uk university phd fees

• Postgraduate Research

PhD fees and costs

To study a PhD, you'll need to pay the cost of tuition fees, research support fees (such as materials used in a laboratory) and be able to cover your living expenses

A funded PhD studentship may meet all or part of these costs or you may be able to find funding for your self-funded PhD or research project.  The fees below are for the academic year 2023/24.

The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.

^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.

Paying fees

The University requires payment of tuition fees at registration for the whole of the coming academic session or for the duration of a programme that is to be completed in less than a year. However, arrangements can be made for self-supporting students to pay their tuition fees in installments.

All instalments must be arranged with the Student Administration and Support Division. If you hold a scholarship or studentship, the awarding body should provide the Student Fees section of the Student Administration and Support Division with an acceptable guarantee of payment.

If you expect to be sponsored please ensure that your sponsors understand fully their responsibilities for your fees and maintenance and that they are prepared to honour them for the duration of your studies in Liverpool.

If your sponsor does not provide an acceptable guarantee of payment, or defaults on their guarantee, you will become responsible for the payment of fees yourself. Unfortunately, the University is not able to provide financial aid or waive fees for students whose arrangements for financial support fail during the period of their studies.

Transfering funds from abroad

International students will need to ensure that they can bring sufficient funds with them for living expenses, as well as for payment of fees, or have sufficient funds sent to them in instalments throughout the year. Students from countries which operate strict foreign exchange controls should make sure that permission can be obtained for the transmission of adequate funds.

Other costs

Research support fees.

Research support fees, also known as 'bench fees', cover the cost of consumable materials used in your study. Some MPhil/PhD and taught programme projects use up large amounts of materials or ‘consumables’. In these cases you may be charged an annual Research Support Fee to help cover the cost of this. Programmes which might incur a Research Support Fee are likely to be those which are laboratory-based. You will be notified of any fee which applies in your offer letter. Research Support Fees are the same for UK, EU and International students.

Study costs

We want to try and help you prepare for the day-to-day costs of studying. These might include things like photocopying in the library, buying textbooks and specialist equipment or going on field classes. We have put together tables of additional costs for guidance, for each subject area, including where departments make contributions towards these costs.

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• Queen Mary University of London
• Postgraduate
• Research degrees
• Funding a PhD
• PhD Tuition fees

PhD tuition fees

Students enrolling on a postgraduate degree programme are charged tuition fees each year by Queen Mary University of London. The rate you will be charged depends on whether you are assessed as a Home or Overseas student .

Tuition fees for Home students are set by UK Research Council (UKRI) and each year UKRI usually increases their fee and stipend levels in line with inflation. Further information can be found on the  UKRI website .

2024-25 Tuition Fees 

Home students beginning their PhD in September 2024 (or later) will be charged the following tuition fees:

• £4,786  for full-time research degrees 
• £2,393 for part-time research degrees 

2023-24 Tuition Fees 

Home students beginning their PhD in September 2023 (or later) will be charged the following tuition fees:

• £4,712 for full-time research degrees 
• £2,356 for part-time research degrees 

Tuition fees for Home students are set by UK Research Council (UKRI) and each year UKRI usually increases their fee and stipend levels in line with inflation. 

For international students (this now includes EU students), the tuition fees for 2023-24 and 2024-25 entry can be downloaded below:

2023-24 PGR Tuition Fees [PDF 436KB]

PGR 2024-25 Tuition Fees [PDF 64KB]

Some postgraduate courses may include an additional charge known as a fee band. This is to cover associated costs including equipment, laboratory consumables, specialist technical support, data processing, training and travel. You will be notified at the point of offer if a fee band is applicable.

Please note that fees are quoted at the full-time/part-time rate for the academic year you’ve applied for.  If you begin your study part-way through the academic year then your first tuition fee payment will be calculated on a pro-rata basis

Payment of tuition fees

Read a detailed description of how to pay your tuition fees .

University fee regulations

Like all other UK universities, Queen Mary is bound by legislation and Government regulations on fees.

Queen Mary's University fee regulations are outlined in this document: University Fee Regulations 2023/24 [PDF 20,281KB]

These regulations are updated every year, you can access a list of   archived and present University Fee Regulations here .

• Postgraduate study

Find out how much your research degree will cost and our approach to the tuition fee-paying period.

View tuition fees alphabetically by department:

Tuition fees for postgraduate research degrees by department

Tuition fees for the degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Dental Science are available once you have applied and subject to you having met the admission and eligibility criteria.

In common with other UK universities, the University of Sheffield charges different tuition fees depending on whether students are classed as Home or Overseas for fee purposes.

How we assess your fee status

The tuition fee-paying period

The tuition fee-paying period is the period during which full annual tuition fees are payable. This varies between 3 and 4 years for full-time PhDs (6-8 years for part-time PhDs), depending on the source of funding and scope of the research project. 3.5 years is the recommended tuition fee-paying period for most full-time PhDs.

If you're still working on your project between the end of the tuition fee-paying period and the overall time limit (4 years for full-time PhDs, 8 years for part-time PhDs), you'll be charged a submission pending fee.

PhD projects should be designed from the start to ensure that they can be completed within the tuition fee-paying period, as this is the period during which most students also receive a stipend from their funder to support their living costs. You'll discuss and agree the appropriate tuition-fee paying period for your project with your supervisor during the admissions process. Precise details of both the tuition fee-paying period and the overall time limit for the degree will be included in the offer letter.

You can find more information about fee types and tuition fee-paying periods on our Research, Partnerships and Innovation webpages:

Periods of registration

I simply would not have been able to undertake this PhD without the university's funding and I am very grateful to be able to remain in the UK to continue my studies Krissy Moore, Department of Archaeology Doctoral Academy Award recipient

PhD scholarships

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

Postgraduate research

Tuition fees and expenses: research degrees

2024/25 tuition fees.

• UK (home) tuition fee rates 2024/25
• International and EU tuition fee rates 2024/25

2023/24 tuition fees

• UK (home) tuition fee rates 2023/24
• International and EU tuition fee rates 2023/24

UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student.  Check your fee status

If you are an international student and your course is longer than one year, you should be aware that the tuition fee in following years will be subject to annual increases. You should take this into account in your financial planning. The fees quoted in your offer letter are normally for one year of study. Fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

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Living expenses and additional costs

Use our  living costs guide  to help plan your budget. Our guide will give you an idea of living expenses in York, as well as information about additional costs and charges.

Visiting students

If you're already studying a postgraduate degree at another university, you can apply to spend time at York as a visiting student. Find out about  tuition fees for visiting students .

• Schools & departments

PhD fee structure

How fees are charged for full-time and part-time PhD programmes, as well as PhDs by publication.

Full-time study

For full-time study, you will pay a total of three or four full-time annual fees (as appropriate) for the period of prescribed study under supervision.

Part-time study

For part-time study, you will pay a total of  six or eight part-time annual fees (as appropriate) for the period of prescribed study under supervision. 

Part-time tuition fees are 50% of the full-time fee applicable for the programme of study in each academic session. 

Submitting your thesis early

If you submit your thesis early, you must pay the remaining years’ fees on submission.

