.

The course is highly flexible, and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You can also fine-tune your Doctorate in Applied Social Research based on your profession by choosing one of the following pathways:

• social work
• dementia studies
• substance use
• criminal justice
• social research
• family therapy

You'll acquire skills that bring you up to date with the latest ideas, findings and research methods in your field, all of which you can feed back into optimising the workplace and taking decisive actions that improve services and advance your career.

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research and apply online

Aquaculture PhD

The University of Stirling is a global leader in aquaculture research and teaching, supporting the development of aquaculture worldwide. Our expert staff, facilities and networks – including the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre hosted at Stirling – make us the first choice for research partners from across the globe. Our research looks at reproduction, genetics, aquatic animal health and welfare, nutrition, production systems, environments, markets, and social and economic impacts – with the overarching goal of providing insights and solutions that will help meet the global challenges of feeding the world in a sustainable manner. We welcome applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who are passionate about making a contribution to the research activities undertaken by the Institute.

• Apply for PhD Aquaculture
• Apply for MPhil Aquaculture

Aquatic Veterinary Studies PhD

• Apply for PhD Aquatic Veterinary Studies
• Apply for MPhil Aquatic Veterinary Studies

Biology PhD

Our Faculty of Natural Sciences is internationally renowned for research exploring the relationship between human behaviour, technology and the environment. We offer PhDs supervised by expert staff, and are proud of the key contributions made by research students to our achievements.

PhD students in Biology will join a vibrant research environment in which we seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of biodiversity, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We look at how environments and ecosystems have changed over annual to millennial timescales to predict and mitigate the future impacts of anthropogenic change and natural hazards. We consistently attract major research grant support from the Natural Environment Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, charitable trusts and industrial sponsors.

You can find out more about our PhD opportunities in Biological and Environmental Sciences .

Conduct your postgraduate research with us and you’ll join a friendly community where teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness are all five-star rated (QS Stars University Ratings 2020).

• Apply for PhD Biology
• Apply for PhD Biology with placement
• Apply for MPhil Biology

Ecology PhD

PhD students in Ecology will join a vibrant research environment in which we seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of biodiversity, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We look at how environments and ecosystems have changed over annual to millennial timescales to predict and mitigate the future impacts of anthropogenic change and natural hazards. We consistently attract major research grant support from the Natural Environment Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, charitable trusts and industrial sponsors.

You can find out more about our  PhD opportunities in Biological and Environmental Sciences .

• Apply for PhD Ecology
• Apply for PhD Ecology with placement
• Apply for MPhil Ecology

Environmental Science PhD

PhD students in Environmental Science will join a vibrant research environment in which we seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of biodiversity, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We look at how environments and ecosystems have changed over annual to millennial timescales to predict and mitigate the future impacts of anthropogenic change and natural hazards. We consistently attract major research grant support from the Natural Environment Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, charitable trusts and industrial sponsors.

• Apply for PhD Enviromental Science
• Apply for PhD Environmental Science with placement
• Apply for MPhil Environmental Science

English Studies and Film, Media and Journalism PhD

The University of Stirling has a long-standing reputation for excellence in Communications, Media and Culture research. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment, 100% of our research environment in English was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

Our work encompasses research into screen and print media, digital media and social media, public communication and promotional culture, heritage and archives. We have research specialists in journalism and public relations in addition to researchers working on many aspects of media representation, media institutions, media and communications policy, and also on numerous relationships between media, culture and society.

As a PhD researcher in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, you’ll be provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. You’ll also have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.

• Apply for PhD English Studies and Film, Media and Journalism
• Apply for MPhil English Studies and Film, Media and Journalism

Film and Media Studies PhD

Communications and media research at Stirling has played an important role in the development of the research field both in the UK and internationally from the foundation of the original department in 1978. Of our research in Communications, Media and Culture, 70 per cent was rated as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. As a PhD student researching film and media studies at Stirling, you’ll benefit from all this expertise – and play a key part in contributing to it in a supportive, vibrant research environment.

• Apply for PhD Film and Media Studies
• Apply for MPhil Film and Media Studies

Public Relations PhD

Communications, Media and Culture at the University of Stirling had 70 percent of its research rated as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. Our expertise in Public Relations has helped us build strong links with industry, giving PhD students the chance to both learn from and contribute to the latest thinking in the arena. We host regular visits from guest speakers and work closely with a range of international research partners – further contributing to a vibrant research environment that values your contribution as a Postgraduate researcher and supports you in your ambitions.

• Apply for PhD Public Relations
• Apply for MPhil Public Relations

Computing Science and Mathematics

Professional doctorate data science.

Our Professional Doctorate Data Science is the first industrial doctorate of its kind, and is supported by The Data Lab.

We build on Stirling’s highly successful taught MSc Data Science to equip you with a range of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research and practical skills and tools, that will lead to an academic or  industry job in the area of Data Science, with possible applications to sectors including, e.g., life-sciences, finance, engineering, computing, healthcare, fintech, business.

In addition to enhancing students’ employability through work-based learning, the doctorate prepares you to undertake interdisciplinary Data Science research, jointly supervised by world-leading  Stirling academics and Data Science industry experts.

The research programme is conducted in collaboration with an industrial partner around industry-relevant research questions. Students should be employees or have established a collaboration with an industrial partner. If an industrial partner has not been identified yet, interested applicants may either check with relevant academic staff if opportunities are available (typically, active staff in the topic of interest), or enrol in one of the available MSc programs (you may want to get in touch with the program director), which can then grant access to the second year of the Professional Doctorate Data Science, should an industrial collaboration be identified meanwhile.

• Find out more about our Professional Doctorate Data Science and apply online

Computing Science PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 95% of our Computing Science and Mathematics research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. As a PhD student researching Computing Science at Stirling, you’ll benefit from the support and expertise of leading academics who encourage you to think outside the box and tackle real problems affecting industry and society. The contributions of our postgraduate researchers play a vital role in our work, and we welcome applications from anyone who shares our passion for making a positive impact through Computing Science research.

Find out more about our PhD opportunities in Computing Science and Mathematics .

• Apply for PhD Computing Science
• Apply for MPhil Computing Science

Mathematics PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 95% of our Computing Science and Mathematics research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. As a PhD student researching Mathematics at Stirling, you’ll benefit from the support and expertise of leading academics who encourage you to think outside the box and tackle real problems affecting industry and society. The contributions of our postgraduate researchers play a vital role in our work, and we welcome applications from anyone who shares our passion for making a positive impact through Mathematics research.

Find out more about our  PhD opportunities in Computing Science and Mathematics .

• Apply for PhD Mathematics
• Apply for MPhil Mathematics

Dementia and Ageing

Doctor of applied social research (dementia studies).

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Dementia Studies. 

Ultimately, you’ll acquire skills that bring you up-to-date with the latest ideas, findings and research methods in your field, all of which you can feed back into optimising the workplace and taking decisive actions that improve services and advance your career. 

