Education

Description

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Our distance programmes offer a more flexible way to study for a research degree - allowing you to undertake a University of Leicester PhD wherever you are based in the world.

As with the campus based PhD programme, you will undertake a substantial research project that is written up as a thesis of 80,000 words and defended in an oral examination (the "viva voce" examination).

Supervisory Support All distance learning PhD research students are allocated a personal supervisor who will help you plan and manage your research and develop your understanding of relevant research methodology.

You'll keep in touch with your supervisor through regular supervisory meetings provided online or by telephone.

University Resources Alongside this core training, distance learners have access to a range of online resources and materials to help you:

* develop an effective working relationship with your supervisor
* develop your broader academic writing skills including related concepts such as referencing and avoiding plagiarism
* plan and manage the writing of your thesis and prepare for the viva exam

You'll also have access to the University Library's online resources for distance learning researchers including remote access to some 18,000 electronic journals, books, and databases.

Visiting Leicester Distance learning PhD research students are registered on probation for the first twenty-four months of their degree. Over this period you will complete your research skills training and your overall suitability for a PhD programme will be monitored.

At the end of this period your progress will be assessed and, subject to this being satisfactory, you can then continue with your degree.

You will be required to visit Leicester both for your probation review and for your viva exam at the end of your degree. You are not required to visit Leicester at any other time, but distance learners are welcome to do so should they wish to:

* meet their supervisor or fellow researchers
* use facilities such as the University Library
* attend training sessions or other University events for researchers

Contents

Research Skills Training

We have nearly twenty years' experience in supporting distance learning postgraduates.

Distance learning PhD research students undertake a structured programme of research training, delivered entirely through a combination of module books and interactive tasks, readings, and discussion through the University's online virtual learning environment.

The training covers core skills including:

* Requirements of the PhD degree and expectations for the thesis
* Finding and reviewing academic literature
* Formulating and refining research questions
* Research ethics
* Academic writing
* Quantitative research and analysis
* Qualitative research and analysis

Requirements

* Read the course description and make sure that we offer supervision in the area in which you want to work.
* Follow the advice in the course description and check whether you need to provide a research proposal or a personal statement. If you need to provide a research proposal, please read the research proposal guidance.
* Prepare your supporting documents - with your application you need to include proof that you meet the academic and English language entry requirements.
* The application form includes separate forms that can be used by your referees. Applicants must provide two academic (not personal) references from people who can comment on your suitability for the research degree programme; please follow the advice in the application form on how to submit your references.

English Language Requirements

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa.

The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Funding

Employer sponsorship

Studying by distance learning gives a clear signal to employers that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge. Your employer may be willing to fund all or part of your course if you are able to show the key benefits to their business. Some of these benefits are detailed below:

Distance learning allows you to develop your skills without taking time out of the workplace

You will be able to apply your new skills into your roles immediately

The skills you develop will include; complex problem solving; communication skills; creative and strategic thinking; time management; and decision making.

There are many different ways that your employer may provide support, from fully or partially paying your tuition fees to offering you study time or additional leave days. The form your sponsor will need to complete, together with further information can be found on our Finance Office website. If you are seeking, or have gained, sponsorship from your employer please mention this when you make your application.

ELCAS funding for members of the Armed Forces

We are an approved provider for the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS) for armed forces personnel and all of our distance learning courses are available under this scheme.

If you are a current or former member of the UK armed forces then you may be eligible for ELCAS funding. Please check their website for full details or contact your Education Officer. If you are seeking, or have gained ELCAS funding, please mention this when you make your application.

Professional and Career Development Loans

Professional and Career Development Loans (CDLs) are offered by a consortium of major banks for students on vocational courses only.

You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 towards tuition and/or living expenses for a course over a period of up to two years study (three years if the course includes work experience). The bank will usually take between six weeks and three months to process your application - so make sure you apply well in advance.

The Skills Funding Agency will pay the interest on your Professional and Career Development Loan while youre studying - and for one month after youve left your course.

For an application pack or for any enquiries relating to Professional and Career Development Loans, please call Next Step on 0800 100 900. Further information can be found on the Directgov website. If you are seeking, or have gained CDL funding, please mention this when you make your application.

Research Councils

Research Councils are public bodies which provide awards for postgraduate research study for students from the UK and fees only support for EU students. Each is responsible for a particular group of subject areas. Only the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) currently consider applications from individual students.

International (non-EU) funding

If you live outside the EU, try contacting your government's Ministry of Education for details of scholarships or loans. The British Council, the UK's international organisation for educational and cultural matters, has offices in 110 countries and can advise on sources of funding. You may want to visit Education UKs section on scholarships for more information.

There also a number of charities and foundations you may want to consider contacting regarding funding. A few notable foundations are the Aga Khan Foundation, the African Educational Trust and the Said Foundation. A list of organisations can be found on the Postgraduate Studentships website.

USA

In the case of students from the USA, overseas distance learning programmes are no longer eligible for Federal loans or VA (Veterans Association) funding. Students may apply for loans from a private provider. One of the largest is SallieMae, and several of our former and existing students have used this route. There are, of course, many other providers of private loans for the purposes of education. Private loan companies usually require the education provider to have a 'Federal School Code': the University of Leicesters code is G22291.

More

Accreditation

We think a university should be about empowering people to explore; through passionate, dedicated teaching and innovative, world-changing research. By embracing the fact that every journey is personal, the University has achieved some remarkable results.

At Leicester we think that high quality research and excellent teaching are not only complementary, theyre inseparable. We are constantly finding new ways of being a leading university, and have done so since we were founded as a University College in 1921. Find out about some of our greatest discoveries.

We are the only university to win seven consecutive Times Higher Awards. In awarding us 'University of the Year', Times Higher Education applauded Leicesters very different approach, describing us as elite without being elitist.

We were proud to be described as elite. But we were equally as proud to be described as a university that is inclusive and accessible in its academic culture. We've achieved success through our distinctive work which is characterised by the following approach:

An inclusive and accessible culture

Our commitment to an inclusive and accessible culture not only opens the doors to the very best, no matter their background, it even shapes the very way we look at and discover the world around us. Leicester is the most inclusive of Britain's top 20 leading universities with the greatest proportions of students from under-represented groups.

A personal, supportive experience for those who use our services

The University of Leicester was founded as a memorial to the fallen of the Great War and our motto means So that they may have life. We seek to do this by providing a supportive and personal environment for those who use our services and an experience that our students tell us is second to none.

A commitment to high quality, innovation and rigorous academic standards

We are dedicated to finding new ways of doing old things and bringing new perspectives to established ideas, without compromising on quality and while maintaining our high rankings.

A belief that teaching and research are synergistic

We believe that teaching is inspirational when delivered by passionate scholars engaged in world changing research - and that our research is stronger when delivered in an academic community that includes students - students who question and probe us every day.