PhD by publication

If you submit for a  PhD  by publication, you will need to pay an examination fee on submission.

PhD programme fees

PhD programme fees for each year of study can be found on our postgraduate research fees page.

Postgraduate research fees

• How Much Does a PhD Cost in the UK?
• Funding a PhD

Choosing to dedicate the next few years of your life towards a PhD is no light decision. Not only will it require you to dedicate an extensive amount of your personal time, but you’ll also need to consider how you’ll fund it. This raises the question, how much does a PhD cost in the UK?

The cost of a PhD can be divided into three key areas; tuition fees, living expenses and research expenditures. The combined cost of these are approximately  £20,000 per year  for UK students and can increase to over  £40,000 per year  for international students. A more in-depth breakdown of these costs can be found below. We’ve also compared these costs to other countries and outlined the various methods available to you to fund your PhD studies.

Tuition Fees

For UK ‘home’ students, the tuition fee for a PhD varies between £3,000 to £6,000 per academic year. For 2023/24 programmes, most universities opt for £4,712 per year within this range. Although this number may seem a little odd, it’s commonly adopted due to being the indicative rate set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for UK universities.

International Fees

Unlike for UK applicants, the rates for international students don’t align with the indicative level set by UKRI. Following the implementation of Brexit, EU students now follow the same fee rates as other international students. International students will find that their tuition fees are higher than those of home students. For example, at the time of writing, the average annual PhD tuition charge at the University of Dundee is £4,825 for home students undertaking an Engineering PhD. This same average is £25,305 for international students.

International applicants will also find that the fee for PhDs in STEM subjects are greater than those in non-STEM subjects. For example, at the University of Bristol, a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering costs £25,300 per year whilst a doctorate in Medieval Studies costs £20,100 per year.

To summarise, international students can expect a tuition fee of between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average of around £19,600 per academic year. Non-STEM subjects will generally be at the lower end of the range, whilst STEM subjects will be at the higher end of the range.

Part-time Fees

The above fees are based on full-time postgraduate study. If you’re doing a part-time PhD, you can expect the fee to be half of these amounts. Although this may appear to be a cheaper option, keep in mind that the average duration of part-time PhDs are twice that of full-time PhDs. Therefore, the total tuition cost will amount to the same value and the end of both courses.

Other Degree-related Costs

Research support fees.

If your research project requires a high use of consumables, equipment or other resources, you may have to support the cost of these through an additional annual fee. This additional annual fee, often referred to as either a ‘research support’ or ‘bench’ fee, often apply to laboratory-based STEM research projects. Bench fees vary between different projects, even those within the same field. Therefore, it is best to speak to the admissions team on a project-by-project basis to receive anything useful.

Another cost you will need to account for is travelling. As part of your degree, many supervisors will expect you to attend conferences, training workshops, or other collaboration opportunities. As a result, you will often need to travel to various destinations which aren’t always limited to the UK. Although some programmes will cover these costs, it’s not unheard of that some positions will expect you to fund this yourself. It’s impossible to put a value on this, as the extent of travel depends on each project. Therefore, it would be wise to speak with the admissions team and current PhD students. They can provide you with an accurate estimate and let you know whether the university will cover the expenses.

Overtime Period Fee

When you’re enrolled into a PhD programme, you will be given a period to complete your PhD within. This period is known as your ‘registration period’ and is usually 3-4 years for a full-time PhD and 6-7 years for a part-time PhD. If you’re given an extension due to not completing your PhD study within this time, you will need to pay an overtime registration fee. Although the amount depends on each university, the University of Leeds sets theirs as £290 for 2023/24.

Living Costs

From a 2022 survey of over 2,300 university students , the average living cost, covering expenditures such as rent, bills, food and recreation, was £924 per month. This equates to £11,088 per year.

Although this is an average cost, your true cost of living will depend on your location. Living in major cities such as London will draw significantly higher rent and travel costs than living in more rural locations. Although your living situation will in large be driven by the university you undertake your PhD with, you should factor it in when deciding which universities to apply to.

To put this into perspective, the survey average of £11,088 per year uses a rent average of £418 per month. In London, this average increases to £650 a month and can surpass £1,000 if staying in university halls or private student accommodation. This is supported by University College London (UCL) who state you should expect an average rent of £1,028 per month if living in private accommodation around their university.

Tip  – You can use this handy calculator for an estimated average cost of living for any UK university. All you need to do is select the university, and the calculator does all the rest.

If you’re an international student, you should factor in return flights back home. Although this may seem like a small expenditure compared to tuition fees and rent, they can add up quickly depending on the frequency and distance of your trip.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How to Fund Your PhD

Studentships.

A studentship is a form of scholarship for doctoral students. They can either be partially funded, which cover tuition fees only, or fully funded, which also covers living costs through a ‘stipend’.

Studentships can be found in various places. Research Councils (RCUK) and European Social Fund (ESF) make funding available to university departments, who in turn make the funding available to doctoral students. Therefore, you will find that there are many postgraduate funding opportunities available to you, with the best places to look being the RCUK and ESF websites and the university departments themselves. External institutions which focus on research and development such as research trusts and charities would also be a useful place to look for a funded PhD.

Doctoral Loans

If you’re a UK student, you may qualify for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan from Student Finance England. This form of financial aid is available for nearly all postgraduate research degrees undertaken in a higher education setting. They will allow you to borrow up to a total of £28,673 for 2023/24 courses .

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships are a form of studentships which allow you to teach undergraduates as part of your research degree. This not only helps improve your academic skills, but it also enables you to receive a salary whilst you’re studying. As well as teaching assistantships, some departments also provide opportunities for demonstrations, marking papers, and tutorial support. The amount you can earn through these schemes will depend on how many hours you work and what agreements you make with your supervisor or course leader.

Working Whilst You Study – Part-time PhDs

A research student may opt for a part-time PhD as opposed to a full-time one. Although this would double the duration of their studies, it allows them to take on a part-time job to improve their financial situation. For students going down this route, it would be highly beneficial to pick up a part-time role in a position related to your industry. This will help refine your skills and increase your employability within this career role should you choose to pursue it after your degree.

If you’re an international student, keep in mind that you’ll likely be on a study visa. Therefore, there’ll be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do alongside your study.

How Does This Compare to the Fees in Other Countries?

When considering the tuition fee of PhDs across different countries, the United Kingdom is generally considered as being in the ‘middle-ground‘ region.

A handful of countries offer PhD programmes for free. These include, but are not limited to, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Norway and Poland.

The middle-ground region comprises countries such as Austria, Spain, Russia and New Zealand where postgraduate fees range from £1,400 to £4,000 per academic year.

The upper-end region comprises countries such as Hong Kong and the United States, where postgraduate tuition fees for a PhD student can go up to £33,000 per year.

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PhD Fees in the UK for International Students

• Maisie Dadswell
• September 6, 2023

PhD fees in the UK for international students vary based on several factors, including your field of study, the university you are doing your doctorate research with and which city the university is in. The cost of a PhD in the UK is generally anywhere from £15,000 to £35,000 for annual PhD tuition fees. To help you budget, this article will cover all the variable factors before covering several potential finance options which can help you to fund your studying in the UK. 

