The Research Degree by Distance Learning scheme allows candidates to enrol for a University of Westminster research degree, eg an MPhil/PhD* or a Professional Doctorate, for which a substantial period of study takes place away from the University research environment found on-campus.
The entry requirements, amount of work required and academic quality and expectations are the same as for PhD students studying in the UK.
*PhD Direct entry will not normally be permitted under this scheme.
It is expected that the distance-learning student will have appropriate local support, eg via a HEI and/or sponsor, for the whole duration of their study away from the University of Westminster, to provide necessary access to resources such as library, archives, computers, laboratories, virtual learning environments and any other facilities required by the area of research.
All formal intermediate and final assessments requiring the presentation of written work and a defence by viva voce will normally take place at the University of Westminster and attendance at elements of the University’s Doctoral Researcher Development Programme (DRDP) are mandatory – eg University and School Workshop 1.1, with other elements offered through online delivery. Therefore researchers studying by Distance Learning who are without a right to reside and study in the UK will need to comply with the University and UK Visas and Immigration Service requirements for obtaining an appropriate visa when planning visits to the UK.
Please note that Research Degrees by Distance Learning are not offered in all schools. Please see the individual research areas to see if it is offered in the school you are interested in.
What should I do next?
- Do you meet the entry requirements?
- How will you fund your programme?
- Do we cover your proposed area of research and is there a supervisory team available?
Contact us
If you have an enquiry about whether the University is active in your area of research, please visit the research areas and discuss your research directly with academics in the Schools.