phd part time london

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Course type

Qualification, university name, part time phd in london.

506 degrees at 36 universities in London.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

Related subjects:

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• PhD Education
• PhD Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• PhD Engineering
• PhD English Literature
• PhD Environmental Health and Safety, Protection and Conservation
• PhD Financial Management and Accounting
• PhD Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics
• PhD Gallery, Conservation and Museum Studies and Museology
• PhD Geography and Earth Sciences
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• PhD History
• PhD Humanities and Social Sciences
• PhD Industry, Logistics, Manufacturing and Production
• PhD Journalism and Publishing
• PhD Languages
• PhD Law and Legal studies
• PhD Leisure, Hospitality Management and Event Management
• PhD Linguistic Studies
• PhD Literature
• PhD Management, Business and HR
• PhD Marketing and PR
• PhD Mathematics
• PhD Nursing and Midwifery
• PhD Other Sciences and Research
• PhD Performing and Dramatic Arts, Acting and Music Studies
• PhD Philosophy
• PhD Physics
• PhD Physiotherapy and other Therapies
• PhD Psychology
• PhD Religious Studies and Theology
• PhD Social Work, Community Work and Counselling Skills
• PhD Sports and Recreation
• PhD Surgery, Medicine and Dentistry
• PhD Teaching and Training
• PhD Tourism and Travel
• PhD Transport Services and Aviation

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Business School MPhil/PhD

Middlesex university.

This programme will give you the opportunity to carry out cutting edge research that will help you understand the challenges of business Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,300 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,150 per year (UK)

Computer Science and Information Systems MPhil/PhD

Birkbeck, university of london.

An PhD is an advanced postgraduate research degree that requires original research and the submission of a substantial dissertation of Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,500 per year (UK)

Infectious and Tropical Diseases PhD

London school of hygiene & tropical medicine, university of london.

& Structure The MPhil and PhD are aimed at students who anticipate a career in which research plays a major role and who want to focus on Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £6,740 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £3,370 per year (UK)

SOAS University of London

The School of Law accepts candidates for research work leading to a PhD. The central feature of PhD work is the close relationship Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK)

University of Roehampton

We have a long and distinguished history in educational research, working to ensure that all young people are able to benefit from Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,711 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Mphil Phd School of Business and Law

University of east london.

The School gives postgraduate research students the chance to learn from the best academic minds and industry experts. You’ll be studying Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,740 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,870 per year (UK)

Accounting and Finance, MPhil/PhD

The greenwich business school, university of greenwich.

Our higher research degree (MPhil/PhD) allows you to undertake rigorous and critical exploration of a specific area in accounting or Read more...

• 1.5 years Full time degree
• 2.5 years Part time degree

Executive PhD

Bayes business school (formerly cass business school), city, university of london.

About the Executive PhD programme Today's business environment is fast moving, competitive and constantly changing. In order to survive Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £26,250 per year (UK)

Law PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Kingston university.

Whether you are planning a career as an academic within the education sector, or as a professional researcher within the public or Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Computer Science PhD

Royal holloway, university of london.

About us Computer Science at Royal Holloway is one of the world's leading centres of research in advanced areas of theoretical and applied Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

PhD Drama and Performance (Practice as Research)

University of essex.

Undertaking PhD study gives you the opportunity to engage with an area of drama, theatre, or performance in depth and at an advanced level. Read more...

• 7 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Electronic and Electrical Engineering PhD

Brunel university london.

Research profile The electronic and electrical research draws on the disciplines of electrical power engineering, bio-nanotechnology, Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,355 per year (UK)

Scandinavian Studies MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

The Department of Scandinavian Studies offers supervision in a variety of subjects relating to Nordic language, culture and history. Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,930 per year (UK)

PhD Chemical Engineering

Queen mary university of london.

Engineering at Queen Mary has a distinguished tradition in both teaching and research, dating back to the beginning of the 1900s while Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Ageing Research PhD

University of west london.

UWL is committed to advancing knowledge and innovation in research and education to improve the lives of older people in the UK and around Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £3,995 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,000 per year (UK)

Doctor of Philosophy - MPhil / Phd

London metropolitan university.