Even if the fees seem steep at first, don’t get disheartened; there are plenty of funding sources for international students – there is a reason why UK universities, including UWS London, are such popular academic destinations for PhD students beyond our high academic standards.

It is also worth bearing in mind that PhD tuition fees tend to increase each year in line with inflation. Always ensure you are budgeting with the most up-to-date PhD tuition fees, and take into account that for self-funded students, tuition fees may be marginally higher in the second and third years. The good news is that whatever your field of study and preferred university, PhDs will be vastly cheaper than undertaking a taught undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK as an international student. Along with covering the typical cost of PhD fees, we have also outlined additional expenses and living costs you may have to budget for. Luckily, as a full-time, student you’ll never have to worry about paying council tax.

PhD fees in the UK for international students

For domestic students in the UK, the average cost of PhD tuition fees is around £4,500. However, this can rise to £20,0000 – depending on the subject. The main reason there are vast differences in the price of PhD tuition fees is the resources that research students will require; typically, STEM students pay the highest tuition fees due to resources such as tech support, servicing, and equipment. The PhD students who can expect to pay minimum fees are students looking for a doctorate title in the arts, social sciences or humanities.

Part-Time PhD Fees

If you want to study part-time, you can expect to pay 50% of the full-time fees. However, this can vary, and not all PhDs are available on a part-time basis. If you are looking to be a part-time PhD student around your work or any other responsibilities, always check with the institution where you want to study if this is viable. You will also need to check if your visa restricts part-time PhD study.

Research Support Fees

Research support fees don’t apply to every international PhD student in the UK. However, you may need to pay research support fees, which will go towards covering the cost of any specialist materials you use during your research. For students carrying out their research in a laboratory setting, these support fees are also referred to as bench fees and cover the cost of any consumables used in addition to the facilities where any research and experiments are carried out. 

Some universities will include bench and research fees in the tuition fee, while other institutions will quote them separately. Even if the PhD tuition fees aren’t all-inclusive, universities will always be 100% transparent and upfront about the costs. As the additional tuition fees can vary significantly due to the nature of the research that you are undertaking, bench fees and support fees will usually be discussed during the application process. Other universities prefer to make them available on request. Typically, where applicable, bench fees range between £1,000 – £10,000. You will only pay the higher bench fees if you are using expensive equipment and consumables; most UK universities keep the rates the same for domestic and international students.

How to Enquire about PhD Fees in the UK for International Students

To ensure that you are working with the correct figures when you’re budgeting or applying for funding for your PhD fees and living expenses, always be proactive in your search for accurate information by contacting the UK universities you are keen to study with. 

When you are getting in touch with the university, state if you are an international or EU student, and pose these questions:

• How much are the fees for the programme, and what is included/excluded in the fees?
• Are there any extra-departmental research fees, printing costs or administration fees?
• Does fieldwork incur additional costs?
• Are the bench/research support fees the same for international students?
• Are there any bursaries or scholarships available that I may be eligible for?

PhD Funding for International Students Studying in the UK

International students are eligible for many PhD scholarships in the UK; these scholarships and other funded projects are open to international students of all nationalities. Scholarships and grants can be provided by universities, government bodies and charities.

Funded PhDs for International Students

There are ample options to explore based on your field of research; to make your search for funding easier, many PhDs in the UK are advertised to domestic and international students with funding options attached. This is incredibly common for Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) subjects, but it isn’t unheard of for the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities to offer the same funding options. Applying for a PhD with attached funding options isn’t worlds apart from applying for a job. If you are accepted as a candidate, you will receive a ‘salary’ in the form of tuition fees, research expenses and a grant which will go towards your living costs. If funding isn’t attached to a PhD project, you can use platforms such as FindAPhD to browse all the current projects offering funding to international students. To broaden your search, you can also use the search bar to sift through your different options. At the time of writing, FindAPhD has over 4,000 PhD projects and scholarships in the UK.

Research Council Studentships

Research Council Studentships are also frequently made available to international students in the UK looking for PhD funding. The more than generous financial support comes from UK Research and Innovation. If you receive funding from UK Research and Innovation, you will receive a monthly stipend to cover your living costs and a fee waiver. The waiver will allow you to pay the drastically reduced domestic rate instead of the PhD fees in the UK for international students. Whichever university funding you apply for, bear in mind that most funding is either provided in a bid to support widening participation or based on academic merit.

Government PhD Loans

If you aren’t eligible for a scholarship, grant, or funding from UK Research and Innovation, Government PhD loans are also available to some international students. Usually, to qualify, you will either need to be able to prove you have a settled status in the UK, be an Irish national or be part of the EU settlement scheme. These loans will cover your tuition fees and living expenses; you only need to repay the loan when you earn over the threshold amount.

Living Costs in the UK for PhD Students 

The living costs for international students in the UK will vary greatly depending on your circumstances, lifestyle and where you live. The most expensive city for living costs, excluding rent, is £894 for London, while the cheapest is £577 for Bradford – based on 2022 figures. With rent included in London, it can cost £1,309 per month if you are living off campus, or £1,237 if you are living on campus. 

How Much Does it Cost for a PhD in London?

London is renowned for its vibrant culture, history, and world-class education, making it a top choice for students pursuing higher degrees. However, it’s essential to note that London is also the most expensive city in the UK. The cost of living in the capital can be higher than in other parts of the country. While pursuing a Ph.D. in London offers incredible opportunities and access to prestigious institutions, potential students should be prepared for higher living expenses.

Additional Costs for International Students 

Your PhD fees, rent and living costs will be your greatest expenses as an international PhD student. However, there are additional expenses which you may need to account for:

• Visa Processing Fees – to apply for a visa outside of the UK, it will cost £363. If you are extending your visa or switching to a student visa, the processing fee is £490. 
• University Application Fees – these fees aren’t especially common in the UK; however, they aren’t unheard of.
• Language Tests – if you are studying your PhD in a second language, you will need proof that you possess sufficient language skills. In some instances, you will be required to sit a language test and achieve a certain score.

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This page provides information on research programme fees for home and international students. Refer to the information below for more detail about how much your programme is likely to cost.

2024/25 fees

Home students, 2024/25 home tuition fees for phd and mphil research degrees.

Annual tuition fees for each academic year must be paid in full at the start of each year.

Some research projects will be subject to additional project costs.

All MPhil/PhD projects are charged at the UK Research and Innovation indicative rate. The fee for the year 2024/25 is £4,786. Additional project costs may also be charged.

The table indicates the fee for programmes in each faculty.

Where additional project costs may be charged, the standard APC is listed first. Some projects may lead to a higher or lower APC, and these are also listed in the table.

Your offer letter will state the tuition fee and any APC for the programme.

Additional project costs (APC)

For some subjects, there will be an APC to run research projects that are in addition to basic classroom and lab-based costs. It will be clear where there are additional costs.  APCs for part-time researchers will be charged pro-rata at 50% of the rate shown.

