Nigerian undergraduate applications to all UK universities are managed by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and, as an official UCAS centre, SI-UK’s professional university consultants can guide you through the entire university

A postgraduate or masters course in the UK follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, generally lasting for just one year compared to two-year Masters programmes found elsewhere in the world. This means students can save

What is a PhD?

A PhD is a type of research degree and is the highest award available at universities in the UK. Study is based around a substantial research project on an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis which then must be defended in an oral examination in front of a panel of experts. Nigerian Students are assigned a supervisor and the duration of a PhD is typically three years full-time and six years part-time.

Very few research degrees feature taught modules, and as such a student is expected to take more responsibility for their work and schedule.

PhD entry requirements

UK universities are free to admit anyone to a PhD programme, with admission generally conditional on the prospective student having successfully completed an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours, as well as a masters degree. English language ability will need to be proved and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is generally required.

There is usually a first-year assessment to remain in study and the thesis is submitted at the end of the completed programme.

PhD research proposal

A research proposal (example) is required by all students when applying to study a PhD. The proposal should clearly address the research you wish to undertake, how you will do it, and why it is important. The proposal must be accepted by a panel of experts before your programme can begin.

Other types of PhD

- MPhil (Master of Philosophy)

If you wish to study a PhD, you may first need to begin an MPhil and then transfer to a PhD programme after 12-18 months. An MPhil is also a qualification in its own right and is generally thesis-only, lasting one year full-time and two years part-time. The thesis must present the results of a study and research and be a maximum of 60,000 words.

Students choose to study an MPhil if the proposed research has insufficient scope for a full PhD.

- MRes (Master of Research)

An MRes is an advanced postgraduate research degree within the areas of art, humanities and social sciences. Some PhD’s require an MRes qualification before beginning a PhD proper, and the student is required to complete a 40,000 word dissertation.

An MRes is a good test to see if you enjoy conducting your research without fully committing to and funding a full PhD.

- Professional Doctorate

Professional doctorates are similar to a PhD, but are intended to advance professional practice, rather than improve academic ability. Common professional doctorates include law, education, business, engineering and medicine.