PhD in UK, also referred to as a doctorate, is a 3-5 years full-time and 5-6 years part-time degree. The top specializations for pursuing PhD in UK are Computer Science, Law, Business, Sociology among others. The minimum admission requirement for PhD in UK is to have a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study or a masters degree with a minimum of 70%, IELTS score of 7.0 or above or a TOEFL score of 100+ and while applying for a PhD in UK you will need to submit a research proposal in the field you of research you are applying for.
The average annual tuition fee for pursuing PhD in UK at the top universities is 20,000 GBP- 50,000 GBP (20-50 Lakh INR) and the average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) per year. The opportunities after studying in UK universities are vast. Almost 87% of the Ph.D. students start working after graduation and earn an average pay of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (40-60 Lakh INR) per annum.
PhD in UK: Course Highlight
| Program | PhD in UK |
| Program Type | Full-time | Part-time |
| Program Duration | 3-5 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study. |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 7.0 or above | TOEFL: 100+ |
| Tuition Fee Range | 20,000 GBP- 50,000 GBP (20-50 Lakh INR) |
| Average Salary | 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (40-60 Lakh INR) |
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PhD in UK: Top Universities
International students are attracted to the high-quality education offered by the top universities in UK. According to the QS Ranking of 2023, four universities in the UK rank among the top universities across the world. The following table lists some of the top universities offering PhD in UK:
| University | Program | Annual Tuition Fees (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Computer Science, Engineering Science, Law, Economics, Philosophy,Clinical Medicine, Astrophysics | 25,000 - 30,000 |
| Imperial College London | Chemical Engineering, Physics, Business, Brain Science, Mechanical Engineering | 20,000 - 40,000 |
| University of Cambridge | Aerosol Science, Architecture, Archaeology, Biochemistry, Clinical Medicine, Economics, Law, Medical Science, Oncology, Surgery | 25,000 - 55,000 |
| University of Manchester | Accounting and Finance, Criminology, Architecture, Law, Mathematics, Petroleum Engineering, Sociology | 21,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | Nursing Studies, Law, Engineering, Socio-cultural Studies, Economics, Accounting, Finance | 24,800- 29,700 |
Why study PhD in UK?
- PhD graduates from UK universities have a high employability rate, with 82% of them in employment or further study within six months of graduation, Higher Education Statistics Agency.
- The UK has some of the world's best universities, and many of these institutions are highly ranked for their PhD programs. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the UK has four universities in the top ten for graduate employability, and five universities in the top 20 for graduate employability.
- The opportunities after studying in UK universities are vast. Almost 87% of the Ph.D. students start working after graduation and earn an average pay of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (40-60 Lakh INR) per annum.
Explore: A student guide to UK
Types of PhD in UK
There are majorly five types of PhDs offered by universities in UK: Standard, Integrated, Professional, Distance Learning, and Ph.D. by Publication. Standard Ph.D. is a more common choice than others among international students. All 4 types of Ph.D. in the UK are discussed in brief as follows:
- Standard Ph.D.: It is a 3 to 4-year full-time on-campus degree split into 3 parts. In the first year, students discuss research proposals with supervisors and devise a plan. Gathering data and conducting research is part of the second and third-year curriculum. Finally, in the last year, students write their thesis and submit it for viva.
- Integrated Ph.D.: It combines the 1 year Masters in Research (MRes) with a 3-year Ph.D. in the UK and offered by over 30 universities. The main aim is to combine the taught element of the program with independent research. This helps students in learning different methodologies.
- Professional Ph.D.: This type of Ph.D. is mainly for vocational subjects like medicine, engineering, and education. The focus of the program is to prepare students for future employment. Hence, it involves fewer research thesis and more projects revolving around real-life corporate issues. Common titles include Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Engineering, etc.
- Distance Learning Ph.D.: International students having work or family obligations choose this type of Ph.D. for studying in UK. It is also a preferred option when a selected topic requires the researcher to be present at a specific location. Students remain in touch with their supervisor through phone, email, or skype and attend university for one or two weeks every year. It takes 5 to 6 years to complete.
- Ph.D. by Publication: This Ph.D. is also known as Higher Doctorate and is granted to students having already published original work such as book chapters, journal articles, books. However, most of the universities of the UK accept only their own alumni for Ph.D. by Publication. Students are required to submit five to eight published works and a written supporting statement of 5,000 to 20,000 words.
