phd online programs uk

PhD by distance learning

The faculties of Environment and Arts, Humanities and Cultures offer PhD by distance learning across most schools.

PhD by distance learning allows you to study at a time and place that suits you and, with a part-time option available, you'll have the flexibility to gain an advanced degree alongside work and other commitments.

Through completing a PhD, you will become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training.

Our PhD by distance learning programmes

Faculty of environment.

• School of Earth and Environment
• School of Food Science and Nutrition
• School of Geography
• Institute for Transport Studies

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures

• School of Design
• School of English
• School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies
• School of History 
• School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
• School of Music
• School of Performance and Cultural Industries
• School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
• Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre

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PhD by Distance

Our PhD by Distance programme allows you to benefit from our world-class support and the expertise of a Reading-based supervisor, while conducting your research in a location that suits your circumstances. 

The programme is available to candidates who need to study for most of their registration period at another site, whether in the UK, or worldwide. Acceptance for PhD by Distance is subject to the approval of the supervisors and the relevant school or department.

There are several reasons why you may wish to base yourself away from the University of Reading while undertaking your PhD:

• You have an extensive fieldwork element to your research
• You have responsibilities (e.g. caring or employment) that prevent you from attending on campus
• You are already based and/or employed in an environment that is relevant and conducive to their research
• You do not reside within travelling distance of the University
• You are based in a UK research organisation/institution with a collaborative agreement with the University of Reading in place  

What the programme offers

On the PhD by Distance programme, you will benefit from:

• the opportunity to study on  either a part-time (4-6 years duration) or full-time basis (3-4 years duration)
• supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics, working at the forefront of their field
• access to a range of high-quality training, delivered on campus or online (see section below on Training)
• access to extensive online Library resources
• a PhD qualification which is delivered and examined at the same high academic standard as a campus-based PhD and a standard PhD degree certificate which does not state the mode of study on it.

Training for PhD by Distance students

The doctoral and researcher college provides a suite of generic researcher training open to all doctoral researchers at reading; this complements subject-specific training available via schools. the specific content of the programme changes from year to year but broadly includes the following: .

• Live online training (available off-campus) – A selection of our training sessions in the Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) are delivered live online each year. UK time zone applies
• Recorded tutorials (available off-campus) – A small but growing selection of recorded tutorials on key topics such as managing data, academic English and research funding 
• Face-to-face training (available on campus only) - Other RRDP training sessions and selected longer programmes are offered face-to-face only. Students registered By Distance have access to face-to-face training when physically present on campus.     

By Distance study entails reduced access to training opportunities and on-campus experience. By Distance candidates are encouraged to discuss and mutually agree overall training plans with their supervisor and seek supplementary training external to Reading (e.g. via an employer or nearby institution) as appropriate.

Induction and physical attendance

A University-wide induction event is held by the Doctoral and Researcher College near the start of each term for all new doctoral researchers. PhD by Distance students studying at Reading in the first term are expected to attend. Where it is not possible for PhD by Distance students to attend in person (i.e. they are not on campus), a recording of the induction will be made available on the virtual learning environment.

Students registered By Distance will benefit from being physically present on campus for periods of time, for instance to attend induction and selected training, to meet their supervisor and peers, and to attend at key points such as Confirmation of Registration. It is strongly recommended that the first month of their programme be spent on campus. 

Eligibility

You must meet the following criteria:

• Satisfy the academic and English language entry requirements for PhD study
• The candidate has a research project which can be undertaken successfully by distance; regular access to campus should not be essential for successful completion of the research
• The candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have the time to undertake a PhD on the selected mode (full-time or part-time). Part-time doctoral study at Reading typically equates to between 50% and 60% of full-time
• The candidate has independent access to the resources needed to successfully complete their research; this will vary between candidates and projects but may include access to archives, facilities, data collection, digital infrastructure or space in their off-campus location
• The candidate is well motivated to work alone; they understand that By Distance registration is not an online learning programme and has reduced access to campus training
• The candidate and School/Department have discussed the suitability of their research project and personal circumstances for study by distance
• The candidate, where appropriate, has access to support from a local supervisor or mentor with experience in the academic field and also of supporting students or equivalent researchers. Advisors/mentors may be appointed to provide a regular point of contact, and are normally in a position to act as an ‘advocate’ and provide pastoral care if needed.
• Will study at least two-thirds of your minimum registration period off campus   

If you are intending to study in the Henley Business School, then please check with the  relevant Department within the Business School  about whether PhD by Distance is available before you apply.