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Dementia Studies) and apply online

Dementia and Ageing PhD

Dementia research at the University of Stirling is multidisciplinary, relevant to policy and practice, and places a particular emphasis on people with dementia and those who support and care for them. Our research spans from healthcare – looking at the outcomes of people with cognitive impairment and dementia in the hospital setting – through to end of life care, decision making for care provision, the roles of community based care professionals in particular community pharmacists, and the importance of the dementia friendly neighbourhood. This large spectrum of research is made possible by the vast skill mix of the team: doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologist, economists, social workers, social scientists, musicians, carers and people with dementia. The Research Group works with researchers, clinicians and social care practitioners from many disciplines across the University and with national and international colleagues in Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia. The University of Stirling is also home to the Dementia Services Development Centre – an international centre of knowledge and expertise. We welcome applications from prospective PhD students who are interested in joining us in our work.  

• Apply for PhD Dementia Studies
• Apply for MPhil Dementia Studies

Economics PhD

The aim of the PhD Economics programme is the development of students who (a) develop a very high degree of technical ability in economic theory and methods, to allow advanced career progression in the field, and (b) are supported to make an original research contribution to knowledge through high level peer-reviewed publication.

The PhD programme is affiliated with the prestigious Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics and is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council.

The division is a vibrant and friendly place in which to be based, with a weekly seminar series providing contact with leading external researchers, as well as opportunities to network with academic staff from the division. Whether your career aim involves a research or teaching lead academic career, working in an environmental charity or NGO, or a having a professional economist position in a financial institution, a PhD in Economics can help you achieve your goals.

• Apply for PhD Economics
• Apply for MPhil Economics

Education EdD

Our Doctor in Education is an ideal development opportunity if you’re a senior education professional seeking to enhance and use your research expertise. Whatever your area of education – from schools, colleges and universities to professional, work-based and lifelong learning, or policy development – earning an EdD will position you as a leader in your field. Our Doctor in Education is tailored to the needs of busy professionals and combines an excellent grounding in research methods and educational theory with the opportunity to put your research to work in improving professional policy and practice. You’ll work towards your EdD either full or part time under the guidance of expert teachers who have helped to secure the University’s reputation as the 3rd in Scotland and one of the top 10 in the UK for Education (The Complete University Guide 2023).

• Find out more about our Doctor in Education and apply online

Education PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 100% of our research impact and environment in Education is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.

Our early years education research has influenced education provision and practice in the UK, Ireland, Australia and the USA, and our research on the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is influencing government policy around CfE and developing key tools for teachers to use in schools to improve education.

As a PhD student, you’ll benefit from all our expertise and conduct your research in a supportive, vibrant environment that helps to develop your research skills and provide a collaborative research environment, so you can make a difference to wider society.

• Apply for PhD Education

PhD TESOL Research

A PhD in TESOL Research will mark you out as an expert researcher in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages, and will equip you with new skills in understanding complex matters and increase your confidence as a researcher. We’ll support you throughout your research, and you’ll benefit from the knowledge of our Education experts. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 100% of our Education research submissions were judged world leading or internationally excellent in terms of the quality of the research environment and their impact – highlighting the vibrant, world-leading research environment you’ll be part of.

• Find out more about our PhD TESOL Research and apply online

Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Family Therapy)

Our Doctorate of Applied Social Research is designed to transform the way you think as a professional and ensure you can make a powerful impact in your field.

If you’re an experienced professional who wants to advance your expertise and broaden your career opportunities, this course is an ideal match. From the outset, you’ll gain high-quality research skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace and refined through access to seminars and advanced training opportunities. You’ll also benefit from the guidance of our expert staff and your interaction with other doctoral students from a range of social science backgrounds. The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career.

Ultimately, you’ll acquire skills that bring you up-to-date with the latest ideas, findings and research methods in your field, all of which you can feed back into optimising the workplace and taking decisive actions that improve services and advance your career.

• Find out more about our Doctorate of Applied Social Research and apply online

Clinical Doctorates

Our Clinical Doctorate is the only one of its kind in Scotland, tailored to the needs of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. The course is practice-focused and has been designed to prepare you for leadership roles in the healthcare sector.

If you’re passionate about improving patient care, whilst retaining a clinical focus, this course is designed for you. You’ll join professionals from a range of disciplines for on-campus and online study, benefitting not only from the extensive knowledge of the Clinical Doctorate team, but also from each other’s experiences. As a qualified Doctor of Nursing, Midwifery or Professional Health Studies you’ll have the highest level of academic qualification available within your specialism – placing you at the forefront of your profession as a recognised, highly employable expert.

Healthcare professionals on the course could include: nurses, midwives, dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, paramedics, speech and language therapists, podiatrists, sport psychologists and genetic counsellors.

• Find out more about our Clinical Doctorates and apply online

Health Sciences PhD

Study for a Health Sciences PhD or MPhil at the University of Stirling and you’ll join a friendly postgraduate health science community, where teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness are all five-star rated (QS Stars University Ratings 2018).

We’re proud of the key contributions made by our research students to our achievements and our PhD students are supervised and supported by leading academics who have outstanding multidisciplinary research records. These include specialists in public health, epidemiology, statistics, social marketing, health psychology, nursing, health services research and evaluation. They have expertise in a range of qualitative and quantitative methods. We’re committed to making a difference to world needs in health, wellbeing and society. If you share our passion, the University of Stirling is the perfect place to conduct postgraduate research in Health Sciences.

• Apply for PhD Health Sciences
• Apply for MPhil Health Sciences

Nursing and Midwifery PhD

Study for a Nursing and Midwifery PhD or MPhil at the University of Stirling and you’ll join a friendly postgraduate health science community, where teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness are all five-star rated (QS Stars University Ratings 2018).

We’re proud of the key contributions made by our research students to our achievements and our PhD students are supervised and supported by leading academics who have outstanding multidisciplinary research records. These include registered nurses, midwives and other allied health care professionals, who have interests across the fields of practice and work in research teams in self-care, cancer care, evaluation and public health. We’re committed to making a difference to world needs in health, wellbeing and society. If you share our passion, the University of Stirling is the perfect place to conduct postgraduate research in Nursing.

• Apply for PhD Nursing and Midwifery
• Apply for MPhil Nursing and Midwifery

History, Heritage and Politics

Doctor of diplomacy ddipl.

This course brings together best practice in academic learning and professional expertise. A unique feature of the face-to-face and practical aspect of the course is weekend seminars, which maximise your opportunities for discussion of key issues and flexible delivery. The suite of modules includes diplomatic simulations and negotiation exercises, which can also be taken à la carte. The DDipl consists of two parts. Full-time students can expect to complete the degree in three to four years. The taught part of the course will last for two academic years if you’re a full-time student. In your final year (with the option of applying for a one-year extension), PhD candidates will complete a thesis within about one year. This thesis will enable you to reflect on pertinent issues of diplomacy in light of the theory and conceptual knowledge you have gained over the course of your degree – as well as through your independent research. Most working professionals are likely to choose part-time study for this degree. If you choose the part-time degree pathway, the completion of the DDipl will take proportionately longer.