2024/25 Home tuition fees for Masters by Research degrees

Masters by Research degrees fees vary by faculty. The table indicates the fee for programmes in the faculty.  Your offer letter will state the tuition fee for the programme.

2024/25 Home tuition fees for PhD by Published Works degrees

For PhD by Published Works, the tuition fee would be 50% of the fee noted (to reflect the standard six-month period of registration).

The full-time duration is six months, the part-time duration is 12 months. The fee is 50% of the fee for the year. For 2024/25, this is £2,425.

International students

2024/25 international tuition fees for research degrees (phd, mphil and masters by research).

Tuition fees for international students are categorised into five groups called ‘bands’. The tuition fee band reflects the resources that are needed for the research project. 

Please note from September 2021, EU students are classified as International students unless they have settled status in the UK.

This table indicates the fee for programmes within each faculty. Where different fees are charged according to the programme, these are listed in the table. Your offer letter will state the tuition fee for the programme.

2024/25 International tuition fees for PhD by Published Works degrees

International students undertaking a PhD by Published Works will pay band A international tuition fees. The tuition fee band reflects the resources needed for the research project.

For PhD by Published Works, the tuition fee would be 50% of the fee noted above (to reflect the standard six-month period of registration).

2023/24 fees

2023/24 home tuition fees for phd and mphil research degrees.

Annual tuition fees for each academic year must be paid in full at the start of each year. Some research projects will be subject to additional project costs.

All MPhil/PhD projects are charged at the UKRI indicative rate of £4,712 per year (full-time) for 2023/24. Additional project costs (APC) may also be charged.

The table indicates the fee for programmes in the faculty. Where APCs may be charged, the standard APC is listed first. Some projects may lead to a higher or lower APC, and these are also listed in the table below. Your offer letter will state the tuition fee and any APC for the programme.

For some subjects, there will be an APC to run research projects that are in addition to basic classroom and lab-based costs. It will be clear where there are additional costs.  APCs for part-time researchers will be pro-rata’d at 50% of the rate shown.

2023/24 Home tuition fees for Masters by Research degrees

Masters by Research degrees fees vary by faculty and programme.

The table indicates the fee for programmes in the faculty. Where different fees are charged according to the programme, these are listed in the table below. Your offer letter will state the tuition fee for the programme.

2023/24 Home tuition fees for PhD by Published Works degrees

The full-time duration is six months, the part-time duration is 12 months. The fee is 50% of the fee for the year, for 2023/24 this is £2,356.

2023/24 International tuition fees for research degrees (PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research)

Tuition fees for international students are categorised into five groups called bands. The tuition fee band reflects the resources needed for the research project.

2023/24 International tuition fees for research degrees (PhD by Published Works)

International students undertaking a PhD by Published Works will pay Band A international tuition fees. The tuition fee band reflects the resources needed for the research project.

2022/23 fees

2022/23 home tuition fees for phd and mphil research degrees.

The MPhil/PhD tuition fee for UK students for 2022/23 is £4,596 per year (full-time) and £2,298 per year (part-time).

The next PhD Education Research intake will be in 2023/24. 

The table indicates the fee for programmes in the faculty. Where additional project costs (APC) may be charged, the standard APC is listed first. Some projects may lead to a higher or lower APC, and these are also listed in the table. Your offer letter will state the tuition fee and any APC for the programme

For some subjects, there will be an APC to run research projects in addition to basic classroom and lab-based costs. It will be clear where there are additional costs.  APCs for part-time researchers will be pro-rata’d at 50% of the rate shown.

2022/23 Home tuition fees for Masters by Research degrees

2022/23 home tuition fees for phd by published works degrees.

The full-time duration is six months, the part-time duration is 12 months. The fee is 50% of the fee for the year, for 2022/23 this is £2,298.

2022/23 International tuition fees for research degrees (PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research)

2022/23 international tuition fees for research degrees (phd by published works).

For PhD by Published Works the tuition fee would be 50% of the fee noted above (to reflect the standard six-month period of registration).

Visiting students and general fee information

Visiting students.

Fees for visiting students wishing to undertake part of their postgraduate research at Manchester Metropolitan University are:

• Total visit length up to (but not including) two months: No fee
• Total visit length between two to six months (inclusive): £500
• Total visit length from six to 12 months, Home students: 25% of the MPhil/PhD home tuition fee
• Total visit length from six to 12 months, Overseas students: 25% of the band A overseas tuition fee. Please note from September 2021, EU students are classified as International students unless they have settled status in the UK.

Funding your research degree

In order to ensure you thrive during your research degree, it is crucial that you fully understand the costs of your project and have a clear plan in place to fund your research.

There are a number of funding sources to help you complete a research degree. Undertaking a research degree takes a lot of commitment, from a time and a financial perspective, so it’s important to have a clear plan in place as to how you will fund your research.

Research council scholarships

We are part of two research council-funded doctoral training partnerships (DTPs):

• TheWhite Rose DTP which funds projects at Manchester Met in education, health and wellbeing
• TheNorth West Consortium DTPwhich funds projects across the arts and humanities.

These partnerships offer scholarships to cover fees and an annual stipend of around £15,000 (UKRI indicative fee). Both run an annual open competition with a deadline in mid-January, as well as funding attached to specific projects ( sign-up to be alerted when these specific projects are advertised ).

University scholarships

We are committed to supporting innovative research projects that have a real impact on a local, regional and global scale. We offer a range of scholarships funded by the University and external partners. We advertise scholarships  when they are available, and we also post them on Twitter . 

Research degrees fees

Postgraduate research fees are not regulated by the UK government so decisions on UK undergraduate fees do not apply to them. Our postgraduate research fees are set independently and reviewed on an annual basis.

You are classified as either a home or international postgraduate researcher for the purpose of assessing tuition fees. Where your status is not clear from your application, you will enter our fee assessment process . 

The following fees listed are meant as a guide only. An annual bench fee may be charged in addition to academic fees where the research projects undertaken require a high expenditure on consumables, equipment or other resources. Please check with the admissions team for your research area for accurate information.

If you are a former student of the University of Leeds you may be eligible for a 10% alumni tuition fee bursary .

You may also need to pay additional study costs in some instances.

UK first year fees

The fee quoted is based on full-time study and shows the fee charged for postgraduate researchers studying in that academic year. The fee may increase in future years of your studies in line with inflation.

International postgraduate research annual fees 

The following fees for international postgraduate researchers are based on full-time study and apply for each year of the course. These fees are fixed at this level for each year of your course allowing you to plan your finances for the duration of your studies. 

Fees for the 2024/25 academic year will be confirmed later in 2023.

Fees quoted are based on full-time study and apply for each year of the course. If you are studying part-time, the fee is normally 50% of the full rate (with the exception of the overtime fee).

Split-site PhD programme fees

The fees for split-site programmes (see  our page on types of research degree for more information) are set as a percentage of the UK or international fees. There are three ways of studying for a split-site PhD at the University that will affect the fees you pay:

• Model A involving a strategic partnership with a commercial/industrial organisation or an international academic or research institution. These are full-time programmes and are normally cohort-based.
• Model B involving individual postgraduate researchers. These are part-time programmes.
• Model C  involving another organisation entering into a partnership with Leeds to deliver the PhD research project. These are full-time programmes with a reduced requirement for attendance in Leeds.

