Degrees by Research

Studentships  |  Conditions of Acceptance  |  Current Vacancies

Degrees by Research
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctor of Medicine (MD)

A research degree involves a period of research study in an area appropriate to the needs of the particular student, followed by the submission of a thesis.  PhD studies are undertaken over a period of between two and four years (full-time) or four and seven years (part-time).  MPhil studies take between one and two years (full-time), or two and four years (part-time).  MD studies take a minimum of two years (part-time).  There are opportunities for both laboratory and field-based research, depending on the disciplinary area selected.  In 2009/10 there were some 90 research students in LSTM registered for higher degrees, from 29 different countries.

Each student has between 2-3 supervisors with whom they are officially requested to meet least 8 times a year (In reality students meet with their supervisors which with more regularity). These meetings are logged in the on-line database (LUCID) by the student and the supervisor checks this within the student management system (TULIP).  The monitoring of students’ progress is also independently carried out by two Advisory Panel members who hold an annual progress meeting with the student.  Advisory panel meetings are held without the presence of the supervisors and are an opportunity for the student to frankly discuss their progress and supervision over the previous year.

All students studying for a higher degree by research at LSTM must either complete a training programme, or gain exemption from all or part of it, before they can submit their thesis.

From 1.10.08

PhDstudents

MPhilstudents

must complete the following trainingbefore they can submit their thesis:

  • 1First YearSkills Workshop or the Online Skills Course
  • 1 presentation at a University Poster day or Poster Day Online
  • One of the Career Skills Development Options
  • 30 credits of subject specific training for your department, see Research Training manual
  • Completion of the Personal Development Record (PDR)for threeyears*

must complete the following training:

  • 1 First Year Skills Workshop,
  • 1st year subject specific training of 30 credits, see Research Training manual
  • Completion of the Personal Development Record (PDR) for 1 year*

MDstudents

Completion of the Personal Development Record is compulsory at LSTM.  Students should consult their supervisors regarding which other components of the training programme should be undertaken.

*Exemptions may be possible fromcertain componentsof the programme if you can meet the required Exemptions criteria.

Applying for a research degree

Studies towards a research degree are very demanding, requiring commitment for a long period of time, and before encouraging applicants to undertake such studies, we need to establish what applicants’ motivations are, what is hoped to be gained by these studies and how the programme is to be undertaken.

Briefly, we need the following information:

The application and reference forms can be downloaded from the links on the right hand side of this page. Please consult the guidance notes before commencing your application.

Entry Requirements

It is LSTM’s policy to select students for PhD or MPhil research who have obtained, or are expected to obtain, a First Class Honours or Upper Second Class Honours degree or international equivalent, or a Masters degree or international equivalent, in an appropriate subject.  Students with insufficient qualifications may be recommended to take one of our Masters programmes in the first instance.  Students who wish to apply for an MD degree need to have obtained a medical degree which is registerable in the United Kingdom, i.e. obtained from an approved university