Ready to learn more about the world of postgraduate research?
Discover whether postgraduate research is for you, find out what it involves, how it differs from undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees, and why it might be your perfect next step.
What is postgraduate research?
Postgraduate research
Postgraduate research is an advanced level of study aimed at producing original knowledge in a specific subject area. It encompasses a number of different types of research degree including PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy), MPhils and professional doctorates such as DForenPsy.
Research projects
Your research allows you to investigate a very specific topic over three or four years, making an original contribution to your field, and develop independent researcher skills that are transferable for future careers in and out of academia.
Key features of postgraduate research
Learn about the main characteristics of your research programme.
Typically, postgraduate research projects and programmes last three to four years full-time or six to eight years part-time.
While undergraduate and taught postgraduate degrees involve structured courses and modules, postgraduate research focuses on a single research project in a specific area of biology, medicine and health.
Unlike taught degrees - which involve regular classes, lectures and assessments - postgraduate research is self-directed, with few formal classes and time spent independently researching, studying and working with your research group.
Working hours will vary depending on your preference, research project, research group and supervisor, but they will typically be similar to a normal working day, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You'll need to find and apply for a specific project or programme in your area of interest. This is in contrast to other higher education courses, where you will be searching for a specific degree or course you want to apply for.
When you successfully finish your postgraduate research programme and graduate you're awarded a postgraduate research degree which is linked to your project.
The goal of postgraduate research is to produce new knowledge through original research. This means you’ll be discovering something brand new, whether it's a novel finding, theory, or application.
This is different to undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees, where you are primarily studying research and work others have completed.
You'll work closely with a supervisor, who is an expert in your area of interest and will lead a larger research group.
They will guide and support you throughout your research journey and will have an active interest in the outcome of your research. You'll also need to contact the listed supervisor before you apply for a project or programme.
The goal of postgraduate research is to produce a final thesis contributing original research to the wider body of knowledge in your field, and to publish your findings in academic journals.
Is postgraduate research for me?
Dedicate yourself to research you're passionate about.
Conducting original research will not only benefit you and your career, but may also make a real-world difference in the fields of biology, medicine and health.
However, it isn’t for everyone. It’s important that, before you spend the time applying and you commit to starting, you’re certain it’s right for you.
The perfect next step for you if...
You're passionate
You enjoy exploring new ideas and conducting experiments or studies and you'd love the opportunity to take a deep dive into a subject you're inspired by.
You're curious and self-motivated
You're able to work independently and stay motivated without a structured schedule set for you. You have a strong desire to find answers and solve complex problems, even when the going gets tough.
Long-term commitment
You’re ready to commit several years to a research project in a single area of biology, medicine and health.
Discovery
You’re keen to contribute new knowledge and original research, and have a real-world impact.
Progression and growth
You want to gain expertise and knowledge, and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research skills, that can open doors to advanced career opportunities in academia, industry or research.