• Find out more about our DDipl Doctor of Diplomacy and apply online  

Heritage PhD

Study for a PhD or MPhil in Heritage at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a vibrant research culture, supervised by academic staff who are international leaders in their fields. You will join a dynamic cohort of early career researchers who benefit from a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research environment. Students benefit from the University’s Centre for Environment, Heritage and Policy and the Interdisciplinary Research Programme in Cultural Heritage , as well as our institutional partnerships with the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage and the National Trust for Scotland.

Our research makes a tangible impact on heritage policy and practice and improves the quality of life of the communities that we engage with. We examine how ideas of a shared past are created and contested through diverse forms of tangible and intangible heritage, which we see as fundamentally interrelated. We also explore the ways in which heritage intersects with some of the most significant challenges of our time, including issues of nationalism, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, decolonisation, climate change, and disasters. Collaborating with heritage professionals, communities and civil society we explore fundamental issues underpinning the field, including authenticity, memory, identity, and place, alongside practice-led lines of inquiry in areas such as conservation, significance assessment, social value, museology, replication, reconstruction and community participatory practices.

Students have access to dedicated research facilities, as well as the opportunity to participate in a range of research seminars and workshops. The University of Stirling’s Institute for Advanced Studies delivers an excellent research training and career development programme, and students also participate in the training offered by the Scottish Graduate School in Arts and Humanities (SGSAH). We have a strong track record of supporting our students to gain funding and value cross-disciplinary supervision, working with colleagues in the Faculties of Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Stirling Management School, as well as other disciplines in Arts and Humanities.

When you click the apply link below, you will be directed to an application form titled "PhD History”. Please be assured that this is the correct form to use for Heritage, because PhD History and PhD Heritage share an admissions code.

• Apply for PhD Heritage
• Apply for MPhil Heritage

History PhD

Study for a PhD or MPhil in History at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a dynamic culture where collaboration is key, international links abound and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is always at the forefront of our minds.

Research students can draw on the expertise of our academic staff, all of whom have national and international reputations in their respective fields. We value the opportunity to work with new research talent and have put in place a supportive environment for you to develop your skills and pursue your specialist field of research.

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has a vibrant postgraduate research community working across its four Divisions. Students are provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. Research students have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.

• Apply for PhD History
• Apply for MPhil History

Politics PhD

Study for a PhD or MPhil in Politics at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a dynamic culture where collaboration is key, international links abound and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is always at the forefront of our minds.

• Apply for PhD Politics
• Apply for MPhil Politics

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Housing)

Our Doctor of Applied Social Research is designed to transform the way you think as a professional and ensure you can make a powerful impact in your field.

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Housing. 

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Housing) and apply online

Housing PhD

Study for a PhD in Housing Studies at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a research environment with an outstanding international reputation. In the Faculty of Social Sciences we engage with communities around the world and produce research that makes a positive difference to society. As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll receive expert support and encouragement as you conduct your research and pursue your ambitions.

Our Housing Studies staff are on the cutting-edge of housing research, with specialist expertise in policy analysis, homelessness and housing rights, social theory, housing and land market analysis. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework – a UK-wide assessment of universities’ research output – we ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK in the Social Work and Social Policy unit of assessment – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

• Apply for PhD Housing
• Apply for MPhil housing

Law and Philosophy

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research impact and 82% of our overall research in Law was classed as world leading or internationally excellent. Research is centred around a number of clusters, reflecting staff expertise. These include Private Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Public Law, Competition Law, Intellectual Property and Legal Philosophy. Our Law staff are involved in a number of research networks and groups – from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Implementation Project, to the University Association for Contemporary European Studies. Postgraduate students undertaking a PhD or MPhil in Law at the University benefit directly from our vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment, and play a key role in furthering the division’s knowledge.

• Apply for PhD Law
• Apply for MPhil Law

Philosophy PhD

The University of Stirling offers a range of postgraduate research opportunities in Philosophy through our collaboration with the University of St Andrews. The St Andrews and Stirling Graduate programme in Philosophy (SASP) is taught by the Philosophy departments at the University of St Andrews and the University of Stirling, which together form Scotland’s premier centre for Philosophy and one of the top Philosophy programmes in the United Kingdom. The philosophical ambience is rigorous, friendly and co-operative.

We offer graduate teaching at a level that matches the best graduate programmes elsewhere in the world, across many areas of Philosophy. Our students are active participants in both the Arché Philosophical Research Centre and the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs. In addition, the department hosts the Institute for Gender Studies.

• Find out more about Philosophy PhD and MPhil opportunities

Learn more about our Philosophy research

English Studies PhD (including Creative Writing)

English Studies at Stirling encompasses the study of global literatures written in English, English language (including Global Englishes), and Anglophone cultures from the medieval period to the present day. It also encompasses creative practice. We offer expert supervision in all these areas. Our key research strengths include:

• Book History (from the medieval to the present day)
• Scottish Studies
• Gothic Studies
• Medieval, Early Modern and Eighteenth-Century Studies
• Victorian and Neo-Victorian Studies
• Creative Writing
• English Language and Linguistics
• Postcolonial Studies
• Translation Studies

You may wish to contact us about projects in any of these areas. We also offer supervision in other areas of English Studies and supervise doctoral students from across the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and indeed the rest of the University. Notably we co-supervise projects with colleagues in History, Social Sciences, and Law.

We have excellent national and international connections, with links to universities across Europe, North America, and Asia. We also hold leadership roles in learned societies, lead major international research projects, organise conferences, and are active members of editorial boards of the leading journals in the field, which will help you create connections as you complete your research with us. You will also be able to take advantage of our long-established links with libraries, archives, and museums across the UK. Recent collaborations with external partners include the British Library, the National Trust for Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, NHS Scotland, and many others. In terms of additional sources of funding, we would point you to the Carnegie Trust PhD Scholarships: we have had a successful track record with these in recent years.

In addition to the outstanding support within English Studies, you will join a large group of doctoral students within the Division of Literature and Languages. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities will provide access to dedicated research facilities, including working spaces. We also dedicate financial resources towards supporting doctoral candidates to access archives, carry out fieldwork, and attend conferences. There are excellent training opportunities in place at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums, a Divisional Writing Group which organises weekly Writing Hours and Writing Retreats, and the opportunity to get involved with conference organisation. PhD students in English Studies become valued members of our research community, and trusted colleagues in our teaching endeavours.