PhD in UK: Admissions
In UK, getting accepted into a PhD program can be incredibly challenging since many universities receive numerous applications from students all over the world. Depending on the institution and the particular school, the admission requirements for PhD in UK may change, but they typically include academic credentials, English language proficiency, work experience, a personal statement, and references. In the section below the detailed admission requirements for top universities offering PhD in UK are given.
PhD in UK: Eligibility Criteria
Admission requirements for a PhD in UK can vary depending on the university and the area of research. However, there are some general admission requirements that most universities will require from applicants:
- Academic Degree- A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study.
Minimum GPA- The minimum GPA requirement is 3.7 on a scale of 4.0 - English Proficiency Test Score- IELTS: 7.0 or above, TOEFL: 100+.
- Statement of Purpose(SOP)- Applicants are usually required to submit a 5000 word personal statement outlining their academic and professional background, their reasons for applying to the program, and their career aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)- Applicants are usually required to provide at least 2-3 academic or professional references.
- Research Proposal- A 3000 word research proposal needs to be submitted in the area of research you are applying for.
PhD in UK: Admission Requirements
Following table shows the general admission requirements for getting into a Phd program in the UK universities along with their respective academic requirements and additional document requirements:
| University | Academic Requirement | IELTS Score | Additional Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study. | 7.5 or above | SOP (maximum 1,000 words), 3 LOR (all academic), Resume, Transcript(s) |
| Imperial College London | A 4-year Bachelor or Master’s with 70% grades may be accepted for entry to Masters or Research. | 7.0 or above | SOP, 2 LOR (minimum 1 academic), Resume, Transcript(s) |
| University of Cambridge | Professional Bachelor's (at least 4 years) in professional subject from a Well-Ranked Institution with an overall grade of 75% or CGPA 8.0+. | 7.0 or above | SOP, 2 LOR (minimum 1 academic), Resume, Transcript(s), Research Proposal |
| University of Manchester | A minimum of a three-year degree and who have obtained First Class at a reputable university or have completed a three-year degree with First Class, and also obtained a master's, both from reputable universities with minimum grade of 70% | 7.0 or above | SOP, 2 LOR (all academic), Resume, Transcript(s), 3000 word Research Proposal |
| University of Edinburgh | a masters degree in a related or relevant subject, and a research proposal | 7.0 or above | SOP, 2 LOR (all academic), Resume, Transcript(s), Research Proposal |
PhD in UK: Cost of study
The United Kingdom is one of the most pursued and sought out countries in the world for international students. The cost of study in UK will include the cost of living and the tuition fees a student is paying for PhD in UK. And the cost of study in UK can differ from person to person depending on the university of their choice and the tuition fees charged by the university for PhD in UK. The average cost of study in UK ranges from 30,000 GBP to 37,000 GBP (30-37 lakh INR).
PhD in UK: Tuition Fees
A PhD in UK lasts for 3-5 years on a full-time basis depending on the University and the area of research. The following table highlights the annual fees for pursuing PhD in UK universities:
| University | Total Tuition Fees (GBP) | Fee for Indian Students (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 25,000 - 30,000 | 25-30 Lakh |
| Imperial College London | 20,000 - 40,000 | 20-40 Lakh |
| University of Cambridge | 25,000 - 55,000 | 25-55 Lakh |
| University of Manchester | 21,000 | 21 Lakh |
| University of Edinburgh | 24,800- 29,700 | 24-29 Lakh |
Explore: Student Accomodation in UK
Cost of Living in UK
The cost of living in UK includes accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, personal expenses etc. The average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) per year.
| Expense Type | Average Annual Expense (GBP) | Cost for Indian Students (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 7,200 | 7.20 Lakh |
| Meals | 2,400 | 2.40 Lakh |
| Transportation | 780 | 78 Thousand |
| Utilities | 2,220 | 2.22 Lakh |
| Personal Expenses | 1,500 | 1.50 Lakh |
Explore: Financing Tips for Students who Wish to Study in UK
PhD in UK: Scholarships
If you are planning to study in UK for a PhD you should know that it can become heavy on your pocket. For that reason UK universities provide different scholarships in UK for international students to lighten their burden. Following are some of the scholarships offered to international students who are applying for PhD in UK.