Overtime (writing up) fee

There is an overtime registration fee of £290 for 2023/24 should you need extra time to write up your thesis.

If you are still undertaking new research in the overtime period, the full fee may be charged.

Your offer letter will state the end of the standard period of study and also the maximum time limit. The difference is usually the overtime period. Full-time postgraduate researchers normally have one year of overtime and part-time/split site have two years.

Fee status assessment

You are classified as either a home or international postgraduate researcher for the purpose of assessing tuition fees. Only certain categories of students will be charged the home tuition fee.

Where it is not clear from your application form whether you have home or international status, the Admissions Operations team will contact you to carry out a fee assessment. This may be before or after you have received an offer. For further information and advice, see our  fee assessment page .

Sponsored postgraduate researchers

If you are supported by your government, employer, or other sponsor, you should provide a letter from them addressed to the University, confirming that the fees will be paid directly. Sponsors cannot pay by instalments.

For more detail, see our information for sponsored postgraduate researchers  on our For Students website.

Paying your fees

You need to make arrangements to pay your fees before the start of the academic year or you won't be able to register. Find out more about how to pay your tuition fees  and view the tuition fee payment schedule on our website For Students.

You become liable to pay tuition fees when you register on your course. If you leave before the end of your course, we calculate your fees based on your leaving date.  Read more about tuition fee liability .

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Postgraduate research

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Postgraduate research fees

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Tuition fees vary by:

• Course type (PhD, MPhil, MD, etc.)
• Fee status* (UK, EU, or International)
• Mode of study (full-time, part-time, distance learning)
• Year of entry

*If you are unsure of your fee status, please contact the Admissions Office for advice at [email protected] .

Tuition Fees vary by programme and are listed on the individual PhD Subject Pages

UK students (including distance learning)

UK postgraduate research fees are not fixed based on your point of entry and increase each year. UK postgraduate students are required to pay the fee applicable to the academic year they will be studying in. Fees are based on which subject  you study.

International students (including distance learning)

International postgraduate research fees are fixed for each year of the programme based on your entry year. Fees are based on which subject  you study.

If we make an offer the actual fee will be included in the offer letter.

Choose from our payment methods  in order to pay your fees.

Writing up fees

The writing up fee is £50 for up to 6 full or partial calendar months or £100 for up to 12 full or partial calendar months. There is no pro-rata rebate if you require less than 6 or 12 months respectively. You should pay this fee in full upon receiving confirmation that your application has been approved.

As per our fee liability policy for postgraduate research students, if you are in writing up for part of a calendar month this counts as 1 month of the 6 or 12 your writing up fee covers. For example, a writing up period from 15th January to 10th July is a 7 month period so a writing up fee of £100.00 would be due.

The Academic Office will not accept your thesis for examination if you have any outstanding debts to the University.

Extension of registration (registered students)

The extension of registration fee is based on the full time home rate for your course for the current academic year .

The fee charged is based on the number of yearly quarters (3 full or partial calendar months) you are in a period of extension for. There is no pro-rata rebate for a quarter not used in full. You should pay your fee at the beginning of each quarter as detailed below.

As per our fee liability policy for postgraduate research students, if you are in an extension period for part of a calendar month this counts as 1 month of the 3 each 12.5% of the full time home fee covers. For example, a period of extension from 15 January to 10 April is a 4 month period so 25% of the full time home fee would be due.

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

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PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

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• The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Education research (overall GPA, REF2021).
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• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

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The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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Fees and funding for MPhils and PhDs

Find out how much you should expect to pay for your PhD or MPhil, and what sources of funding you may be able to apply for.

PGR Tuition fees 2023/2024

The following tables show the annual fees payable for the academic year 2023/2024. The fee will increase each year, to the prevailing UK rate of inflation.

Fees for UK students

Full-time fees, part-time fees, fees for eu and international.

For International Students enrolled before July 2018 on an MPhil or PhD, a returning fee rate is applicable: Full-time is £11,204 and part-time is £5,602.

The integrated route is discontinued and the Home/EU part-time rate for current students is £2,410.

Studentships Doctoral stipend minimum level for 2023/24: £18,622 per annum.

Professional Doctorate awards

• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Health and Social Care Practice
• Doctor of Business Administration

Post-target fees (writing up) - when reaching the thesis target submission date (see PhD Manager)

For all PGR students (with the exception of professional doctorates) that have not submitted their final thesis for examination by their Target Submission Date are classed as Post Target Fee students and continue to pay tuition fees until thesis submission. Full-time students also have their fees changed to the part-time annual rate (pro-rata).

Intention to submit for examination

Upon approval of their Intention to Submit by the College Research Committee, all PGR students are granted a three-month fee waiver that will be applied to their annual tuition fee. This is referred to as Thesis Completion Fees, and during this period: there is a minimal level of supervision support (i.e., 3 hours maximum per week). After three months of Thesis Completion fees, if the thesis has not been submitted, students return to post-target fees until thesis submission.

Thesis Submission and Withdrawal table - Tuition Fees Adjustment

For all PGR students, the annual fee is payable up to the submission of the thesis for examination as per the table below:

Following thesis submission, tuition fees will be adjusted to the cut-off point detailed above. There may be outstanding fees still payable for the current academic year, or excess on the account, a refund may be due. Students must check their accounts via UDo or contact University Finance Department for further information ( +44 (0) 1332 592742 or email [email protected] )

Important tuition fee information

When students first enrol, they are charged a pro-rata amount of the annual fee up to 31 July. Students must pay between 25% and 100% of the fees at the first enrolment depending on when they join the University. If this is not paid, students are not allowed to enrol (for further details please contact the Research Student Office ). To secure an unconditional offer, International students are required to pay a non-refundable £5,000 deposit. The deposit is deducted from their tuition fees as they become due at enrolment. If a student's visa application is refused, then the deposit will be refunded in full.

Students will be charged an annual tuition fee in August each year when they re-enrol for that academic year. Students must pay 25% of the fees at re-enrolment . If this is not paid, students will not be allowed to complete re-enrolment and will be withdrawn from their studies. Tuition fees are normally charged in four instalments: 25% at enrolment in August, 25% in November, 25% in February and 25% in May. The University Finance Department will normally send reminders for the instalments. If an invoice is required, students must contact the University Finance Department directly at [email protected] .

Payment of fees is only accepted in pounds sterling. When making a payment to the University it is essential that students quote their student number and amount to pay.

Find out more information from the University Finance Department

Other postgraduate research fees

Re-examination involving a viva-voce examination incurs a single fee of £600.

Bench Fees – During the application process, additional fees may be agreed upon and set for each year of a project up to the target submission date. These fees cover expenses such as specialist consumables costs, access to specialist facilities or equipment, etc. and the College will directly invoice students as and when required.

Funding sources

Once you have found your project or developed your research proposal, you will need to think about how you intend to fund your studies, unless your project has funding attached. You should start to do this before you apply. There are several funding options that may be available to you. 

