Research degrees involve the indepth study of a particular aspect of your specialist subject and typically lasts three years full-time or six years part-time, though this can vary. Aston also offers an MPhil which can be completed in two years.
Whilst many PhD students go on to pursue a career in higher education, a research degree also opens up many opportunities in industry and the public sector.
Research at Aston
Aston University focuses on high quality, exploitable research that has the potential to impact the world around us. Each School of Study has several research groups:
Types of research degrees
MPhil - Master of Philosophy
MPhil degrees normally take two years to complete and look at critically investigating and evaluating an approved topic which represents a contribution to knowledge and shows a critical appreciation of existing knowledge in the field, whilst demonstrating an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field. Students are required to present and defend a substantial thesis to the satisfaction of the examiners.
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
PhD degrees usually take three years to complete. The key difference is that PhD degrees must also involve a substantial original contribution to knowledge and show a critical appreciation of existing knowledge in the field.
Executive DBA - Doctorate in Business Administration
Aston Business School offers a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), a structured programme of study allowing you to undertake a substantial original investigation into a real business and management issue.
MSc in Management Research (by research)
Aston Business School also offers an MSc in Management Research, a structured research degree allowing you to undertake an important piece of research but within a more contained framework than within PhD/MPhil Degrees
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