• Apply for PhD English Studies
• Apply for MPhil English Studies

French at Stirling makes a vital contribution to the rich disciplinary and interdisciplinary research environment of the Division of Literature and Languages. As a PhD student, you will be welcomed into a thriving, inclusive community of researchers. We encourage and support our PhD students to build confidence by taking part in staff-student research seminars and public engagement events, organising postgraduate conferences and publications and joining subject-association committees. You well also benefit from University’s Institute for Advanced Studies professional training and support. Enjoy access to our state-of-the art facilities, including our renowned inspirational campus grounds. As a student in French, you will be supported by a team whose internationally-recognised, award-winning research foregrounds the diversity of the French-speaking world and emphasises French as a global language. Many of our research staff in French also hold key roles in subject associations and are involved as editors or editorial board members of leading journals in their fields.

French at Stirling is internationally recognised for a research culture that has long underpinned transformative, decolonising approaches to curriculum development. We have led the way in (re)-shaping disciplinary understandings and prioritised a forward-thinking, inclusive research ethos that responds to a changing world and the place of French-speaking cultures within it. A small, supportive team with a strong collaborative work ethos, French at Stirling welcomes enquiries and applications from strong PhD candidates working across the full range of our areas of expertise

Established research strengths in French include: visual cultures (especially cinema), postcolonial literatures and decolonising methodologies, museum studies, poetry, histories of migration, gender and sexualities, queer studies, environmental humanities, translation studies.

• Apply for PhD French
• Apply for MPhil French

Languages, Cultures and Religions PhD

As a PhD student in Languages, Cultures and Religions you’ll contribute to a research culture that cuts across the disciplinary units of English (including English Language, Literature, Creative Writing and Publishing Studies), Modern Languages, Translation Studies, and Religion, and foregrounds their intersections. We work within a shared set of research groups, bringing together outstanding researchers to develop their fields. Our wide-ranging expertise comprises creative practice and the study of global literatures, cinema, languages and cultures from the medieval period to the present day. We work with a diverse range of theoretical frameworks and welcome students who are interested in engaging with the latest work in Translation and Interpreting, Gender and Sexuality, Postcolonial Studies,

Research students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities are provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. Research students have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.

• Apply for PhD Languages, Cultures and Religions
• Apply for MPhil Languages, Cultures and Religions

Publishing Studies PhD

The Stirling Centre for International Publishing and Communication is a world-leading centre for postgraduate publishing studies, offering expertise in contemporary and historical publishing. The Centre celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022 as one of the first UK centres for research and postgraduate education in publishing studies. Scotland is a particularly exciting place to study publishing, with a rich literary culture and a distinctive publishing ecosystem, characterised by dynamic independent publishers.

As a PhD researcher, you will join a supportive and collegial research community and benefit from the Centre’s close relationships with publishing companies and literary organisations, as well as other universities. Our research expertise is wide-ranging, including digital publishing, global publishing, scholarly communications and open access, publishing and the visual arts, small press publishing and contemporary literary culture including book prizes and festivals. We are part of the Division for Literature and Languages, which offers adjacent expertise in literature, creative writing, translation and book history, hosting The Pathfoot Press, a centre for letterpress publishing. There are paths for interdisciplinary research and supervision.

Research students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities have access to dedicated facilities for research and opportunities to participate in a wide range of research seminars and workshops, within specialist research centres and collaboratively in multi-disciplinary forums.

Our PhD community incorporates researchers from professional publishing backgrounds, publishing postgraduates, and graduates from other backgrounds. We welcome enquiries about potential PhDs and can advise on sources of funding. Previous students have obtained AHRC funding via the Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities (SGSAH), and Carnegie Caledonian PhD scholarships.

• Apply for PhD Publishing Studies

Religious Studies PhD

As a postgraduate researcher in Religion at Stirling, you’ll work with a range of scholars at the cutting edge of critical and interdisciplinary engagement, exploring the way religion intersects with politics, gender, philosophy, postcolonial studies, theology, economics, literature, music, and the arts, sociology and more.

Under the banner of Critical Religion, our research seeks to interrogate how we have come to think about the historical construction and category of “religion” itself, and to ask positive but searching questions about the place of religious discourse and practice in contemporary societies. We see this as a necessarily interdisciplinary enterprise, and encourage doctoral projects that combine theoretical ideas (such as from philosophy, theology, feminism, or critical theory) with more embodied expressions within society and culture (such as from literature and the arts, material culture, economic activity, or political formations). Our expertise in Continental Philosophy, Non-Western Scholarly Traditions, Caribbean culture, Postcolonial Literature and theory, Gender, Hermeneutics, Middle East Politics, China, Translation, Economics, Literature and the Arts (including music), Sociology of Religion and Cultural Studies are just some of the principal lenses through which we wish to pursue what it means to “be” religious in a globalising world.

We have a vibrant research environment that welcomes, values and supports interdisciplinary doctoral researchers. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities provide access to dedicated research facilities, study space, and training opportunities at multiple levels. Pursing a PhD in Religion in this context at Stirling will then offer unique opportunities to work collaboratively across disciplinary subjects, as you engage in research seminars, workshops and forums both with broad connections and within specialist research centres that involve Religion.

• Apply for PhD Religious Studies
• Apply for MPhil Religious Studies

Spanish PhD

Studying for a PhD in Spanish, you’ll benefit from our international partnerships and broad expertise in film and visual cultures, literary writing and theory, postcolonial studies and more.

• Apply for PhD Spanish
• Apply for MPhil Spanish

Management, Work and Organisation PhD

Conducting a PhD in Management, Work and Organisation at the University of Stirling will put you at the heart of a vibrant environment which facilitates the development of world-class research. Research in the Division covers a range of business and management topics and supports knowledge exchange, research impact, as well as the development of young scholars.

The Management, Work and Organisation Division is comprised of two Groups – Business and Strategy, and Working Lives. Staff in these Groups have international reputations for the quality of their research, which is published in leading journals such as the Journal of Management Studies, Human Relations, Journal of Business Ethics and more.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll benefit from all of our expertise and make your own key contributions in a supportive, collaborative environment.  

• Apply for PhD Management and Organisation
• Apply for MPhil Management and Organisation

Marketing and Retail PhD

The PhD in Marketing and Retail enables students to undertake research in a broad range of topics. Students often conduct their research in collaboration with industry, charities, and governmental bodies with a view to using the findings of their research to improve some aspect of the organisation’s operation.

The PhD programme is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council and is affiliated with the prestigious Business and Management Pathway of the Scottish Graduate School.

The Marketing and Retail division has particular strengths in consumer culture and society and retail studies, as well as brands and branding, corporate social responsibility, and marketing in the small and medium sized enterprise. Whether your career aim involves a research or teaching orientated academic career, working in a charity or NGO, or a career in business, the PhD in Marketing can help you achieve your goals.

• Apply for PhD Marketing
• Apply for MPhil Marketing

Professional Doctorate Health Psychology

Our Professional Doctorate Health Psychology will train you to develop scientific and practitioner skills in Health Psychology, and to be eligible to become a health psychologist. It is based on real-world placement learning, and includes brief periods of teaching and workshops. 