A PhD by Distance is not suitable for all candidates. In offering a PhD By Distance programme specific consideration is given to the suitability of the research project, and whether it can be completed successfully without regular access to campus. Further consideration is given to areas of supervision, support, transferable and subject-specific skills training, research environment , progression milestones and the examination process in order to ensure off campus research students receive a comparable (although, not similar) experience to on campus students registered on ‘standard’ PhD programmes.

Fees for PhD by Distance programmes can be found on the fees webpage

• How to apply

Before starting your application, you are strongly advised to  navigate to the PhD webpages of your chosen school or department  to read the specific guidance on how to apply, as the requirements can vary. Once you have read the guidance, you will need to make a formal application through the University's  online application system , highlighting that you wish to study for a PhD by Distance (full or part-time). If you have questions about PhD by Distance in a specific school or department, then please contact the relevant School/Department PGR Administrator in the  School PGR Support Team . 

Immigration considerations for international students

PhD by Distance students must ensure that when visiting the University that they obtain the correct visa. The correct type of visa depends upon the period of time which a student intends to spend physically at the University.

PhD by Distance students can visit the University for up to six months within each academic year with a maximum of eighteen months in total for the duration of their programme. Students must discuss their intentions with the Doctoral Research Office (DRO) well in advance of any planned visit to the University. The DRO is well-placed to provide information on a range of immigration-related matters related to Postgraduate Research Programmes [email protected]

Examination

The normal expectation is that the viva of a PhD by Distance student will take place in Reading. Where this is not feasible, online examinations will be arranged.

Further information

Further information on PhD by Distance study can be found in the University's guidance on PhD by Distance .

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PhD by Distance Learning

The University of Birmingham's College of Life and Environmental Sciences now offers PhD by Distance Learning.

This means that wherever you are in the world, you may now be able register with the University of Birmingham for your Doctoral qualification but undertake the majority of your studies in your home location.

Why study by distance learning? 

The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the flexibility. Financial and practical implications of moving closer to the campus make distance learning a more feasible option and could allow you to combine study with other commitments, including work and family.  Similarly, your research could be related to your area of residence and therefore moving would be detrimental to your capacity to carry out the research.

Is the distance learning route for you? 

The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone.  You have to have a very clear idea of your project and be able to motivate yourself.  Undertaking PhD study off campus can sometimes be quite isolating, so the ability to proactively seek out connections from within relevant research communities is important.  This route is well-suited to those who have a research project associated with their work or particular interests and where resources are available locally, over via the internet, to support your research e.g. appropriate archives and data collections.

How will I be supported? 

You will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students.  The only difference is that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Teams or Zoom, rather than in person.

What is the cost?

We charge an annual tuition fee which is the same as our standard on-campus PhD but includes:

• Economy class flights to and from Birmingham for the compulsory visit during the first year of your PhD
• Accommodation at the University for the compulsory one-week campus visit during the first year of your PhD

How often will I need to be on campus?

You will be required to make one compulsory visit to the University during the first year of your PhD. Reasonable travel and accommodation costs for this 1-week visit will be reimbursed. This visit will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake additional research skills training, and make a start to your doctoral studies. You will discuss the most appropriate time for this visit with your supervisory team.

Am I eligible?

Before we can offer you a place it is important that you have agreement from your potential supervisor and that they are satisfied that you will be able to undertake the PhD on an off campus basis. This may mean that slightly different entry requirements apply, such as English language and more extensive research skills training. Agreements will also need to be reached regarding some of the more practical aspects of undertaking the PhD in this way (for example attendance requirements, suitability of the chosen residency etc). It is important that arrangements are discussed early so that all parties involved know what to expect and to ensure you are able to successfully complete your studies. 

Can I study by distance learning anywhere?

Distance Learning courses can be undertaken from anywhere in the world, including the UK. 

However, it is worth noting that supervisory sessions for Distance Learning students will take place via audiovisual communications, such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person. 

While we have found that these 21st Century methods have proved popular, for those applicants who would prefer to visit the campus for face-to-face meetings with their supervisor, the traditional part-time study option may be more appropriate. 

How to apply?

Find the programme that you wish to apply for in our course finder and click on the 'Apply' button. 