In some cases, you may need to have an offer from us before you can apply for funding, and you will need to have your funding approved before you can enrol, so check the deadlines for your application and enrolment .

Sponsored students must provide proof of sponsorship before they can enrol. This can either be an original letter of authorisation on company-headed paper or a purchase order. The sponsor letter should indicate if the sponsor is willing to pay the tuition fee for a specific year or for the full period of study. Please note that all such letters must be addressed to the University of Derby, signed, and must include the student's name and ID number.

The sponsorship letter must indicate who is paying and the address the invoices should be sent to. The sponsor must pay the full annual tuition fee within 30 days of the student’s enrolment . Sponsors will be sent an invoice for each student sponsored. Invoices should be paid promptly, or the student could be suspended from their studies. Instalment payments are not available to sponsors.

If the sponsor is not resident in the UK or does not have a UK address, then payment of the fees must be made in full at or prior to enrolment. If a sponsor defaults on the payment of fees, liability for the debt will rest with the student. For other methods of payment, please contact the University Finance Department  or call +44 (0) 1332 592742 .

Should the financial sponsor request annual reports on the student's academic progress, these will be supplied directly to the sponsor at the end of each academic year by the student’s supervisory team and a copy will be sent to the Research Student Office. 

Students who have previously graduated from a Higher Education programme at the University of Derby are eligible for a 10% alumni discount on their PGR studies (this amount is subject to annual review).

Students should contact their respective Director of Studies if they believe they are eligible for a fee discount or fee waiver. All fee discounts and waivers are renewed annually in August and are valid for one year only . Where fee discounts or waivers are applicable, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the request is submitted on time, following the appropriate process, authorised and presented when enrolling and included in their Annual Progress Review report.

Financial support to staff to achieve Doctoral outcomes - Permanent and fixed-term staff members may be eligible for a reduction in fees if they meet the required criteria. Follow the guidance available on iD/People Experience and Culture (HR) pages (Supporting Accredited Programmes of Study) * login required *. If the criteria is met, staff must complete the staff sponsorship online form .

Please refer to the offer letter and Studentship/Fee-Only Bursary contract for details about the duration and level of tuition fees covered by the contract. From the moment the contract ends, students will be liable to pay fees until thesis submission.

If you are under 60 when you start your course, you may be able to borrow up to £28,673 to study a doctoral-level course, such as a PhD or EdD (for courses starting on or after 1 August 2023). This loan is available whether you are studying full-time or part-time, but you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria .

You can use this loan to pay for your tuition fees or living costs. Interest is charged on the loan and, of course, you need to pay this loan back, but not until:

• You have graduated (or the April four years after the course started)
• Your salary is over the threshold amount for your repayment plan. The threshold amounts change every year

You can find out the most up-to-date information about doctoral loans including how to apply on the Gov.UK website . 

The University of Derby has a postgraduate research development (PGR) fund to support research students. We make funds available at different points throughout the academic year and award them on a competitive basis. The fund will support students with training, events and conferences.

If you are a UK student and have a disability that affects your ability to study, you may be entitled to Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). This can pay for the additional support that you may need for university.

You can find out more about DSA on the Gov.UK website , including eligibility stipulations, how much you could get, and how to apply.

Non-academic organisations can help fund research at the PhD level, in collaboration with the university hosting the study. The following organisations offer this type of funding:

• The Wellcome Trust
• Cancer Research UK
• The British Academy
• The British Federation of Women Graduates
• The Institution of Civil Engineers
• Institution of Engineering and Technology
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers
• Royal Geographical Society
• Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland
• Leverhulme Trust
• Action Medical Research
• The Grundy Educational Trust

The  Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online is a database that identifies alternative sources of funding (charities, foundations, and trusts) who can grant awards to any student regardless of subject or nationality. Current university students have access to the guide free of charge.

Tuition fee adjustment due to withdrawal

If a PGR student withdraws from their studies, they may be eligible for an adjustment of tuition fees. This may be a refund of fees paid or a reduction in fees due. Fee adjustments are calculated with reference to the thesis submission and tuition fees adjustment table above. Withdrawal requests must be completed by the PhD Manager. It must be approved by the Director of Studies and cannot be backdated.

Additional Information for Overseas students.

For students returning to their home country, any refund that may be due will be returned directly to the originator via the original method of payment. If fees are owed, a Statement will be sent that shows the amount owed to the University. This should be paid immediately. The University reserves the right to take action to recover debts. Refunds are issued in Pounds Sterling and all currency charges will be the student’s responsibility.

Tuition fee adjustment due to authorised break from studies (ABS)

If a PGR student decides to take ABS, the annual fee will be adjusted as per the table below:

When returning from an authorised break from studies, the PGR student will be liable to pay any outstanding fees.

International fee status

Please note that gaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and/or acquiring three years' ordinary residence in the UK, part-way through a course will not change the student’s fee status. Find out more information from UKCISA . 

Penalties for Non-Payment

If payment is not made in accordance with University policies, the University reserves the right to take action to recover the debt. If a standing order payment is not made, the University may require payment of the total amount outstanding, not just the missed payment. Any student that has an outstanding debt to the University will not be re-enrolled for subsequent academic years. Students with outstanding debt to the University, are not entitled to graduate or receive their certificate.

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PhD fees and funding

Tuition fees.

Alumni discounts

If you've previously completed a degree with us, you’ll automatically receive our alumni discount (£1,500 off the cost of your tuition fees).

PhD funding

The University allocates around 150 entry awards each year in PhD studentships and bursaries, so there are many ways to access PhD funding. A studentship is usually a package that provides full funding for tuition fees and living costs.

Studentships for original research proposals in English Language and Applied Linguistics 

Applicants to the Department are invited to the apply for the PhD studentship opportunities offered through the ESRC South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) Doctoral Training Partnership . These studentships cover all tuition fees, an annual maintenance as well as additional funding for research training and support.    The Department welcomes applicants interested in working in a wide range of areas including: language analysis, acquisition, bi/multilingualism, academic literacies, language pedagogies, corpus analysis, code-switching, sociolinguistic variation, discourse analysis of power and gender, world Englishes, political discourse analysis and media discourse.

Other available studentships for PhD study

The University's Doctoral and Researcher College School holds further information about studentships and other funding available for both UK and International PhD applicants. We suggest that international students also consider funding sources in their own country to increase their chances of securing finance.

University of Reading Regional PhD Bursaries

The University offers a scheme to support local residents to achieve their highest academic potential, as well as enhancing their professional prospects.

University of Reading Regional PhD Bursaries are designed to give candidates within the region the chance to study at an institution that is among the top 30 UK universities in world rankings (we are ranked 26th out of 90 UK universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2024) and benefit from the all-round training on offer to our doctoral researchers.

Find out more about  University of Reading Regional PhD Bursaries .

Doctoral loans

Alternative sources of funding

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding is a database of less well-known sources of doctoral funding.

Supplement your income

You might consider part-time or casual work as a way to supplement your income during your studies. There are often vacancies at the University, which you can apply for through Campus Jobs.

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University Composition Fee (tuition fees)

The University Composition Fee (UCF) covers the cost of your teaching and supervision, and access to University and College facilities and support services.