You'll acquire specific competencies as defined by the British Psychological Society. You'll also gain competence in carrying out a piece of high quality empirical research to a standard publishable in peer review journals.

Supervision is provided by the experienced and enthusiastic health team in Psychology. We have an excellent international reputation in the field of Health Psychology with a record of high quality research into health and health behaviour.

The Professional Doctorate award is also available for study via a two year part-time top-up research doctorate route. Applicants who already hold a doctoral level (practitioner) qualification in Health Psychology via the British Psychological Society (QHP), and are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a ‘Health Psychologist’ will be eligible to complete the research module for award of the Professional Doctorate degree.

Students following this route will be required to complete the 240 credit ‘Applied Research in Health Psychology’ module, via one-to-one supervision.

• Find out more about our Professional Doctorate Health Psychology and apply online

Psychology PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research impact and environment, and 87% of our overall research in Psychology is classed as world leading or internationally excellent. From the neuropsychology of perception and action to influences of smell on mate choice, we have a diverse range of research interests, and our staff are highly collaborative, with an extensive network of international research partners. Many of our academic staff and students conduct interdisciplinary research while working closely with public services and industry. Our research is organised in three overarching research groups: Cognition in Complex Environments, Behaviour & Evolution and Health and Behaviour Change. We have a collegiate working environment that provides excellent support and mentoring to early career researchers, making Stirling the perfect place to study for a PhD or MPhil in Psychology.

• Apply for PhD Psychology
• Apply for MPhil Psychology

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Work)

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Social Work. 

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Work) and apply online

Social Work PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research in Social Work was deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

As a PhD researcher in Social Work, you’ll benefit from our desire to engage with communities around the world and produce research that makes a positive difference to society. Our staff having outstanding international research records, and you’ll be part of a Faculty that hosts and collaborates with renowned centres and networks such as The Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection, the Dementia Services Development Centre and many more.

Our research influences policy, shapes thinking and improves lives. Postgraduate researchers in Social Work have a key role to play in all that we do, and we offer a supportive, encouraging environment to help you achieve your goals.

• Apply for PhD Social Work
• Apply for MPhil Social Work

Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology

Criminology phd.

The University of Stirling is ranked first in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for Criminology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). Our world-class teaching is underpinned by leading-edge empirical and theoretical research in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment which welcomes and supports PhD researchers in achieving their goals.   

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment, Social Work and Social Policy research was ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

• Apply for PhD Criminology

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Criminal Justice)

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Criminal Justice.

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Criminal Justice) and apply online

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Drug and Alcohol Studies)

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Drug and Alcohol Studies.

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Research)

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways, including a specialisation in Social Research.

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Research) and apply online

Sociology and Social Policy PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, Stirling ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK for Social Work and Social Policy research – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

As a PhD researcher in Sociology and Social Policy, you’ll benefit from our desire to engage with communities around the world and produce research that makes a positive difference to society. Our staff having outstanding international research records, and you’ll be part of a Faculty that hosts and collaborates with renowned centres and networks such as The Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection, the Dementia Services Development Centre and many more.

Our research influences policy, shapes thinking and improves lives. Postgraduate researchers in Sociology and Social Policy have a key role to play in all that we do, and we offer a supportive, encouraging environment to help you achieve your goals.

• Apply for PhD Sociology and Social Policy
• Apply for MPhil Sociology and Social Policy

Sports Studies PhD

As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we pride ourselves on game-changing research. We’re shedding light on the risks posed by heading footballs, informing the conversation around anti-doping and inspiring the next generation to form healthy habits. Sport is in our DNA, and our research reflects our passion to make an impact on the global stage.

Our campus is home to Olympic athletes, national academies for tennis and swimming and unique five-star facilities – creating a dynamic environment where theory and practice are closely interlinked.

PhD studies in Sport and Exercise Science can be undertaken in diverse contexts from high performance sport to population health. Staff specialisms include genetics and molecular biology, nutrition and hydration, neuro-muscular function and physical activity. Doctoral students join a dynamic, internationally recognised academic community carrying out innovative studies that improve human health and performance and address global challenges.

Meanwhile, our expertise in Sport and Social Sciences allows doctoral students to conduct original studies across diverse sub-disciplines including sport coaching, sport psychology, sport policy, sociology of sport, and sport management, governance and economics. Our strong connections across the sport, health and exercise sectors allow students to address key issues in sport including anti-doping policy, coach education, sport for social change, sport and identity, and sport mega events. Our expertise includes the role of sport in contributing to health and wellbeing, including active lifestyles and workplace health.

• Apply for PhD Sports Studies
• Apply for MPhil Sports Studies

Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Substance Use)

If you’re an experienced professional who wants to advance your expertise and broaden your career opportunities, this course is an ideal match. From the outset, you’ll gain high-quality research skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace and refined through access to seminars and advanced training opportunities. You’ll also benefit from the guidance of our expert staff and your interaction with other doctoral students from a range of social science backgrounds.

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Substance Use. 

• Find out more about our Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Substance Use) and apply online

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List of PhD Subjects

• November 11, 2022
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PhD subjects are the study of particular areas within the field of knowledge. They may be based on a specific research topic or cover many subjects within a discipline. There are many different types of PhD subjects ; most are taught at universities across the UK and India. 

PhD Subject list that we discover in this blog  

Here is a list of PhD Subjects or courses that we discuss in this blog in detail:

• PhD in Biology 
• PhD in Biochemistry 
• PhD admission in Architecture and Planning 
• PhD in Business Administration 
• PhD in Advertising & Mass Communication Course 
• PhD in Education 
• PhD in Engineering and Technology 
• PhD in Environmental Science 
• PhD in History 
• PhD in Literature 
• PhD in Law 
• PhD in Library Science 
• PhD in Materials Technology 
• PhD in Mathematics 
• PhD in Medicine 

PhD in Biology, biochemistry and other life sciences  

PhD in Biochemistry is a Subject of PhD program and it is also the study of chemical processes within living organisms. It can be divided into several subdisciplines, such as biophysics (the physics of life) and molecular biology (the study of genetic information). The other life sciences include genetics and microbiology. 

PhD in Biology is the science subjects that studies living things — plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. Biologists study their structure and function in detail so they can understand how they work or what makes them different from one another. 

Biomedical scientists apply their knowledge about biology to medicine; for example, an epidemiologist might research causes for diseases like cancer or heart disease by studying large populations over time; an immunologist researches ways to treat infections by destroying harmful bacteria with specific antibodies; a physiologist studies how organs function physiologically; etc… 

PhD in Architecture and Planning  

• The built environment 
• Planning policy and practice 
• Planning theory and history, including: 
• Politics of planning 
• Urban design, urban renewal and regeneration (also known as ‘top down’ planning) 
• Residential architecture – houses and flats in town or country areas, houses on estates, schools, industrial estates. Theoretical approaches include Functionalism; Social Theory; Marxist Theory; Post Industrial Society Theory etc.. Historical examples include Ebenezer Howard’s Garden Cities Movement which advocated for planned towns based upon garden villages surrounded by green belts; Le Corbusier who designed modernist buildings such as his famous Chapel at Ronchamp near Lyon where he worked with artists such as Kandinsky who created murals for the chapel walls – these are still visible today! 

