Research Degrees

The Institute of Cornish Studies offers supervision for MPhil/PhD degrees. Currently, MPhil/PhD students at the Institute are researching in the areas of Cornish politics, sport and identity, Quakers in Cornwall, music, Methodism, Romany Gypsies in Cornwall, and the Dock Labour Scheme.

Entry requirements

The main principle in deciding whether to admit an applicant is whether they have a reasonable chance of meeting the learning outcomes of the programme. Applicants should normally either have obtained or expect to obtain a first degree with at least Second Class Honours or its equivalent. Criteria for entry to individual courses of study are in addition to this. Applicants should note that at least an Upper Second or its equivalent is required in order to be considered by any of the main funding bodies.

Applicants who do not possess the level of qualifications outlined above may be eligible for admission to a postgraduate programme on the basis of previous relevant work experience or training. The admission of such applicants is subject to approval by the Head of the School offering the programme. The Dean retains the ultimate authority to admit or reject a student. Admissions tutors consider applications both on their own merit and in the context of other applications received.

Each applicant will be required to provide an academic transcript of their previous study as part of their application (other than students currently registered on programmes at the University).

In the case of applicants for research degrees, an interview (or some form of equivalent contact) will usually be required to assess their suitability for such work. If it is difficult to organise an interview, for example, where applicants reside overseas, additional checks, such as requesting writing samples may be performed. Applicants may also be interviewed by tele- or video-conferencing where appropriate.

Students without a Masters are normally registered for an MPhil in the first instance but may be transferred to a PhD if the scope of their progress is satisfactory.

Duration

Currently, the minimum time for completion allocated to a full time PhD student is 3 years, and the maximum is 4 years. For part time PhD students, the minimum time allocation is 6 years and the maximum 7 years.

For full time MPhil students, the minimum period of study is 2 years and the maximum 3 years, and for part time MPhil students, the minimum period of study is 4 years and 5 years is the maximum.

Assessment

MPhil students are expected to produce a thesis of no more than 60,000 words. PhD candidates are expected to produce a thesis not exceeding 100,000 words.

For more information on Degrees by Research see the Maximum and Minimum Periods of Study for Research Degrees

Fees

For full details on fees and applying please visit the Postgraduate study website.

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