Research Degrees
Falmouth offers both theoretical and practice-based research programmes leading to an MPhil or PhD, currently awarded through our partnership with University of the Arts London.
We welcome applications for PhD or MPhil in any field of study that aligns to one or more of the University's research programmes.
Applicants may apply by submitting a project idea of their own or by responding to one of our Falmouth Doctoral Project briefs.
Applicants applying by either route can compete for a limited number of fully-funded Falmouth Doctoral Studentships.
Studentships will be awarded on the basis of overall quality, as well as strategic alignment to our research programmes. Applicants might also be eligible for a Doctoral Loan, details of which can be found on our Doctoral Loans information page.
If you are submitting a project idea of your own, please read our guidance on how to apply for step by step instructions on submitting your proposal. If you are responding to one of our Falmouth Doctoral Project briefs, please follow the guidance on the Falmouth Doctoral Projects page.
Application deadline for September 2019 entry: 30 May 2019 (by 17:00 GMT)
Interviews for 2019-20 entry will take place on the 24 and 25 June 2019.
Course outline
The format of study for a research degree (MPhil/PhD) is very different from a taught degree. As a research student you will engage in a programme of independent research and/or creative work, with guidance from your supervisors. Meetings with supervisors take place at regular intervals throughout the registration period. During the first year of enrolment you will participate in an induction programme, undertake training in research methods and attend a series of seminars on research in your field. Workshops will also be provided on topics such as preparing a research proposal, presentation skills and writing skills. Full details on the Research Student Development Programme (RSDP) are available in the Falmouth Research Degrees Handbook.
An MPhil degree is awarded in recognition of a systematic, well documented and well-argued study, which should demonstrate adequate knowledge and understanding, critical evaluation and discussion of a field of study.
A PhD is awarded in recognition of the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship.
Duration of study
Full-time
| MPhil | Maximum length 3 years |
| PhD | Maximum length 4 years |
Part-time
| MPhil | Maximum length 6 years |
| PhD | Maximum length 8 years |
Research fee
| 2019-20 full-time UK/EU | £4,600 |
| 2019-20 part-time UK/EU | £2,300 |
| 2019-20 full-time international | £15,000 |
| 2019-20 full-time and part-time writing up fee | £250 |
| 2020-21 full-time UK/EU | £4,950 |
| 2020-21 part-time UK/EU | £2,475 |
| 2020-21 full-time international | £16,000 |
| 2020-21 full-time and part-time writing up fee | £300 |
Acceptance fee
PhD students who are self-paying will be required to pay an acceptance fee of £250 when they accept an offer of a study place. Please note, the acceptance fee will be offset against tuition fees when a student begins their studies. The acceptance fee is non-refundable, with the exception of cancellations of study places within 14 days of receipt of the payment. In these cases a full refund will be issued.
Support
Research degree students at Falmouth benefit from the Research Student Development Programme (RSDP), which offers research students support and ongoing training to enhance their studies and future careers as researchers. Our postgraduate Research Student Development Programme will help you identify the appropriate research methods for your chosen subject, and help you plan and structure your project. We also support practice-led research in which your own creative practice plays a role, and documented creative work can contribute to your final thesis, alongside a written component.
Research students work alongside postdoctoral Research Fellows and a steady flow of international visiting researchers. All regularly share their enquiry through a lively and engaging programme of lectures, performances, readings, concerts and a variety of other activities. In addition, our cross-institutional programme enables researchers in all fields to share their work and ideas.
Falmouth University research degrees are awarded through our partnership with University of the Arts London.