PhD in Business Administration studies  

PhD in Business Administration subjects studies is a broad subject area encompassing a wide range of disciplines. The subject area covers a range of areas including accounting, marketing, human resources, management and finance. 

It’s one of the most popular subjects for PhD students because it provides you with the skills you’ll need to find employment in an expanding economy or to start your own business. 

PhD in Advertising and Mass Communication  

PhD in Advertising and Mass Communication subjects, cultural and media studies is a broad subject that covers the study of the media, communication and culture. It’s an important subject in today’s world as it has been around for thousands of years but it still continues to grow into new areas. 

It’s a multidisciplinary PhD subjects involving everything from textiles to video games. aspirants can choose from any combination of these three fields – they could even combine them all together! 

Computing  

Computing is the study of computers and their applications. It can be divided into several subfields, including computer architecture, software engineering and artificial intelligence. 

Computing research topics include: 

Theoretical Computer Science (TCS) concerns itself with problems that can be solved by computers. Examples include mathematical modeling of algorithms for approximation algorithms and computational complexity theory; geometric object oriented programming languages; verification methods for software systems based on formal methods (e.g., theorem proving); analysis of probabilistic models from machine learning research in order to understand their properties better at a higher level than just using intuition alone (“theory crafting”). 

PhD in Education  

PhD in Education is a broad subjects with many sub-fields. It can be studied at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate level. It can be studied in many different countries and cultures around the world. For example: 

• The education of children varies greatly across cultures, but some basic elements are common to all children—including learning how to speak or read (language acquisition) as well as how to play games together (socialization). Children also learn about their environment through play activities such as playing house or sandcastles; these are examples of symbolic behavior that help them understand what life might be like outside their home community 

PhD in Engineering and technology  

The PhD in Engineering and technology subjects list is a comprehensive guide to the most popular subjects currently taught at universities, colleges and institutes of higher education. You can use this list as a starting point for further study or research on your own. 

This subject list includes: 

• Civil Engineering 
• Computer Science 
• Electrical Engineering 
• Mechanical Engineering 

PhD in Environmental science  

PhD in Environmental science subjects is a broad field of study that covers all aspects of the environment. It involves the physical, chemical, biological and social aspects of Earth’s ecosystems. The field encompasses many different areas: 

• Atmospheric sciences – this includes topics like air pollution and climate change. 
• Biology – the study of living things in their natural habitat. Examples include ecology (the study of how organisms interact with each other), biogeography (the distribution patterns of living things) and evolution (the change over time). 
• Geography – involves studying landforms, soils composition etc., as well as how these shape human activities such as agriculture or mining.

PhD in Historical and philosophical studies  

PhD in Historical and philosophical studies are broad subjects that cover the written record of human experience and knowledge, including the social sciences and humanities. Philosophical research is concerned with general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, language. Philosophers also study how people think about these things; for example: what does it mean for something to be ‘good’? What makes us believe that one thing exists rather than another? 

PhD in Literature  

PhD in Literature is important subjects in today’s world. They can be used to communicate with people from other countries, study other cultures and learn about different cultures. 

Languages include: English, French and Spanish (Europe); Chinese and Japanese (Asia); Arabic or Farsi (Middle East); Russian or Ukranian (Russia/Ukraine). 

PhD in Law  

• What is PhD in Law ? 
• Law is a very broad subject, which means that there are many different types of law. In the United States, we have state laws and federal (national) laws. These different kinds of laws are divided into two main groups: civil and criminal. Civil law covers everything from property rights to contracts to torts (civil wrongs). Criminal law deals with how people should be punished for breaking laws; it also includes crimes against persons like murder or rape—and sometimes even more serious crimes like terrorism or treason! 

PhD in Library Science and information management  

PhD in Library Science and Information Management is a subjects that covers a wide range of skills. It can be quite challenging, but it also offers the opportunity to work with people and help them find the information they need. If you enjoy working with people and want to help them find the information they need, this could be a good choice for you. Additionally, librarianship provides an opportunity to learn how information is stored and accessed (for example, how databases are organized). 

PhD in Materials technology  

PhD in Materials science is the study of all things that are made from materials. It includes such fields as metallurgy, ceramics and polymers (plastics), composites (combining different kinds of materials), paints, dyes and pigments. Materials technology is used in designing and manufacturing aircraft, cars, ships and bridges; power stations; industrial processes such as oil refining; pharmaceuticals — you name it! 

PhD in Mathematics  

PhD in Mathematics is a general term for the study of patterns and relationships. It’s an essential part of many PhD subjects , including physics, chemistry and biology. 

Mathematics is not just about numbers or formulas – it involves getting your brain to work in different ways so that you can see how things fit together. For example, if you wanted to find out how many people there are on earth (around 7 billion), then mathematics would be used because you have to count them up! 

PhD in Medicine and dentistry (clinical) science subjects allied to medicine  

PhD in Medicine and dentistry science subjects allied to medicine study the body’s systems, tissues, organs and functions. These subjects are usually taught at tertiary level by various medical colleges in India. 

The main advantage of these PhD subjects is that they provide an opportunity for you to develop your knowledge about human biology and physiology as well as gain an understanding about diseases or disorders affecting humans. Moreover, you can learn about germs that cause diseases such as tuberculosis or leprosy etc., which will help you understand how these pathogens cause those conditions according to their characteristics, thus assisting doctors to identify them more efficiently during treatment sessions with patients suffering from these ailments. 

In short, there’s a wide range of  PhD subjects  that you can choose from when seeking a PhD. The most common issues are those in the “arts, design and media” category and then again in the “business, administrative studies and communication studies” category. There are also other exciting options like environmental science or history of science. If you want something more specific, though (such as mathematics or chemistry), then your best bet would be to find out what courses are offered at your university to get into one of those ! y ou may also get your PhD through  Aimlay  by choosing one of these subjects.

Frequently Asked Questions

PhD in English is a research degree that teaches you about the subject of English. You will study how to read and write literary works like novels, poems, plays and essays. It is a good option if you want to become a writer or translator.

PhD in Physics is meant for those who want to study the field of Physics. The topics covered include: physics, mechanics, thermodynamics and electronics. You can choose one of these subfields during your degree program. For instance, you can specialize in optics or nuclear physics.

Computer Science subjects involve sevral new dynamics for people of this century: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Bioinformatics (Bioinformatics) Computer Graphics & Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Networks (Network Security), Computer Vision (Computer Vision), Computer Systems Organization & Architecture (Computer Systems Organization).