A PhD is conducted purely by research. Each PhD is the unique development of your individual research project, performed under the Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,500 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £3,250 per year (UK)
• 4 years Full time degree
• 7 years Part time degree

Epidemiology and Population Health PhD

Phd in anthropology and sociology.

Social anthropology is widely regarded by employers as an excellent training, equipping holders of the degree with a range of employable Read more...

PhD English and Creative Writing

Research conducted in the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences covers a wide range of diverse and innovative arts practices, Read more...

1-20 of 506 courses

Course type:

• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• Royal College of Music
• Warburg Institute, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• London School of Theology
• King's College London, University of London
• Royal College of Art
• London Film School
• Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London
• Hult International Business School
• Imperial College London
• Institute of English Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• London South Bank University
• University of London Worldwide
• Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• Regent's University London
• Newcastle University London
• Guildhall School of Music & Drama
• EDHEC Business School, London
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Institute of Historical Research, School of Advanced Study, University of London

Related Subjects:

Imperial College London Imperial College London

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• Postgraduate doctoral
• Application process
• Choose a course

Looking for funding?

Use our scholarships search tool to look for available scholarships. Also explore our latest funded PhD vacancies .

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. 

It normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is also possible to undertake a PhD part time, over five to six years.

The main activity of a PhD is to carry out an original research project under the direction of one or more supervisors, to be written up as a thesis.

Different routes to achieving a PhD

There are a number of ways to achieving a PhD at Imperial:

• by undertaking a course of study based on your own research proposal
• by joining a research project that comes with funding attached (known as a studentship)
• by combining it with Master's study in an integrated route that typically lasts four years

Pursuing your own research idea

To search for PhD opportunities based on your own research proposal you first need to identify a research group within Imperial whose area of expertise best matches your idea.

Use the links below to search the different PhD opportunities within our academic departments, centres and institutes. This includes information about current studentships and often guidance on finding a supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach means our expertise often spans departmental boundaries – and so do our courses – so you may find opportunities in an unexpected area of the university.

Faculty of Engineering

• Aeronautics
• Bioengineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• School of Design Engineering
• Earth Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Medicine

• Department of Brain Sciences
• Department of Immunology and Inflammation
• Department of Infectious Disease
• Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
• Department of Surgery and Cancer
• National Heart and Lung Institute
• School of Public Health

Faculty of Natural Sciences

• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Centre for Environmental Policy

Imperial College Business School

• Doctoral programme

Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication

• PhD in Arabic, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish Studies
• PhD in science communication studies

Global Challenge institutes

We have six Global Challenge institutes, which were created to address some of society's biggest challenges.

If you have an idea for a PhD that falls within the remit of one of our Global Challenge institutes please contact them directly to discuss before making a formal application.

• Data Science Institute
• Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment
• Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering
• Institute for Security Science and Technology
• Institute of Global Health Innovation

Energy Futures Lab  does not offer PhD programmes, but does deliver the  MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures .

Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies | Imperial College London-Technical University of Munich

We have recently formed  a strategic partnership in education, research and innovation  with the Technical University of Munich, one of Germany’s most international and entrepreneurial universities, producing highly ranked research, like Imperial, in science, engineering and medicine.

As part of the partnership, Imperial and TUM have launched a 'Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies' with the aim of co-developing cross-disciplinary clusters of PhD students who will have access to world-leading academic supervisors and state-of-the art facilities at both institutions.

The first round of the programme will focus on the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Robotics'.

Find out more about the Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies and apply

Global main menu

• Queen Mary University of London
• Postgraduate
• Research degrees

Applying for a PhD

Considering applying for a PhD? Explore our advice below and see what sort of things you need to consider – from finding a supervisor to drafting a research proposal – we've got tips and advice to help you begin your PhD journey at Queen Mary.

One of the most important things to do before filling out an application is to find a good match with a supervisor or existing research group. Most Schools advise that you make contact with a supervisor via email before submitting an application. If you're applying for entry via a MRes programme, then this is not necessary.

To learn more about our PhD programmes, check entry requirements and find the applications forms, select your subject from the drop-down menu below. 