| Scholarship | Awarded by (private/government/university) | Eligibility | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Trust Foundation Bursary | University of London | Need Based | A bursary covering full tuition fees or 5,000 GBP subsistence allowance |
| Foundation Degree Scholarship | University of Westminster | A household income of £25,000 or below as assessed by the Student Loans Company. | 1,500 GBP per year towards maintenance costs or tuition fees up to a maximum of four years. |
| International PGT Merit Scholarship | University of Leicester | Merit Based | Degree equivalent to a UK high upper second class degree – 3,000 GBP. Or Degree equivalent to a UK first class degree – 5,000 GBP. |
| University of Edinburgh | School Doctoral Scholarship | Enrolled in Ph.D. in history, classics or archaeology | Course fees (equal to UK/EU rate), 15,009 per year stipend |
| University of Manchester | Research Impact Ph.D. Scholarship | Enrolled in Ph.D. at Department of Humanities; Research Project related to philanthropic research themes | 19,500 per year for 3 years; Additional 1,500 per year |
PhD in UK: Job Opportunities
A PhD graduate earns on an average of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (30-60 Lakh INR) per year in the UK. Most of them go for an academic job especially in the teaching and education sector. According to Prospects UK, over 50% of graduates having PhD in UK are either education or science professionals working in the science and pharmaceutical industry.
Here are some sectors in the UK where PhD graduates may find job opportunities, along with the percentage of PhD graduates employed in each sector (source: Vitae Researcher Development International):
- Higher Education - 37%
- Business and Industry: 23%
- Government- 16%
- Non-profit Organizations- 10%
- Self Employed- 5%
- Health and Social Care- 5%
- Other Sectors- 4%
Explore: Jobs in UK for International Students
PhD in UK: Degree Comparison
PhD in UK vs in USA
| Parameter | PhD in UK | PhD in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-5 Years | 4-6 Years |
| Average Annual tuition fees | 20,000 GBP- 50,000 GBP (20-50 Lakh INR) | 20,000 USD- 50,000 USD (16-41 Lakh INR) |
| Cost of living (per month) | 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) | 1,800 USD (1.4 lakh INR) |
| Financial Support | Scholarships, grants, bursaries | Fellowships, assistantships, grants |
| Visa | Student Route Visa | F1 Student Visa |
| Average salary | 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (40-60 Lakh INR) | 55,000 USD- 75,000 USD (45-61 Lakh INR) |
| English language proficiency tests | IELTS: 7.0 or above TOEFL: 100+ | IELTS: 7.0 or above TOEFL:110+ |
In conclusion, pursuing a PhD in the UK can be a great opportunity for students who are looking for world-renowned universities, a multicultural environment, generous funding opportunities, and a shorter duration of the program. The UK offers excellent research opportunities, and PhD graduates from UK universities have a high employability rate. After competing your PhD in UK one can work at higher posts in different fields and earn an average annual salary of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (30-60 Lakh INR).
Explore: UK Visa Requirements
FAQs
Ques. How much does a PhD cost in UK?
The average annual tuition fee for pursuing PhD in UK at the top universities is 20,000 GBP- 50,000 GBP (20-50 Lakh INR) and the average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) per year.
Ques. How long is the PhD in UK?
PhD in UK, also referred to as a doctorate, is a 3-5 years full-time and 5-6 years part-time degree depending on the University of choice and the area of research.
Ques. Do PhD students get paid in UK?
A stipend is awarded to students planning to pursue Ph.D in the UK. The cost of the stipend varies from university to university. Additionally, most PhD students in the UK are able to avail some type of funding such as studentships, scholarships, etc. They provide the tuition fees and maintenance expenses to eligible students.
Ques. What are some of the top universities offering PhD in UK?
University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, and University of Edinburgh are some of the top universities offering PhD in UK.
Ques. What are the admission requirements for applying to a PhD in UK?
The minimum admission requirement for PhD in UK is to have a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study or a masters degree with a minimum of 70%, IELTS score of 7.0 or above or a TOEFL score of 100+ and while applying for a PhD in UK you will need to submit a research proposal in the field you of research you are applying for.
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