PhD subjects are different from undergraduate subjects you studied at university – they focus on your own research into a subject area. You might study something completely new, or you may choose to build on your existing knowledge by researching a specific aspect of it. There are many different types of PhD subject to choose from, including: animal studies; arts and humanities; biology and medicine; business and economics; chemistry; computer science and mathematics; education; engineering and technology; geography; history and philosophy; law; literature, languages and communication studies (LLCS); mathematics, statistics & computing (MSc); nursing & health sciences (Nursing); physics & astronomy (PhD); psychology (BSc).

Law is often thought of as one of the most challenging subjects at university. However, there are plenty of law degrees available which doesn’t need you to take exams or pass an oral examination like those required for a PhD would (some law degrees can be taken after 3 years of study). In addition, many people go into law after completing a degree at university; some even have both!

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Ph.D Syllabus and Subjects

PhD Course introduces students to concepts of Research Methodology, Research Ethics, and more. The subjects students study during the course depend on the aspirant's specialization, but there are some fundamental subjects that every student needs to study. PhD job scope is diverse and constantly evolving, making it an exciting and challenging career path.

Semester Wise PhD Syllabus

The subjects in the PhD course depend on the specialization that students decide to pursue, as, with every specialization, different subjects would be considered core subjects. PhD syllabus despite being different from each other, consists of certain modules that are common across subjects.

PhD First- Year Syllabus

The table below contains the subjects from the PhD first Year Syllabus:

PhD Second -Year Syllabus

The table below contains the subjects from the PhD second-year syllabus:

PhD Third-Year Syllabus

The table below contains the subjects from the PhD third year syllabus:

PhD Subjects

The PhD Course syllabus depends on the specialization that a student chooses to focus on. The subjects are divided into core and elective subjects. Below mentioned are a few core subjects included in PhD course:

Below mentioned are Core PhD Subjects:

• Research Methodology
• Ethics of Research
• Literature Review
• Ethics of Using Social Media in Research
• Research Tools
• Proposing a Research
• Formulation of Research Proposal

Specialisation-Wise PhD Syllabus

The general syllabus of PhD is that initially, students are exposed to the different means of conducting a research project and taught how to do proper research. Then according to their specialization from the third semester, the PhD subjects list starts to differ.

Listed below is the general syllabus from the third semester onwards for specializations.

PhD in Hindi Syllabus

PhD in Hindi course aims to help students specialize in the subject of Hindi. The subject split up is into 3 sectors. While paper 1 and paper 3 are mandatory research and thesis formation subjects, paper-2 consists of several optional professional courses from which the candidates can choose one stream.

Read More:   PhD Hindi Syllabus and Subjects

PhD in Physics Syllabus

The PhD in Physics syllabus includes a broad range of subjects, including thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and classical and quantum mechanics. Along with coursework, students must conduct their own studies and finish a dissertation with the help of a faculty advisor. 

Read More:   PhD Physics Syllabus and Subjects

PhD in Philosophy Syllabus

The PhD in Philosophy syllabus includes courses in epistemology, semantics, ethics, logic, and history of philosophy, among other subjects. The course also places a strong emphasis on developing analytical and critical reasoning abilities.

Read More:   PhD Philosophy Syllabus and Subjects

Other Important PhD Syllabus and Subjects:

• PhD English Syllabus and Subjects
• PhD Economics Syllabus and Subjects
• PhD Commerce Syllabus and Subjects
• PhD Computer Science Syllabus and Subjects
• PhD Human Resource Management Syllabus and Subjects
• PhD Psychology Syllabus and Subjects

PhD Syllabus For Entrance Exams

Below is a list of PhD entrance exam syllabus for certain subjects:

PhD Course Structure

The PhD course is structured in such a way that it helps students develop a detailed understanding of the course by including projects, seminars, fieldwork, etc. The following details are part of the Ph.D. course structure:

• VI Semesters
• Core Subjects
• Elective Subjects
• Dissertation Submission

PhD Teaching Methodology and Techniques

PhD encompasses different teaching methods. Apart from the basic traditional lecture-based training, the students are trained with group projects and other action-based learning methods. The research project motivates the students for deeper research, understanding others' perceptions, brainstorming, and teamwork.

Given below are a few teaching methodologies and techniques used in PhD course:

• Research Sessions
• Group Projects
• Case Methodology 
• Final Dissertation Submission

PhD Projects

PhD subjects and syllabus are centered around teaching students how to conduct a research project independently and write a dissertation at the end of their degree. Given below are a few of the PhD Dissertation topics:

• A comparison between a democratic and autocratic leadership style.
• Journalism and its relationship to public
• The relationship between politics and literature in the 19th century.
• An analysis and case study of artists and art during times of war.

Before starting any education, students must ensure that they have all the resources to pursue the course with ease. Below is a general list of PhD books that introduce students to research methods and will help them when they plan to make a dissertation structure:

Top PhD [Doctor of Philosophy] Colleges

Chennai,Tamil Nadu

IISc Bangalore

Bangalore,Karnataka

Mumbai,Maharashtra

Delhi,Delhi NCR

Kanpur,Uttar Pradesh

IIT Kharagpur

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PhD Specialization: List, Admissions, Eligibility, after MBA, in India, Fees, Jobs, Salary

Satyam Purwar

Content Curator

PhD degree or also known as doctor of philosophy, is a 3-4 years of professional and academic degree. Candidates must have a master’s degree or MPhil Degree in the area they want to specialize.

PhD Specializations are available in various fields such as Science, Commerce, Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Law, Business Management, and so on. The average fees in India is INR 50,000-2,00,000. See more: PhD Admissions

PhD Course graduate can secure jobs such as University professor, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Start-Up mentors, Authors,, Senior research scientist and others in areas such as Universities, Colleges, Science centers, Statistical units, Plant Breeding centers, Equipment manufacturers, Newsagency, Pharmaceutical industry, Publishers, Software development, etc. The average salary one can secure is INR 4-15 LPA.

PhD Specializations: Course Highlights

Top PhD Specializations in India

Phd humanities.

Phd in humanities is concerned with critically examining human thought and culture. The course deals with how art, music, literature, the arts, and philosophy affect the world we live in. Students pursuing a PhD focus more on abstract questions than on technical skills. 

The students would be taught in depth the development of ideas and concepts, the functioning of a society, behavioural patterns and the challenges faced, human interactions and relationships, etc. This degree teaches in depth about humanity and evolution of culture and historical events throughout the centuries. 

Admission Process

• Admissions will be done on the basis of merit list. The merit list marks will be calculated by adding the scores secured in the entrance examination, direct interview and marks obtained in qualifying examination. 

See more: PhD Humanities Colleges

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant should have at least earned 55% marks and above in M.A. or any degree equivalent to Humanities (50% in the case of SC/ST candidates)
• Applicants who have completed their Master’s degree in any relevant stream either of Science/Commerce/Engineering/Technology or MPhil Degree with an aggregate of 60% marks and above can apply for admission.
• Clearing the entrance examination such as GATE, NET , MET , ICPR, ICSSR, CSIR, etc. is a prerequisite for admission.