If you applying to come as a visiting/associate student for part of your PhD, you need to apply via this page  https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/associate/  

Step 1: Identify a research match

Before submitting an application, we encourage you to contact a potential supervisor via email. When you write to them, they will be looking for certain things to ensure you are a suitable PhD candidate and will consider the following:

• Is the proposed project suitable for PhD study?
• Do you have the academic strength to complete your project?
• Can the project be completed within the required time?
• Do they have the relevant knowledge to supervise your project?
• Can the School/Institute support your project and do they have the facilities and resources?

If you cannot find the research area you are looking for, or have any queries about the application process, you can either contact the School or our  fill out an enquiry form and our PhD team will be in touch.

Step 2: Review our entry requirements and funding

Entry requirements

Typically, the minimum entry requirement is an UK upper second class honours degree (2:1). Some Schools/Institutes require a first class honours degree and/or a masters degree. If your qualifications are not from a UK university, Queen Mary also considers recognised equivalent qualifications from accredited overseas institutions and equivalent professional qualifications. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.

If English is not your first language, please check your programme's English language requirements . You do not need to meet this at the point of application. You may provide evidence of your English level at a later date.

Funding You should ensure that you have a realistic plan to secure sufficient funding to complete the research and writing-up process within the normal time period. This is usually three to four years for full-time programmes, and six to seven years for part-time programmes. Many of our PhD students are funded by Queen Mary or one of the Doctoral Training Programmes. Studentships cover your tuition fees and normally include an allowance towards living costs. Studentships are advertised on our School/Institute websites, our Postgraduate Research Studentships page ,  Jobs.ac.uk and Findaphd.com . Read more about PhD funding at Queen Mary.

Step 3: Prepare a research proposal

If you are applying for an advertised project, you may not need to submit a proposal. But if you are proposing your own project idea you will and this is a key part of your application. 

Before submitting your application, it is likely that you will need to revise your proposal several times. Whilst your potential supervisor will help you do this, it is important that you present them with as clear a proposal as you can when you first make contact with them.

Tips for writing a strong research proposal include:

• Formulate a precise, interesting research question; this may take the form of a hypothesis to be tested, or a more open-ended inquiry.
• Establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking. Is there a knowledge gap?
• Outline a clear and practical methodology which enables you to answer the research question, and to describe and evaluate any data or source material you will draw upon.
• Suggest what you hope to discover at the end of your research and what new areas it might open up.
• Demonstrate that your research will not take longer than three years.

Check the specific requirements (e.g. word count) on the School/Institute webpages.

Step 4: Gather your documents and apply online

To get to the online application form, select your research area from the list above. You will then be able to select an online application button specifically for your start date (e.g. Semester 1, September 2021).

Each application should include the following:

• A completed application form
• Transcripts for all higher education studies - this includes any undergraduate and postgraduate study
• Proof of English language ability for overseas applicants from non-English speaking countries
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Your research proposal
• A one-side A4 statement of purpose. This should set out your previous academic or other experience relevant to the proposed research; why you wish to undertake this research at QMUL; your previous research or professional training and what further training you think you will need to complete a PhD; and what ethical issues you will need to consider in undertaking this research.
• Two references. At least one reference must be from an academic referee who is in a position to comment on the standard of your academic work and suitability for postgraduate level study. Where appropriate, a second referee can provide comment on your professional experience.

Note: If you don't yet have your final degree certificates or proof of English then you can apply and upload these missing documents at a later date. Include all the information you can at the time of applying.

We will contact your referee(s) by email to supply a reference. However, a scanned colour copy of a reference provided on paper can also be provided either at the point of application or in response to the reference request email your referee will receive.

If your referee emails your reference to us we can only accept it if it is sent from a university or company email address (ie not Hotmail, Gmail etc). Paper reference forms should be endorsed by an appropriate official stamp or on institution/company letterhead. Alternatively, if your referee has agreed to provide an open reference letter, you can scan this and upload it in the upload document section of the online form.

What about international applicants? International applicants are welcome to contact one of our authorised local representatives if they feel they need assistance in submitting their PhD application. Our representatives can help you apply, ensuring you submit all of the requisite documents whilst also supporting you through the immigration process. To find your local Queen Mary representative, see our country/region specific information .

