PhD Pathways

There are two main PhD routes:

Three year route (3 year doctoral programme with integral research training) - students take a number of core research training modules in their first year as part of preparing their research proposal. Year two is usually devoted to field research, with writing-up and completion in year three. Those with a research training masters or substantial appropriate experience can be exempt from the research training requirement in year one.

Four year route (1 year research masters + 3 year doctoral programme) - students can opt to take the full stand alone Masters in Planning Research (MPRes) in Year One before progressing on to the PhD research in years 2-4 under the PhD with Integrated Studies route. It is possible for students to exit after one year with the masters in planning research.

Students without a masters qualification are encouraged to take the four year route.

Masters in Planning Research
The Masters in Planning Research (MPRes) is an ideal foundation for PhD study and also provides skills and knowledge for a career in research and analysis.