Types of postgraduate degrees offered at the University

Several types of postgraduate degrees are offered at the University. These are explained in more detail in the Graduate Prospectus but summaries are given below under the following headings:

Taught postgraduate degrees

Master of Studies

Master of Studies (MSt) degree courses are provided in conjunction with the Institute of Continuing Education. They are two-year part-time courses and are assessed by written examinations and/or a dissertation and, in some cases, an oral examination.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year course offered by the Faculty of Education for graduates interested in pursuing a career in teaching.

Other taught courses

Graduate students can also study for the following degrees: Certificates and Diplomas (in various subjects), the Master of Law (LLM), the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Master of Education (MEd part-time).

Research postgraduate degrees with a taught element

MPhil

The MPhil degree is a full-time course assessed by written examinations and/or a thesis and, in some cases, an oral examination. Most MPhil courses have a significant research element. Some MPhil courses are available by research only. MPhil courses normally last between nine and twelve months.

Research postgraduate degrees

Certificates of Postgraduate Study

Certificates of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) are awarded for either a one-year full-time or five-term part-time course of study. Instead of obtaining the Certificate, the period of research may instead be counted towards a research degree (e.g. MPhil, PhD). They are offered in a range of subjects and are assessed by dissertation and an oral examination.

Graduate Diplomas

There are a limited number of Graduate Diplomas, which include a one-year full-time course of supervised study. Again, the work undertaken may instead be counted towards a research degree; the subjects currently offered are Economics, International Law and Legal Studies.

PhD degree

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments. Students must carry out supervised research to an appropriate level for nine consecutive terms (three years). Some faculties and departments offer a part-time route towards this degree over five years. The PhD is also offered to holders of a first degree from the University by submission of a dissertation and an oral examination.

Other degrees

The University offers some two-year research degrees: Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Letters (MLitt) and also higher degrees by examination of published works: ScD, LittD, DD, MusD, LLD and MD.

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