Step 5: What happens next?

Once processed, the School/Institute may get in touch with you directly to discuss your application and arrange an interview. Those not short-listed for interview will receive a rejection message via the applicant portal.

The entire process from the submission of your application, to an invitation to discuss further, interview or decision, typically takes between six to eight weeks. But if you applying for advertised funding, this Schools will not look at your applications until the deadline has passed. If you need a decision by a given deadline in order to apply for external funding, please make this clear in your application.

Admissions Policy

You can download and read our Admissions Policies on the Policyzone.

Can I apply for more than one programme of study? You may apply for a maximum of two taught programmes or one taught and one research programme at QMUL. If you are applying online, you will need to submit two applications. Please note: although you may apply for two programmes, under QMUL regulations you can only study for one qualification at a time. If you receive offers for both programmes, you will be required to accept one and decline the other.

Is there a deadline for receipt of applications? There is no fixed closing date for applications but you should remember that decisions on applications will be made as quickly as possible. Students seeking financial support from Research Councils or other award giving bodies are asked to apply as early as possible and make it clear in their application the Research Council deadline. Additionally students applying for QMUL Studentships are reminded that their applications must be in line with Research Degrees Office deadlines.  Please see our  Postgraduate Research Studentship page  and Postgraduate Research Deadlines page .

Is there an application fee? No, QMUL does not charge an application fee.

Is my qualification recognised? Our International Office has a list of countries/regions for which we have published admissions information online. Please see our international students section. Alternatively we use UKNARIC to check the equivalency of international and European qualifications: www.naric.org.uk What happens after I submit my form? All complete applications will be considered by Admissions Tutors. Providing you have included all the required documentation, we aim to inform you of a decision on your application within six to eight weeks of receipt. Please note this can vary during peak application times (January – April).

Where can I find out more about English language requirements? Read more about our English language requirements  page .

Is there any help for applicants with disabilities? Queen Mary University of London has a dedicated Disability and Dyslexia Service which offers advice, support and guidance for disabled students, including those with mental health difficulties and specific learning difficulties (eg dyslexia), from the point of application through to graduation. This advice covers issues such as agreeing to the provision of reasonable adjustments, as well as accessing external sources of funding and support, such as the Disabled Student’s Allowance. Our Disability and Dyslexia Service is represented at the various open days held across the year, but if you would like to discuss any aspects of support, you can contact the service at any time to request an appointment, either in person or over the phone. Fill out our online form or contact us on the details below: Web: www.dds.qmul.ac.uk Tel: +44(0) 207 882 2756 Email: [email protected]

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Application process

Applying for a phd, introduction.

Known as a research degree, the PhD is usually a four year (full-time) or five to seven year (part-time) course of independent and original research which is supervised by an academic specialist in the subject area. 

You will contribute new research in the form of a thesis suitable for publication which is usually around 100,000 words. It is examined by two examiners, one internal and one external who read your work and then ask you to defend it in an oral exam, the viva voce. 

PhDs are traditionally research based, although the integrated PhDs, also known as New Route PhDs, combine research with more vocational training. Increasingly taught courses are compulsory in the first year. 

Professional doctorates are useful for students interested in careers outside academia and consist of a taught core and incorporate both professional practice and academic knowledge. They are available in education (EdD), engineering (EngD or DEng) and business (DBA). 

Why do a PhD?

People complete PhDs for a variety of reasons: 

love of a particular part of their subject

springboard into a new career

access to excellent resources/training useful for non-academic careers

as a pre-requisite for academic careers.

As well as planning then conducting research and writing the thesis, PhD students will often teach undergraduate or master’s students, support more senior academics in their research work, publish articles, attend and present at conferences, work with business or other organisations to explore the value of their research in other fields outside academia (impact), collaborate with organisations or individuals (knowledge exchange) and contribute to their field in voluntary capacity (for example, as a reviewer, event organiser, network co-ordinator). 

When can I do a PhD?

You can do a PhD if you have at least an Upper Second relevant first degree or a relevant master’s. You must have in-depth knowledge of your subject area and be able to present a comprehensive research proposal. Some people start the PhD straight after completing a master’s, other people work outside academia for a few years and then apply for the PhD. 

