Choose a research degree

An MPhil is awarded to candidates who have engaged in critical investigation and evaluation of an approved topic and have demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field through the submission of a thesis.

The thesis should demonstrate familiarity with complex and specialised areas of knowledge and skills, engagement with research issues, the taking of responsibility for the research itself, and the capacity to work independently.

Your work is presented as a thesis, which must be defended by oral examination (viva voce) to the satisfaction of the examiners.

Word length of an MPhil thesis

The thesis will be no more than 20,000 words if in science, art and design practice and practice-based music and performing arts subject areas.

In social sciences, humanities and education, history and theory of art and design, and history and theory of music and performing arts it will be no more than 40,000 words.

If accompanied by material in other than written form, or the research involves creative writing, then the thesis should normally be in the range 12-20,000 words.

How long is an MPhil?

Full-time students:

• Min. 18 months (1.5 years)
• Max. 36 months (3 years)

Part-time students:

• Min. 30 months (2.5 years)
• Max. 48 months (4 years)

The final viva voce exam should take place within the maximum registration period.

A PhD is awarded to candidates who have critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic and, by doing so, have made an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

It contains a major research, constructive or reflective component, which in sum, or part, is worthy of publication. You’ll also need to demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field.

Your work is presented as a thesis, which must be defended by oral examination (viva voce) to the satisfaction of the examiners.

Word length of a PhD thesis

A doctoral thesis submitted in science, art and design practice and practice-based music and performing arts subject areas should not exceed 40,000 words.

In social sciences, humanities and education, history and theory of art and design, and history and theory of music and performing arts, the thesis should not exceed 80,000 words.

How long is a PhD?

Full-time students:

• Min. 24 months (2 years)
• Max. 60 months (5 years)

Part-time students:

• Min. 36 months (3 years)
• Max. 84 months (7 years)

The final viva voce exam should take place within the maximum registration period.

The PhD by Practice is as rigorous as the traditional route. 

You'll produce a substantial body of new work (for example in art, creative writing, design or music) which demonstrates an original contribution to knowledge and is worthy of public presentation or publication. 

There are two pathways for a PhD by Practice at Bath Spa:  

• Pathway 1 (Practice-based)  
• Pathway 2 (Practice-led).  

You and your supervisory team should discuss the pathway and proposed means of research with the School Higher Degrees Tutor, particularly at the Research Plan stage.  

Pathway 1 (Practice-based) 

You’ll produce a substantial body of new work (for example in art, design, curatorial practice, performance, or music) which demonstrates an original contribution to knowledge.  

Your thesis will comprise an exhibition, performance or other, negotiated, form of presentation. This is accompanied by documentation appropriate to the project and a written component. 

Word length of the written component 

Your work will be accompanied by a written component of approximately 20,000-40,000 words which explores your original research questions and demonstrates how the research is embodied in your practice. 

Pathway 2 (Practice-led) 

Practice will be integral to the research methodology, but your results may be fully described in text form without the inclusion of a creative work.  

You’ll produce a body of new work (for example in art, design, curatorial practice, performance, or music) which demonstrates an original contribution to knowledge. This is accompanied by a thesis.  

Word length of the thesis 

Your thesis will comprise a written dissertation of 60,000-80,000 words, which explores the original research questions and demonstrates how the research advances knowledge about, or within practice. This is accompanied by documentation appropriate to the project.  

How long is a PhD by Practice?  

Full-time students:  

• Min. 24 months (2 years)  
• Max. 60 months (5 years)  

Part-time students:  

• Min. 36 months (3 years)  
• Max. 84 months (7 years)  

The final viva voce exam should take place within the maximum registration period. 

The PhD by Publication is no less rigorous than the traditional route. No prior connection with the University is required, but you must be an active researcher who has developed your research skills to doctoral level.

You must demonstrate an independent and original contribution to knowledge, through a critical commentary and either an extensive portfolio of creative work or publications.

Your research outputs may have been produced inside or outside academia, but must have been published or publicly disseminated.

Word length of your critical commentary

The length of the critical commentary should normally be a minimum of 10,000 words. The maximum length is 20,000 words.

How long is a PhD by Publication? 

Full-time students: 

• Min. 12 months (1 year) 
• Max. 60 months (5 years) 

Part-time students: 

• Min. 12 months (1 year) 
• Max. 84 months (7 years) 

The final viva voce exam should take place within the maximum registration period.