PhD Science

PhD Science is a doctorate level course with a duration of 3 to 5 years , which students from MSc or MTech background can pursue. It involves candidates to research on any one of the Science specialisations like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc. 

The student will have to submit the research thesis at the end of the course to earn the PhD Science degree.

The admission process for PhD science is based on the entrance exam followed by an interview. 

• This admission process is followed by many colleges or universities.
• Some of the entrance exams are UGC-NET, CSIR-UGC-NET, GATE , etc

See more: PhD Science Colleges

Eligibility Criteria 

• The eligibility criteria for PhD in science is to score an aggregate score of minimum 55% at your postgraduate level. 

PhD Commerce

Ph.D in Commerce is a doctorate course with a duration of minimum two years. certain universities require the candidates to complete the course within five years of time along with the thesis or research paper. Certain universities provide part time in PhD in commerce. 

The PhD in Commerce subjects provides a greater insight in the field of commerce and accounting, finance, forecasting, management and budgeting. The course provides better quality education to the students, who can serve the needs of business and industry management. 

After completing the course, a candidate can find jobs in fields of business, marketing and education. The most popular job positions for such candidates are lecturer, Professor, CEO, etc.

• The admissions for PhD in commerce admissions are done mainly through entrance tests followed by a personal interview conducted by the respective university.
• National level entrance exams such as UGC NET / UGC CSIR NET / GATE / SLET or University entrance exam are conducted for admission to PhD courses.
• Reservations are applicable to SC / ST / EWS / OBC NCL / PwD candidates as per government rule. 
• The eligibility criteria for this course is, candidates must pursue a masters degree in commerce/ MBA / MPhil degree with an aggregate score of 55%. 

PhD Engineering and Technology

A PhD in engineering and technology often focuses on research based education. It may involve the development of new technology or the advancing of degree programs. It can also be a program that focuses on the student's own desired focus, such as on learning a very specific area of engineering or technology. 

Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology is a 5-year course. Candidates who wish to pursue a PhD in engineering and technology Must have a cleared masters degree in Computer Science as a subject or equivalent to this degree from a recognized University.

Admission to Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology is given on the basis of entrance exams conducted by various institutes. The entrance exam is followed by a personal interview round for final allotment of seats in any institute. For admission to the Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology department minimum requirements are:

• B.Tech/ M.Tech in any branch of Engineering/ BioTechnology and Interdisciplinary areas.
• B.Tech/M.Tech or equivalent degree in Engineering and Technology.

To pursue Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology course, the candidate should have a bachelor's degree in Engineering and Technology from a recognized university. 

PhD after MBA

PhD in Business Management is a doctorate level business management course. Business management includes the activities associated with running a company, such as controlling, leading, monitoring, organizing and planning. The duration of PhD in Business Management is 3-years. 

This course includes subjects like Banking, Accounting seminar, Global marketing seminar, Theory of finance, Advanced accounting theory, Advanced accounting theory, Seminar in banking, Strategic information systems etc. 

PhD After MBA: Admission Process

• Most of the colleges offer admission to this course on the basis of entrance examination and direct interviews. The admission process can vary from college to college and the minimum marks requirement in the post-graduation degree of the candidate can vary from college to college.

See more: PhD Business Management Colleges

PhD After MBA: Eligibility Criteria 

• The basic eligibility for this course is candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in a relevant subject with at least 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized university. The minimum marks required vary from college to college.
• Applicants should have a minimum experience of two years post their MBA or Master’s degree on the date of writing the admission test.

PhD in law gives the candidates to enhance their understanding of the legal studies. The students are rendered an overview of the subject, the nuances to proceed with the cases and also the tools to go about while studying a case, and the outlook required while looking into its details. 

Ph.D. in Law is a 3-year full-time doctorate programme in the field of Law. Ph.D. in law provides students with the required training which helps them pave their way in gaining exposure in their field. 

• Admission is done solely on the basis of Merit. 
• The eligibility criterion is passing Masters or M.Phil in legal studies or laws or equivalent examination with 55% aggregate from a recognized university. 
• They will have to pass the various state and national level examinations conducted for admission to the course

See more: PhD Law Colleges 

• Candidates should have qualified Master’s degree or M.Phil in legal studies or law in the relevant field with a minimum aggregate score of 55% and above from a recognized university.
• Candidates should pass the entrance examination conducted by various institutions and universities.
• They should have a minimum experience of 5 years as a professional in the field of teaching/ administration/ industry/ professional in senior level. 

Here are some more popular PhD programmes that candidates can pursue in different streams: 

PhD Specializations: Job Profiles

PhD Specializations: FAQs

Ques. Which phd specialisation pays the most?

Ans. In India, the candidates holding PhD in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics, are highly paid PhD holders.

Ques. How is PhD different from MPhil?

Ans. M.Phil is more focussed on masters in the specified field and already given thesis, whereas PhD allows one to produce the original thesis to support their work

Ques. Can I pursue a PhD after MBA?

Ans. Anyone with an MBA degree can pursue PhD. In fact, it's a good idea to do a PhD after MBA if you are interested in exploring the arena of academics or research and you can also pursue opportunities in consulting firms in the corporate sector.

Ques. Which PhD specialisation course is easy?

Ans. Education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees. 

Ques. Can I do a PhD without a masters degree?

Ans. Yes, it's possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree. However, several students opt to bypass a Master's degree by enrolling into a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their undergraduate degree.

Ques. What is the full form of PhD?

Ans. PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor Philosophiae.

Ques. What is the average salary package for a PhD holder?

Ans. An average salary package of a PhD holder is up to INR 4-15 LPA.

Ques. What can be done after PhD?

Ans. PhD is the highest degree till now in Indian academia, so you can go for various types of researcher jobs. 

Ques. Is it possible to pursue 2 PhD degrees? 

Ans. Absolutely, people get multiple PhDs. Having multiple PhDs is uncommon, but people do to get multiple doctorates.

Ques. Can I do a PhD through distance education?

Ans. The UGC has issued a circular stating that the degrees granted through distance education for PhD programmes will no more be recognised.

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

Ques. are master's degrees from ignou acceptable for admission into ph.d courses in top universities.

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ques. How difficult is it to get a PhD from IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

Ques. How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 27 Jun 23

Ph.D. (Chemistry)

Ph.d. (physics), ph.d. (mathematics), ph.d. (biotechnology), ph.d. (zoology), ph.d. (psychology), ph.d. (business management), ph.d. (management studies), master of science [ms], ph.d. (computer science), ph.d. colleges in india.

IIM Mumbai - Indian Institute of Management

IIMV - Indian Institute of Management

Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research - [PGIMER]

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IIM Sirmaur

University Business School, Panjab University - [UBS]

PSG Institute of Management - [PSGIM]

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