As part of the application process, we will ask you to provide evidence to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study for a PhD by Distance Learning. Please be prepared to provide evidence, and details, of the following:

• Examples of your postgraduate research experience and ability to work independently e.g. papers/presentations at professional and academic conferences or publications in professional journals or previous completion of an independent research project, etc. 
• Full reasons (academic and personal) for registering for the distance learning mode of study rather than by standard full or part-time on-campus options. In particular, how you will be able to carry out your project in your chosen location. 
• Access to local library facilities (where needed)
• Access to IT facilities
• Access to communications, including e-mail, and audiovisual communication media e.g. Skype and Facetime
• Access to facilities to support any study-related disability (where appropriate)

Please visit the course finder for a full list of subject areas available to study via distance mode.

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• Your learning experience

PhD by distance learning

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Politics and International Relations at Leicester

The PhD by distance learning is designed to offer an additional mode of study to those who seek a PhD but would find it difficult to fulfil the requirements of full or part-time study on-campus.

Successful applicants for this programme will require a good quality research proposal as a key condition of entry, as well as meeting the usual University and departmental requirements. They will be assigned supervision from the relevant department.

All distance learning PhD candidates, regardless of department, will initially undertake a structured programme of research training over the course of 12 months. The research training will consist of four mandatory modules, delivered through a combination of module books and interactive tasks, readings and discussion on the University’s Blackboard virtual learning environment.

Following the completion of the research training, you will begin to focus solely on your proposed theses, with supervisory support provided by telephone or electronically.

If you are interested in applying for a PhD in Politics and International Relations , please contact Dr Tara McCormack  with a research proposal. Browse our  PhD guidelines  for producing a proposal.

• Schools & departments

PhD by Distance

The PhD by Distance programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh to study for a PhD in a field of Health in Social Science from their home country or city.

What's involved?

The PhD by Distance is not intended to be an online learning programme.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisors.

The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study.

This could be for the annual review process, or to attend research training courses. It is also expected that PhD by Distance students will come to Edinburgh for their oral examination (viva voce).

PhD by Distance students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The frequency with which students will meet with their supervisors, and method of communication for supervision sessions, will be provisionally agreed at the point of application and confirmed during induction. This must include at least one face-to-face supervision session each year with additional meetings and communication on a regular basis.  

Please be aware that some funding bodies do not permit students to study by distance, for example both ESRC and AHRC regulations currently state that students must be residents at the Institution where they are studying.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the PhD by Distance are the same as for the School’s on-campus PhD programmes.  

In addition, applicants to the PhD by Distance will also be required to complete a PhD by Distance Applicant Admission Form and Study Plan.

Applicants should provide information about previous experience of distance study together with a statement detailing the potential risks and characteristics of distance learning.

Experience of studying at a distance is desirable in applying for the programme however this is not a specific requirement for admission.

It is important however that applicants demonstrate an awareness of the challenges of this mode of study.

Applicants must also provide details of the access they will have to research facilities at the normal site of study and whether a local advisor is proposed.

Applications to the PhD by Distance will only be accepted if applicants have access to local University standard library facilities and to the internet.

Applicants will also be required to have a discussion with the proposed principal supervisor and to complete a provisional study plan in consultation with them as part of the admissions process.

International students wishing to study part-time will be considered for this Distance programme.

What programmes are available by distance?

Phd/phd by distance counselling studies.

The PhD/MPhil in Counselling Studies programme is an advanced research degree enabling students to conduct in-depth independent research on a topic of their choice, thereby contributing to the knowledge and evidence base for counselling and psychotherapy.

PhD/PhD by Distance Health in Social Science

Doctoral research students are a new and crucial part of the Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences research community and we welcome applications from potential students in our fields of research interest.

PhD/PhD by Distance Clinical and Health Psychology

The PhD/MSc by Research programme provides the opportunity to do a substantial piece of research in an area linked to clinical and health psychology and to develop excellent research skills in the process.

PhD/PhD by Distance Nursing Studies

The PhD Nursing Studies programme is an advanced postgraduate research degree for students wishing to conduct in-depth independent research on an area to contribute to nursing knowledge and evidence. It offers the student a chance to make a significant contribution to knowledge in nursing.

Bristol Doctoral College

Distance learning.

Distance learning is a mode of attendance which offers an opportunity for those who may not be able to pursue campus-based research and learning. You can find out about distance learning and available distance learning programmes on this page.

What is distance learning?

