PhD

The PhD by thesis is awarded to a candidate who, having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge and demonstrated an understanding of research methodsappropriate to the chosen field, has presented and defended a thesis. This PhD programme is designed for those who wish to pursue supervised research at doctoral level leading to the production of a traditional thesis which will be considered as an original and independent contribution to knowledge and justify the award of a PhD. It is possible to apply for and to be registered for the PhD either ‘direct’ or ‘via MPhil’.

Doctorates are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

 (i) the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication;

 (ii) a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;

 (iii) the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;

 (iv) a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

(a) make informed judgments on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;

(b) continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas, or approaches; and will have:

(c) the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.

Research Subject Areas

The University of Bolton can support PhD/MPhil students undertaking research in the following subject areas:

• Art and Design
• Accounting and Business
• Built Environment & Civil Engineering
• Community Studies
• Computer Science
• Education
• Engineering
• English & Creative Writing
• Health & Well-Being
• Information Systems
• Islamic Finance
• Law
• Materials, Research & Innovation
• Mass Observation and Worktown Studies
• Medical, Biomedical and Life Sciences
• Photography
• Psychology
• Sport, Performance, Recovery & Rehab
• Sport Sociology and Policy
• Theatre and Performance
• Renewable Energy & Environmental Technologies 

Requirements

1. An application Form (download here)
2. A recent CV
3. Notarised copies of diploma(s) and transcript
4. A research proposal (http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Research/Prospective-Students/Writing-a-Research-Proposal.aspx)