Before starting a PhD you could apply for a job as a graduate research assistant where you would support the research of an academic in your department, teach, take part in laboratory work and complete your own research. You could also consider completing a PhD part-time whilst in a job. 

Researching into PhDs

Choosing the right programme takes time and research. It is important to apply to departments that specialise in your topic. Check the research quality assessed in the  Research Excellence Framework  (REF 2014) and also the quality of the teaching in the department via the  Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)  ratings. 

Talk to people who know the field about where they recommend is a good place to study. 

You can apply in one of two ways. You create the topic yourself, pitch it at your preferred institution in a Research Proposal and hope to gain funding via the institution. Alternatively, you can apply to work on a topic which has been agreed between a funding council and an institution and then advertised as a PhD position. If you are accepted funding will be assured. 

We recommend you take time to: 

ask for help from a current or recent academic tutor 

think about the people whose work you like, or who you read regularly, look at their department 

speak to the PhD administrator in departments that you think interest you 

use information on  Find a PhD

book on to a   LSE Careers further study event  

talk through your options with a careers consultant 

use the LSE Careers blog ,  So you’re thinking about a PhD? 5 tips for prospective PhDs .  

Making an application

Read the  LSE guidance on applying for a PhD .  

You will need to write a research proposal, personal statement and have a CV. 

The referees you choose are important as they will write about your academic achievements and potential. Get in touch with them early and ask for their advice too. 

Search  programmes with spaces at LSE . 

Useful publications in the LSE Careers physical library

Your PhD Companion, Stephen Marshall and Nick Green, 2004.

The PhD Application Handbook, Peter Bentley, 2006.

How To Get a PhD: third edition, Estelle Phillips and Derek Pugh, 2001.

Useful online information

Prospects.ac.uk:  postgraduate study and research . 

Find a PhD . 

The Fulbright Commission  for applications and funding in the USA.

Related pages

Watch our latest session on thinking about doing a phd, explore our further study events, book a one-to-one appointment to discuss your application.

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Research (MPhil / PhD) Entry Route

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Research opportunities

MPhil and PhD opportunities are available on-campus and by arrangement through our self-governing member institutions and research institutes, including the School of Advanced Study

Many of these institutions have performed highly in the Research Excellence Framework and are consistently ranked highly for research among UK universities.

Postgraduate research is offered via distance learning through the School of Advanced Study (Opens in new window) .

Research activity

The majority of academic staff are actively engaged in research, so you will be taught by experienced and motivated researchers who are eminent in their field.

To find out more about research opportunities, you can either search our courses to see which areas of research are available, or contact a university that offers related subjects to see if they can support your proposal.

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The Department of Computer Science and Technology will offer a part-time route to the PhD Degree with effect from October 2022. 

Part-time structure

The Department of Computer Science and Technology could offer a part-time route to the PhD. At present, the University allows a part-time route which is 60% or 75% of a fulltime PhD route for which the minimum number of terms:

 60% route -15 terms minimum; maximum number of terms for a part-time student is 21 terms.

 75% route - 12 terms minimum; maximum number of terms for a part-time student is 16 terms.

The requirements for the probationary CPGS in Computer Science will be spread across two years with the first-year report due near the end of the fifth term (i.e. end of March for a Michaelmas admittee), and the registration viva occurring in the sixth term (Easter term). The Department expects the completion of the required 12 units from the Researcher Skills Programme across two years. Part-time students are also encouraged to spend one term full-time in the first year of the programme and that students will be in residence in Cambridge during that time.

After successful registration for the PhD Degree, part-time Ph.D. students are expected to have between 2 and 4 meetings with their supervisor per term for at least a further ten terms. They are expected to spend an average of three weeks each term in the Department with a minimum of 45 nights p.a. in residence.

