Frequently Asked Questions

PhD

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is a fully supervised research degree. Generic skills training in research is an integral part of the programme. The value of the PhD is widely recognised in academic and medical circles. The content of the PhD thesis is expected to make a significant, original contribution to knowledge, and, typically, is of a standard suitable for publication in international, peer-reviewed medical/scientific journals. 

DM

The degree of Doctor of Medicine at Nottingham has been developed into a fully supervised, postgraduate research degree subject to the same quality standards as the PhD and MPhil. As for the PhD, the content of the DM thesis is expected to make a significant, original contribution to knowledge, and is typically of a standard suitable for publication in peer-reviewed medical/scientific journals. Generic skills training in medical, medically-allied and translational research is an integral part of the programme.

The DM is a distinctly clinical degree that is relevant to a career as a medical doctor. All graduates (BM BS) in medicine of the University of Nottingham are eligible to apply for admission to the degree, as are graduates of other medical schools who are based in Nottingham for the duration of their research.

Nottingham graduates may study for the degree in any location provided that adequate supervision can be arranged (e.g. through another organisation or electronically).

It is possible to transfer between DM and PhD.

MPhil

The degree of Master of Philosophy offers the opportunity of undertaking a research degree in a shorter time period than either the DM or PhD (typically one year full-time). Quality standards, supervisory arrangements and fees are at the same level as the PhD and the DM. Transfer to a PhD or DM is possible if a more extended study becomes academically viable and satisfactory progress has been made during the MPhil period of study.

MRes

The Master of Research degree is a one year research degree consisting of an extended project and an individually-tailored programme of research. It is designed to give a taste of research at postgraduate level and offers training in both generic and discipline-specific research techniques. It is examined by dissertation and by course work and examination in any training modules undertaken. Transfer to a PhD or DM is possible if a more extended study becomes academically viable and satisfactory progress has been made during the MRes period of study.

MSc by research

The Master of Science by Research degree is a one-year research degree and is designed to give a taste of research at postgraduate level. It offers study of taught modules from a wide range offered by the University. Assessment consists of a combination of examination by thesis or examination by thesis and taught modules. Transfer to a PhD or DM is not possible.

Degree	Minimum	Maximum
PhD	2 yrs (FT) 4 yrs (PT)	3yrs (FT) 6 yrs (PT)
MPhil	1 yr (FT) 2 yrs (PT)	2yrs (FT) 4 yrs (PT)
DM	2 yrs (FT) 4 yrs (PT)	3yrs (FT) 6 yrs (PT)
MREs	1 yr (FT) 2 yrs (PT)	1 yr (FT) 4 yrs (PT)
MSc	1 yr (FT) 2 yrs (PT)	1 yr (FT) 4 yrs (PT)

MPhil/PhD/ MRes/MSc

Applicants should have obtained or expect to obtain a good first or 2.1 honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject.

DM

A candidate for the Degree of DM must be:

(a) a graduate in medicine (BMBS) of the University of Nottingham; or

(b) a graduate in medicine of another recognised university whose qualifications confer eligibility for registration with the General Medical Council.

A student who is not a graduate of the University of Nottingham will be expected to undertake most of the research in the University or one of its associated hospitals or general practices. 

English Language requirements

The University is keen to ensure all of its students are prepared to succeed in their programmes of study. Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve an appropriate level in an approved test in English before they can register. English language requirements are listed below **. Please note: Some Divisions require different English Language scores and these are noted below*.

 

Qualification	Level required
IELTS (International English Language Testing Score)	6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)**
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a foreign language)	87 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)**

 

** Grades/scores are valid for a maximum period of two years prior to the start of the course.

* Orthopaedic and Accident Surgery require IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element); or • TOEFL iBT (100 with no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading, 23 in speaking).

Centre for English Language Education (CELE)

The centre provides English language training and support to International Students on behalf of the University in the form of both preparatory (pre-degree) and in-sessional (during degree) courses. In addition CELE is a University of Cambridge Language Examination Centre offering English language assessment including the internationally recognised IELTS test. For further details visit the CELE website

Please complete an on line application form and ensure all sections of the form are fully completed to avoid any delays in processing your application.  

Supporting documents

In addition to a fully completed application form you are requested to submit the following documents in support of your application: 

• Section 19 of the application form (Personal statement) must be completed with a short paragraph of your research experience to date; why you would like to study for a research degree; a short paragraph of your research interests; details of the area in which you would like your research degree to be based. You should identify, where appropriate, any member of the academic staff you would like to work with.
• Copies/Transcripts of your degree results
• Copies of any English language qualifications you hold
• Two references

Upon receipt of a fully completed application form and the necessary supporting documents, your application will be passed to the Admissions Tutor in your chosen area of research. From the date your application is passed to an Admissions Tutor we aim to inform you of our decision, in writing, within 30 days. We are unable to pass incomplete applications or applications without the necessary supporting documents to an admissions tutor until the relevant information has been received. We would therefore request that, in order to deal with your application quickly, you submit supporting documents at the same time as you make your application. Please ensure you submit an application in good time especially if you are applying for a scholarship with an advertised closing date.

Whilst the majority of our students start at the beginning of each academic year (September/October) there is no closing date for applications. We accept applications all year round.

However we advise that you allow plenty of time between making an application and your preferred start date and would suggest that you apply at least 6 weeks in advance. 

Fees are payable each year of registration and your fee status will be assessed by the Admissions Unit upon receipt of an application for postgraduate study. For those students classed for fees purposes as overseas, the supervisor will determine the fee band payable based on the type of research project being undertaken.

A single student living in Nottingham will need a minimum of £700 per month to cover basic living expenses such as accommodation costs, heating, food, daily travel, books, equipment and other necessities. This figure is given as a guide only. The amount you actually spend will depend upon where you live and your personal life-style.

The School of Clinical Sciences has sixteen Divisions whose clinical members have responsibility for patient care in the two University Hospitals (Queen’s Medical Centre and the City Hospital) with a combined bed capacity of over 2500, as well as in other local hospitals. All clinical specialties are represented, and there is good liaison between university and healthcare staff.

Research in the School is carried out in a multidisciplinary environment and there is a strong interest in translational research, taking research concepts from bench to bedside. The University and the University Hospitals Trust has recently been successful in achieving competitive funding for three Biomedical Research Units – the only organisations in UK to have achieved this. The Units will expedite research into hearing problems, lung diseases, and gastrointestinal disease, and will focus on translational research. Other Divisions, many with Research Institute membership, are also very active in this field.

Postgraduate science students in our Divisions work alongside clinicians and scientists, and are expected to attend seminars and other meetings that extend their understanding of the clinical aspects of their research.

In addition, there is an opportunity to attend clinics and operating sessions to provide a broad understanding of the potential clinical impact of their work.

However, it is important to understand that, irrespective of their first degree, none of this will constitute formal clinical training and will not influence any potential that might exist for continued employment in UK after graduation.

The postgraduate prospectus provides information on funding opportunities open to postgraduate students.

NEW! - The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding is a guide to the more unusual alternative sources of funding which make awards to current and prospective postgraduates, regardless of course or nationality. It contains links to over 300 alternative funding bodies.