MPhil and PhD full and part time research

The Department of Information Studies is able to supervise students researching into any aspect of modern librarianship or information science. The topic for research is chosen by the applicant, who should submit a proposal outlining the aims and methodology of the research. Intending applicants are invited to make informal enquiries about the suitability and viability of the topics before a formal application is submitted, and staff of the Department will advise candidates on the development of acceptable proposals if necessary. In the case of the Doctoral degree (PhD), a clear indication of the amount of original work to be undertaken will be required.

Research students undertake a programme of research and present a thesis on a chosen topic. The aim is to provide candidates with training in research methodology, by requiring them to undertake work which displays a knowledge of the field and an ability to exercise critical judgement. Full time students are also required to register for the Research Training Programme. This is a course of six modules designed to provide training and research methods which is taken during the student's first year of study. The conduct of the research is the student's responsibility, but each candidate is assigned a Director of Studies with whom the candidate is expected to consult on a regular basis.

Research may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. The minimum periods of study for a Masters Degree (MPhil) are one year full-time or two years part-time. For a doctoral degree (PhD) the minimum period is three years full-time or five years part-time. For those candidates who already possess a Masters Degree obtained by research or advanced study, the period of study is reduced by one year.

Part-time candidates for the Masters Degree who are resident in the UK or the Republic of Ireland normally visit the Department at least once each term. Part-time overseas candidates for the Masters Degree are required to spend a total of at least three months in residence at the Department at times t be agreed with their Director of Studies.

The Director of Studies will determine the period of attendance at the Department for part-time Doctoral candidates.