Requirements for a part-time PhD applicants in Computer Science and Technology

• The proposed topic needs to be suitable for study over a minimum of 12 or 15 terms (75% or 60% route respectively) and a maximum of 16 or 21 terms (75% or 60% route respectively) . Applicants will need to provide a schedule of the research over the first few years. 
• If a supervisor identifies a potential student and a topic as being possibly suitable for part-time study, an initial interview report form must be sent to the PhD Applications Panel for consideration.
• Potential supervisors should invite the Chair of the PhD Applications Panel or a deputy to attend the formal interview.
• As well as consideration by the PhD Applications Panel, the interview report will be considered by, and a decision approved by, the Degree Committee. The approved form will also be loaded to the applicant portal for consideration by the Postgraduate Admissions Office.
• The proposed supervisor must be able to supervise a part-time Ph.D. for at least the minimum 15 terms. This means that supervisors on short-term contracts, or those due to retire within seven years of a part-time student being admitted, will not be eligible to supervise. Those who are due to take sabbatical leave should consider alternative supervision arrangements.
• Applicants should be aware that there is no obligation on supervisors to accept applicants who wish to be admitted as part-time students.
• The student must live close enough to Cambridge, or be able to spend enough time in Cambridge during the first two years, to be able to participate, as much as possible, in research group seminars, reading groups and other activities.
• The student and supervisor will sign an agreement about how often the student will be in the department. This might be, for example : 2 x 8-hour days per working week per term, or 3 x 1-week per term, plus 40% of time in the research term (1 July to 30 September).
• Most CST Research Skills courses are available remotely. For research themes’ group meetings and seminars, physical presence in the department is preferred.
• The student will be required to provide a letter from the employer (if the student is employed) confirming that they may have time off to attend the University as required for the duration of the course. Applicants are required to upload a part-time attendance Declaration to their application once approved for admission.

Updated May 2024

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Our part-time programmes offer a more flexible way to study for a degree at Cambridge, meaning you can fit your studies around your career and other commitments.

Part-time study can be ideal for those who are:

• looking to gain a postgraduate qualification without leaving employment
• wish to develop their careers while they continue earning
• home-based and wish to develop their skills

Part-time research degrees are particularly well-suited to those looking to undertake research in an area related to their current professional environment. 

Part-time courses at Cambridge

You can filter the course search in the Course Directory to view courses that are offered part-time.

Different types of part-time study are available from different parts of the University, including the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) and the Cambridge Judge Business School .

Unlike many other universities, part-time degrees at Cambridge are not distance learning, where study is undertaken remotely (although ICE does offer some non-degree online courses ).

• For taught programmes, you will be expected to attend Cambridge for lectures, to complete assessments and for other activities as required. 
• For research students, you are required to attend Cambridge for around 45 days a year, for formal supervision and training.

In all cases, you will be expected to actively engage in the intellectual and social experiences of Cambridge life.

The time that part-time students spend in Cambridge makes up just a part of their study commitment. Students are required to study for a set proportion of the full-time commitment.  

• For PhD students, this proportion can be set at either 60% or 75% of full-time study, in consultation with a department.  
• For MPhil students, the proportion is set at 50%.  

Applicants should check the course directory for any specific part-time study arrangements that apply. 

Further information

Related links.

• Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)
• Cambridge Judge Business School

Related Documents

Part-time Portal

This page is part of the portal for Part-time Applicants

As a part-time student, I was concerned that I would miss out on a lot. However that wasn’t the case, my experience at Cambridge has exceeded my expectations and I have really enjoyed my time here. Christopher, MEd in Researching Practice

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Part-time doctoral research

Our part-time doctoral students make up an important part of our research community. At Reading, we recognise the distinct nature of studying part time, and we have a wealth of experience and resources to help you succeed.

If you are thinking of studying for a doctorate part time, you will be in good company. A quarter of our doctoral students either complete their entire programme on a part-time basis or switch after starting full time. You may find that studying part time suits you because:

• you have work commitments
• you have caring responsibilities
• it's preferable for financial reasons.

“As a part-time, mature student, there are times when I work full time on my thesis, while at other times it gets far less input due to my other commitments. Neither myself, my supervisor nor my postgraduate director have ever considered this a problem and this relaxed, flexible attitude has helped immensely and kept me unstressed and on track.”

Hilary Matthews

PhD in History

Time frames for part-time study

Working hours and patterns.

