The Impact of REF-Induced Transfer Market on PhD Students’ Experiences in UK HEIs
Empirical and anecdotal evidence suggests that research is the fastest and most recognised route for academic career progression in UK HEIs.
Research Opportunities
Summary
Within this realm is the pressure to demonstrate one’s value through a healthy track record of ‘research outputs’ published in higher-ranked peer-reviewed journals – i.e., 4*, 4, and 3* ratings, and ‘research grants’ won. Most UK HEIs highly regard excellent performance around both activities because they are core sources of income for these institutions. Hence the value placed on academics with excellent profiles around both activities, offering them increased mobility across the sector but with possible detrimental impacts on their doctoral students from the previous institution. Since not many can move with their supervisors to the new institutions for various reasons, they are left without much choice but to progress with their doctoral studies with alternative arrangements.
Research Question
What are the effects of these often abrupt and unplanned changes on the affected students in terms of their progression and overall experience?
Supervisor
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Research Themes
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About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2022/2023
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,596 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,760 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,298 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £14,850 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £8,910 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £7,425 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% loyalty discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
Ready to start this Research Degree? Find out about our entry requirements, application dates and how to apply.
Have a question about this Research Degree? Get in touch with our team and we'll do our best to help.