Research Degrees

Middlesex University offers the following research degrees:

Conventional Research Degrees

  • MA/MSc/LLM (by research) requires knowledge and understanding of existing research or scholarship in a chosen field, and its clear presentation in a dissertation.
  • MPhil research requires critical investigation and evaluation of an approved topic, and a contribution to knowledge of that topic.
  • PhD research investigates an approved topic generating an original contribution to knowledge, or applies current knowledge in new contexts, or to new processes or artefacts. (All candidates aiming for the PhD enrol for MPhil with transfer possibility to PhD. Transfer is made to PhD when progress has been made with the research, usually after 18 to 24 months)

You can download a copy of the regulations for MPhil, PhD, MA/MSc (by research) and LLM (by research).

Creative subjects/partly in non-written form: For the MA/MSc (by research), the MPhil and the PhD, you may undertake a programme of research in which your own work such as a computer program, a report, or an artistic work (a film, performance, musical composition etc) forms, as a point of origin or reference, a significant part of the intellectual enquiry and is presented for examination. The length of the thesis is reduced accordingly. The work is always undertaken as part of the registered research programme, and the standards are the same as those applied where the work is totally by thesis.

  • MPhil/PhD by Public Works. If you have work(s) on a single or predominant theme or topic already in the public domain (journal articles, books, reports, software, artistic works etc) these works form the core of your submission. You write a context statement under supervision to complete the submission. These degrees are equivalent in level to the MPhil and PhD by thesis.
  • EngD research is equivalent to a PhD. It is a specialist engineering doctorate which is also applicable to various areas of computing science. It includes assessed coursework, and collaboration with an external organisation is required.
  • EdD research is equivalent to a PhD. It is a specialist doctorate aimed at experienced professionals in the field of education. You undertake a programme of research and development of educational practice that includes both taught modules and research projects.
  • ArtsM research is equivalent to an MPhil. It is a practice-based degree aimed at professionals in the arts. It includes a programme of creative work with a written component in which you must demonstrate a critical command of knowledge and understanding of the academic and professional field.
  • ArtsD research is equivalent to a PhD. It is a practice-based degree aimed at high-level practitioners in the arts. It includes the submission of a portfolio of artistic works with a written component in which you must demonstrate the creation and interpretation of new knowledge in the field.

You can download a copy of the regulations for Research Degrees by Public Works and the guidance notes for Research Degrees by Public Works.

Professional Studies and Professional Practice Research Degrees

Generic Pathway (for all professional areas taking a trans/multi disciplinary approach)

These degrees have a generic framework enabling a wide range of professionals from the public, private, and voluntary sectors to negotiate programmes which are customised to the needs of their own professional practice and organisations. We offer two professional studies qualifications: the M/DProf and the M/DProf by Public Works:

DProf: Our professional doctorates are aimed at high-level professionals interested in a research and development doctorate with a focus on change, impact and usefulness. It offers an opportunity to focus on personal excellence and instigate major change within an organisation, within a community of practice or on your own practice. All candidates for the DProf complete Part 1 of the programme which consists of two modules and the opportunity to apply for credits for previous learning. These are assessed at masters  level before moving onto Part 2, the carrying out of a practice-based research project, which is assessed at doctoral level.

MProf: This would suit professionals who are probably at management level or equivalent in professional seniority. It has a research and development focus involving the design and carrying out of a small change/evaluation project. It can be taken as a qualification in its own right or as a stepping stone leading to a DProf.

DProf or MProf by Public Works: This is a prestigious award undertaken by professionals who already have substantial and influential linked works in the public domain in the form of publications, trainings, policies, or other embodied forms of knowledge such as art works, architecture, choreography, music composition. These demonstrate your contributions to your  field and to knowledge. This award is the opportunity to stand back and critique what you have achieved at a doctoral level of engagement through a 20,000 word context statement.

You can download a copy of the regulations for the M/DProf and the M/DProf by Public Works.

For further information on Professional Studies Research Degrees, see the Institute for Work Based Learning.

Professional Studies Research Degrees in Health, Environment or Risk

In addition to the generic M/DProf, we also offer the M/DProf in Health, Environment or Risk. For information on these degrees, see the School of Health and Social Sciences.

Professional Practice Research Degrees in Business

Middlesex University Business School offers a suite of Professional Practice programmes: the MProf, DProf, DProf by Public Works and DBA (Doctor of Business Administration). These programmes have been specially designed to for professionals working in senior positions within organisations who are responsible for specific business functions, and who have strong ties with relevant professional communities.

For further information:

All the degrees listed above require the presentation of a thesis, research project, or research portfolio, and discussion with external examiners at an oral examination. The MPhil/PhD by Public Works and the M/DProf by Public Works require the presentation of an evaluative context statement, and discussion with external examiners at an oral examination.

Research Degrees offered in collaboration with other institutions

We have collaborative arrangements with several external institutions that allow us to offer a greater range of disciplines. These are:

  • MPhil and PhD in theological subjects
  • Master of Theology (MTh)
  • Doctorate in Psychotherapy (DPsych), a specialist professional studies doctorate
  • Doctorate in Psychology and Psychotherapy (DCPsych)
  • MProf in Leadership for Sustainable Development  

Higher Doctorates

We also provide for Higher Doctorates (LLD, DLitt, DSc, DTech): These are awarded to people who are leading authorities in their field, for work of high distinction that offers an original, sustained, and significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge.

You can also download a complete list of all research degrees available at Middlesex University.

Bookmark and Share