Your working hours and patterns are not usually specified; however, as a guide, you should expect to spend at least 15 hours a week working on your research or undertaking training and development events. At certain points in your doctoral journey, you may have to dedicate more time for intensive study.

You will find your own preferred way of working with us – a few of our part-time cohort attend daily, some others attend weekly, but most who live further afield attend less frequently.

Submission timescales

As a part-time doctoral student, you should aim to submit your thesis within five years of starting your programme. The maximum time allowed is six years, while the earliest submission date is four years (unless you have special permission).

The part-time journey

There are several milestones on your journey towards completing a doctorate. For an overview of the key activities and timescales involved, see our guide to what a doctoral programme entails.

Find out what's involved in a doctoral research programme 

Core training

To equip you with the skills you need to carry out your research professionally and effectively, we have created the Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP).

As a part-time doctoral student, you should attend at least nine RRDP sessions over the course of your doctoral programme.

Learn about the Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP)

Our part-time doctoral students

To get a fuller flavour of what part-time doctoral research is like at Reading, read about what Dr Natalya Sergeeva and Mark Player have to say about their experiences, and how studying part time works for them.

Dr Natalya Sergeeva: Exploring narratives of innovation in the UK construction sector

Mark Player: Japanese punk film production 

Funding for part-time study

Our regional PhD bursary scheme may be of particular interest to you if you are a local resident (i.e. living within a 25-mile radius of the University) and wish to undertake a doctoral programme while living at home. This competitive scheme has run for a number of years now and has proved particularly popular with those wanting to study part time, many of whom work in the region.

Discover more about our regional PhD bursary scheme

The University of Reading is also currently working with selected employers to support the career development of their talented employees, by means of the Wilkie Calvert Co-Supported PhD Studentships. If you are keen to develop your career further by undertaking a part-time PhD on a topic that is relevant to your organisation, this studentship may be of relevance to you.

Read about the Wilkie Calvert Co-supported PhD Studentships

Fees for part-time study

You will need to pay the relevant part-time fee for each year of study. If you are self-funded, your fees (including research expenses and supervisory visit fees) are normally payable in two equal instalments – one at the start of the academic year and one at the start of the second term.

Find out about fees for part-time study

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Ways to study

UCL offers various modes of study including full and part-time, modular/flexible, distance learning and short courses.

Full-time study

Programmes marked as full-time study are generally completed in one year (for Master's programmes), nine months (for Postgraduate Diploma programmes) or approximately four months (for Postgraduate Certificate programmes), with the student enrolled on all modules and attending lectures and seminars on-site at UCL.

Distance learning is available for a small but increasing number of programmes at UCL.

A small number of our Master's programmes require attendance for two years full-time - this information will be given on the relevant programme pages.

Part-time study

Programmes marked as part-time study are generally completed in two years (i.e. double the length of the corresponding full-time programme), with the student enrolled on all modules and attending lectures and seminars on-site at UCL.

Please note that all programme fees are subject to an annual increase of up to 5%.

Modular/flexible study

Programmes marked as modular/flexible study can take a maximum of five years to complete, with the student generally attending lectures and seminars on-site at UCL. Study is undertaken on a module-by-module basis, with the student accumulating credit by selecting which module(s) to complete in any given year. Advice can be given by the programme organisers about the recommended period of time in which to complete your studies.

The fees for modular/flexible study are charged approximately pro-rata to the full-time fee for the corresponding Master's programme, and will vary year-by-year depending on how many modules you choose to take during that year. Please note that all programme fees are subject to an annual increase of up to 5%.

Distance learning

An increasing number of programmes at UCL are offered either fully or partially via distance learning, where study materials including lecture notes, podcasts and interactive tools are available to the student via Moodle, UCL's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Students are assigned a Personal Tutor and keep in touch via regular contact sessions, and are encouraged to interact via online study groups and forums. Distance learning programmes are usually undertaken on modular/flexible basis.

Please note: all programmes with at least an element of distance learning are marked "Distance learning" in this Prospectus; please contact the relevant department to ascertain whether campus attendance is also required.

Short courses and continuing professional development

Academic departments may offer modules from taught programmes and/or short courses, seminars and summer schools to support continuing professional development or for general interest. 

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