The value of the fee depends on your course and your fee status . See the table below for course fees for 2024/25.

You are liable to pay the UCF for the following minimum number of research terms:

For part-time students, your annual UCF will be reduced to match the proportion of time spent in study. See Part-time fees for more information. 

Payment of fees

The University Composition Fee is collected by your College at the start of term or just before, along with any College-related living costs (eg rent, food taken in College etc). Some Colleges will invoice you for the whole year at the beginning of the course. Your College will make clear to you how these payments are to be made and by what deadlines.

Master of Advanced Study courses, which are the equivalent of a fourth undergraduate year, are treated as undergraduate courses for fee purposes, and therefore overseas students are also charged the undergraduate College fee (not included in the fee table below).

Course fees 2024/25

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Fees – what you need to pay

The information below is only relevant for students who register directly with The Open University. Students who register through an Affiliated Research Centre (ARC) should contact the ARC directly if they have any questions about fees.

Annual fees

All students registered for a research degree are liable for an annual fee that covers registration, supervision, examinations and graduation.

• Where a student is in receipt of funding, their fees will be met by the funding body for the periods stated in accordance with the provisions in the offer letter. Where registration continues beyond the funded period the student will become liable for fees.
• Self-funded students are required to pay annual fees in full at the beginning of each of their academic years (usually prior to the registration anniversary date).

The annual fee depends on the research programme that you want to study, whether you are studying full time or part time, where you currently live and potentially on your nationality and immigration status.

Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation.

Annual fee amounts for 2023–24 and 2024–25 are:

Am i a uk or an international student.

UK students are those who can show that:

• they have been ‘normally resident in the UK’ – not just for educational purposes – for at least three years before the start of their course
• who can demonstrate that they are ‘settled’ in the UK.

‘Settled’ means having either:

• indefinite leave to enter or remain
• having the right of abode in the UK.

For those students who are resident outside the UK, the fee varies according to whether they are taking a research degree in a science or in an arts discipline.

Advice for international students about fees and finance for research degrees for international students can be found on the website of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) . Advice about visa requirements can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website .

Continuation fees, writing-up and resubmission fees

Continuation fees, writing-up fees.

Please note that students on Professional Doctorate courses are not eligible for writing-up fees.

Where a student enters their fourth year (full time) or eighth year (part time) of study and is no longer engaged in the acquisition of new data and is predominantly concentrating on writing up their thesis prior to submission, they will be classified as writing-up students. A writing-up student must be in a position to submit their thesis within 12 months, or by their thesis submission date, whichever is sooner.

The writing-up fee is available for a maximum of one year. Regardless of mode of study, should the student fail to submit their thesis within the ‘writing-up year’ they will become liable for the full annual continuation fee should they be granted an extension to registration.

The supervisor will need to formally confirm to the Graduate School when a student should be classified as writing up.

The writing-up fee will be invoiced at the start of the fourth year (full time) or eighth year (part time); it becomes payable halfway through the year (e.g. at 42 months of registration for full-time students and at 90 months of registration for part-time students). Where a full-time student who has been designated as at ‘writing-up’ stage submits prior to 42 months the writing-up fee will be waived. Where a part-time student who has been designated as at ‘writing-up’ stage submits prior to 90 months the writing-up fee will be waived.

Resubmission fee

Where a student is required following the final examination to resubmit their thesis for re-examination a fee will apply. The charge is made to cover costs of re-examination and additional supervision.

Before accepting an offer of registration, it is important to consider your finances over the period of your studies. If you are paying your own fees, you must make sure you can meet the cost; you will not be able to proceed with your degree if your fees are in arrears. New postgraduate research students are now eligible for student loans; information on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Gov.uk’s doctoral loan page. Please note you are unable to apply until you have received an offer letter and you will need to ask the Graduate School for a Course Code in order to apply.

Funded students

Some students are in receipt of a studentship – that is, they have applied for and successfully been awarded funding for a fixed amount of time during their studies. Current studentships are advertised on the Studentships page . Depending on the award received, which would be confirmed in their award/funding offer letter, students typically receive a stipend and the awarding body pays the fees.

Students entering the fourth year (full time) or eighth year (part time) may become liable for a continuation fee or a writing-up fee. This may not always be covered by funding bodies and the student will be expected to pay this fee – payments by instalment can be arranged using an OUSBA account (subject to credit check). Where a student is formally recorded as ‘writing up’ (i.e. they have completed their research and are focused on writing their thesis), by the time they enter the fourth year (full time) or eighth year (part time) year, the fee is reduced.

Students are advised to check whether this is covered in their award offer letter and/or with the organisation/body making the award offer.

Self-funded students

Students who are self-funded are liable for the full fees for the duration of their study.

Students entering the fourth year (full time) or eighth year (part time), will become liable for a continuation fee unless they are formally recorded as ‘writing up’ by the time they reach the end of the third (full time) or seventh (part time) year, in which case the fee is reduced.

Your questions

For advice about applying for a research degree, or sponsoring a research student, email the Graduate School or call +44 (0)1908 653806.

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Fees for PhD and other research postgraduate courses

Tuition fee per year of study (subject to a 3% annual increase for Scottish/Rest of UK students and a 5% annual increase for International students).

Part time study, where available, is charged on a pro-rata basis.

Scottish/Rest of UK fee status annual increase

Each year, UKRI sets a recommended fee and stipend level for Scottish/Rest of UK students, which we use as the basis for fees charged to this group.

UKRI usually increases its fee and stipend levels in line with inflation, based on the Treasury GDP deflator. 

Therefore, the Scottish/Rest of UK fees detailed in this table for 2025/26 (and beyond) can only be estimated according to the typical increase. 

The fee charged to you may differ, though only slightly, from the figure given.

Accounting and Finance PhD tuition fees

Architecture phd tuition fees, anatomy and human identification phd tuition fees, archives and records management phd tuition fees, art and design phd tuition fees, art and design masters by research tuition fees, biomedical engineering phd tuition fees, business, management, and marketing phd tuition fees, computer science phd tuition fees, dentistry phd tuition fees, dentistry masters by research tuition fees.

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Postgraduate study

It's a good idea to think about funding your postgraduate degree as soon as possible. We can help you understand the costs and take control of your finances.

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The two main costs you will face as a postgraduate student are tuition fees and living expenses.

Tuition fees

Each postgraduate programme has a specific cost for tuition. Tuition fees are listed for  each programme entry  wherever possible.

Fees are quoted per year and are liable to rise each year. Please budget for up to an 8% increase per year (5% for students who started in the 2022/23 academic year or earlier).

The tuition fee includes charges for tuition, examination and registration. It also includes a contribution towards the cost of membership of the  Students' Union .

Fees vary between programmes and the amount you pay will depend on whether you are a UK or international student. If you are unsure which fees you should pay, read about how we determine your  fee status .

Some self-funded international students on taught postgraduate programmes will pay a deposit of £2,000. You can  pay this online . 

In some circumstances, you can apply for a deposit refund.  Read our deposits refund policy .