Distance Learning is a mode of attendance, which offers an opportunity for those who may not be able to pursue campus-based research and learning. This is suitable for those who are self-motivated in working independently and away from more regular face-to-face interaction with an academic supervisor or supervisory team. Those interested in pursuing a degree by distance learning must meet the usual admissions criteria for their chosen research degree, as well as both of the following conditions:

• a successful outcome of the research programme is not reliant on the University’s facilities but enriched by resources and facilities which are available to a research degree candidate locally, for example in their work place
• the required academic supervision can be provided remotely.

Who is it appropriate for?

The two following examples illustrate the difference between distance learning and campus-based learning. This will help you decide whether or not the distance learning as a mode of attendance is appropriate.

• Distance learning example: A candidate’s main place of residency is outside of Bristol in the UK or abroad. They have access to facilities essential for their research: laboratory, databases, archives, experimental facilities, and other resources which are available either through their employer or locally. Their primary link with the academic supervisor is remote, meaning they maintain regular communication remotely but attend joint meetings as stipulated by the University’s policy for Research degrees by Distance learning .
• Campus-based example: A Doctoral research candidate’s main place of residency might be outside Bristol, but they require a regular ongoing access to the University’s facilities (research laboratories, library, high power computer facilities and other) to progress with their research. They visit the University every two/four weeks for face to face meetings with academic supervisors.

If a research student is away from the university as part of field work or temporarily away from the University campus and cannot have face to face interactions with their academic supervisor, this is not a case for distance learning.

Benefits of a research degree by distance learning

Distance Learning is an opportunity available to academically qualified and exceptional candidates who wish to do a research degree, for example, as part of their professional career. Undertaking a research degree could be an integral part of the daily work, most likely based in businesses with a focus on research and development, and therefore supported by employer organisations.

This opportunity further includes candidates who have no easy access to the University campus due to any circumstances, for example those who have care responsibility or disabilities.

See what doctoral programmes are currently available through distance learning

You can use this to search for programmes in the area of study which interests you. Each programme page will provide an overview of the subject, followed by key information, which includes information about the availability of Distance Learning.

For example, on the programme page for  English Literature PhD , you can see in the key information that Distance Learning is available (under ‘Location’). Information may also be included in the Programme structure paragraphs.

If you are still uncertain, do get in touch with the local school or faculty PG teams. You’ll find the relevant contact details at the foot of each programme page.

If you are interested in pursuing a Doctoral research degree in a programme that is not listed above – please contact the programme administrator to enquire about options.

Criteria, requirements, and application process

What are the tuition fees and costs associated.

The tuition fees for students studying for a Research Degree by Distance Learning  at the University of Bristol  are the same as for campus-based study.  Doctoral candidates will be expected  to arrange and cover the costs for their visits to the University, including travel, accommodation and any visa requirements.

What is the approval process?

In the first instance, if the programme you would like to apply for to do your research, is open to Distance Learning opportunities , i.e. listed in the Programmes table, then please get in touch with the relevant School/Faculty and an academic who may potentially be interested and available to supervise you.

Do take the time to discuss your research proposal and your specific circumstances with particular emphasis on your current employment status and whether or not your employer will be supporting your research, by providing access to research facilities, data, archives and other, if required.

The Bristol Doctoral College can offer further advice, please get in touch .

What are the admission requirements?

You need to meet the general admission requirements for research degree programme you choose to apply for. Please read the Admissions Statement for the programme of your choice.

The additional information (academic references, CV, personal statement) will be collected through the online application process.

Your personal statement should articulate the motivation for requesting to study by distance learning. You must also demonstrate:

• An ability to undertake research independently as shown, for example, by previous distance learning experience, the completion of independent research projects, presentations at conferences, and professional or academic publications
• Evidence that the student’s home location is suitable for undertaking the research and that there is access to appropriate research materials and resources
• Access to appropriate technological equipment and the internet to allow remote contact.

What is the attendance requirement?

T he minimum requirement is for a two-week visit each academic year, plus a further visit for the oral examination. For international students who require a visa – the  Student Visa Services  is on hand to help.

What support will I receive?

The University endeavours to support all our distance learning students and will make every effort to provide the support needed to ensure they are integrated into the research community.

The range of online resources available to all Doctoral research students, including those who are not campus based, is growing. The Bristol Doctoral College Personal and Professional Development catalogue provides a filtered overview of currently available online courses and other materials. (Please sort by 'Course Format'.)

How do I apply?

You can apply online using the University’s online application system .

How it works

As a distance learning research student, you can access the University’s research environment through remote links and scheduled visits.

Support and a wide range of opportunities are also available to you — read more about how a distance learning degree works.