Some programmes charge a bench fee in addition to tuition fees. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or specific project) incurs extra costs, such as specialist laboratory or field work. If you need to pay bench fees, they will be listed on the programme entry and on your offer letter.

Postgraduate research fees

Some postgraduate research programmes charge a fee for an extension to the usual registration period or for re-submitting a thesis.

Fees for PhDs, MDs and EngDs by published works 

Candidates for research degrees by published work are charged registration and submission fees, but not tuition fees. Full details available on our degrees by published work page . 

Fee payments

If you are a self-funding student, or a sponsored home, EU or international student, find out more about  how and when to pay your tuition fees .

Living expenses

Living expenses  cover everything you will need to pay for other than tuition fees and include accommodation, food, travel and utilities.

It’s important to budget and plan your finances, especially as the cost of living is increasing in the UK and in Bristol. As a guide, most students spend between £9,000 - £15,000 per year including accommodation.

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Course Fees 2024/25

Please read the course fee increases page for further information regarding year on year fee increases.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. Your status will depend on nationality and residency. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

Research Students

Students on research programmes of study who register as part-time should be supervised on that basis and not be allowed to finish early through working full-time on their PhD, whilst paying part-time fees. Full fees will be payable up to the maximum period of registration if early completion is achieved. Please see section 4.1.1 on The Regulations for Research programmes .

For previous academic years visit...

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If your course is not listed in the table please contact us for further advice. Please note that fees displayed may be subject to change and amendment.

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Postgraduate tuition fees

The University of Stirling postgraduate taught fees cover the cost of registration, supervision of research and study, the use of academic facilities, and all your examinations.

Postgraduate taught courses

Fees vary depending on your chosen course. Please view our individual course pages for further information.

Postgraduate research degree fees

Research degree fees (phd and mphil).

If you’re interested in a postgraduate research course, you can find our tuition fee rates below. Postgraduate fees are subject to change, so please check back regularly.

Studying a PhD

If you’re studying a PhD full time, fees will be payable for your first three years. For subsequent years you’ll only pay an annual 'registration-only' fee. Part-time PhD fees are payable over six years, followed by the annual 'registration-only' fee.

Studying an MPhi l

If you’re studying an MPhil full-time, fees are payable for your first two years, followed by an annual 'registration-only' fee. Part-time MPhil fees are payable over four years, followed by the annual 'registration-only' fee.

Fees are charged each year and are also subject to change each year . International PhD fees for 2022/23 onwards will be fixed at the point of entry, so you will be charged the same fee each year, based on when you started your programme. 

The cost of the registration-only fee is displayed in the table below. 

Professional Doctorate fees

Fees for our Professional Doctorates can be found on the relevant course pages:

• Applied Social Research (DASR)
• Clinical Doctorates (Nursing / Midwifery / Professional Health Studies)
• Data Science
• Diplomacy (DDipl)
• Education (EdD)
• Health Psychology

International student fees

If you’re coming from overseas as an international student,  you’ll have a different set of fees to students from the UK. Find out more about our international postgraduate fees.

Additional costs

All our postgraduate courses come with their own unique modules and coursework. That’s why you may be asked to pay additional costs as part of your course, for example if field trips are required. See individual course pages for any additional costs specific to your course

You may also need to pay additional fees  if you want to retake a module or extend your study.

Scholarships and funding opportunities

You can apply for generous PhD funding and Masters funding through your local funding body. Also take a look at our wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities.

Postgraduate admissions

If you have any questions about postgraduate study please contact us.

Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation MRes

London, Bloomsbury

Biodiversity, evolution and conservation are of growing importance due to climate change, extinction, and habitat destruction. This new research-led programme is run in collaboration with the Institute of Zoology and the Natural History Museum, providing a rigorous training and unparalleled opportunities across the full breadth of pure and applied research in evolutionary, ecological, and conservation science.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

Applications open

• Entry requirements

Normally, a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in life sciences, environmental sciences or related subject area, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with an appropriate professional qualification and relevant work experience may also apply.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance . This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Taught modules will focus on cutting-edge quantitative tools in ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, bioinformatics, systematics, palaeobiology, conservation, biogeography and environmental biology. Seminars, discussions with scientists and practitioners, and the two research projects will provide students with diverse opportunities at UCL Genetics, Evolution and Environment & Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, the Natural History Museum and the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London.

Who this course is for

This is an ideal degree for highly motivated students interested in the breadth of evolutionary, ecological, and conservation science and seeking a programme to provide a foundation in both pure and applied research in biodiversity.

What this course will give you

This programme is an innovative collaboration between three globally renowned organisations: UCL Genetics, Evolution and Environment & Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, the Natural History Museum and the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London.

By consolidating research expertise across these three organisations, students will gain a unique and exceptionally broad understanding of ties among different fields of research relating to the generation and conservation of biodiversity.

The MRes offers diverse research opportunities; these include the possibility of engaging actively in fundamental and applied research and participating in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (based at the Natural History Museum) or the EDGE of Existence programme (based at the Zoological Society of London).

The foundation of your career

This programme provides students with a strong foundation to pursue careers in academic research, environmental policy and management, applied conservation, public health, or scientific journalism.

Interested in a PhD? Find out about   London NERC DTP

Employability

This programme offers students a strong foundation with which to pursue careers in academic research, environmental policy and management, applied conservation, public health, or scientific journalism.  

Students are invited to Divisional Research Seminars where there are opportunities to network with academic colleagues. A number of teaching sessions are taught by staff from our partnership organisations NHM and ZSL, and students will also get some access to the research facilities at those organisations if their project supervisor is based there. A number of regular social events are also scheduled throughout the year.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, practical classes, peer learning, and a field course element in term 1. Terms 2 and 3 are delivered through practical research project supervision.

Assessment is through essays, project reports, presentations and practicals. The research projects are assessed by dissertation, and poster or oral presentation.

In term 1, there are typically around 21 hours per week of taught classes. Term 2 onwards is devoted to the Research Projects. When considering contact hours and self-study hours together, each 15 credit module requires 150 learning hours in total and each 60 credit project is therefore expected to require 600 learning hours.

The programme consists of four compulsory taught modules (BIOS0002 Computational Methods in Biodiversity Research; BIOS0027 Biodiversity Generation and Maintenance; BIOS0042 Analytical Tools in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation Research; BIOS0021 Science Communication for Biologists) (60 credits total), and two 16-week research projects (120 credits total).

The projects are non-condonable modules. The taught modules are condonable.

Compulsory modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MRes in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation.

Students undertake a field trip to Blakeney Point, Norfolk. Taking place towards the beginning of term one, students are introduced to experimental design.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students should have access to a laptop which can run R. We organise and pay for travel, and supply accommodation and food on the field trip. Students are asked to bring warm and waterproof clothing as well as suitable footwear and a sleeping bag.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Brown Family Bursary

Deadline: 20 June 2024 Value: £15,000 (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024 Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend () Criteria Based on financial need Eligibility: UK

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• Why you want to study Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation at graduate level
• Why you want to study Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation at UCL
• What particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
• How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
• Where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) must submit their applications as early as possible, as applications will be evaluated and offers made on a rolling basis.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Division of Biosciences

[email protected]

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