The format of study for a research degree, MPhil or 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.

Programme outline

The research degree programme is broken down into the following formal stages:​

  1. Enrolment & induction: following successful application.
  2. Training: in research methods, including a series of seminars on research in your field and workshops on topics such as preparing a research proposal, presentation and writing skills​.
  3. Thesis proposal: in preparation of application for registration, prepared with support from your supervisory team​.
  4. Registration: following successful confirmation of thesis proposal​.
  5. Progress monitoring: supporting and monitoring research progress through supervision and annual reporting and reviews​.
  6. Confirmation of route (MPhil/PhD): following successful submission of evidence of progress and level of future research​.
  7. Nomination of VIVA Voce examiners​.
  8. Thesis submission: for review by VIVA panel​.
  9. Examination: Oral VIVA Voce​.
  10. Response: if necessary, to examiners requirements including corrections, amendments and possible resubmission​.

MPhil Degrees​​

An MPhil degree will be awarded in recognition of a systematic, well documented and well-argued study, which demonstrates adequate knowledge and understanding, critical evaluation and discussion of a field of study.​

PhDs​​

A PhD will be awarded in recognition of the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship.
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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

Learning outcomes

PhD learning outcomes​​

On completion of a PhD research programme, and in relation to your practice in art, design and communication, we anticipate that you'll have shown evidence of being able to: ​

  • Discover, interpret and communicate new knowledge and understanding through original research and/or scholarship of publishable quality which satisfies peer review.
  • Present and defend research outcomes which extend the forefront of a discipline or relevant area of professional practice.
  • Demonstrate a systematic and extensive understanding and mastery of the knowledge, concepts, information and techniques relevant to research and scholarship at the forefront of the discipline or area of professional practice.
  • Exhibit mastery and innovation in the exercise of generic and subject-specific intellectual abilities.
  • Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others.
  • Independently and proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses and to design, develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these.
  • Critically and creatively evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the discipline. ​

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MPhil learning outcomes​​

On completion of an MPhil research programme it's expected that you'll have shown evidence of being able to:

  • Interpret and communicate knowledge and understanding through research and/ or scholarship of publishable quality which satisfies peer review.
  • Present and defend research outcomes which extend the forefront of a discipline or area of professional practice.
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding and mastery of the knowledge, concepts, information and techniques relevant to research at the forefront of the discipline or area of professional practice.
  • Exhibit mastery and innovation in the exercise of generic and subject- specific intellectual abilities.
  • Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others.
  • Proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses and to design, develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these.
  • Critically evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the discipline.

Supervision

A core element of the programme will be the support and guidance you'll receive from your assigned supervisory team for the duration of your degree studies.​
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As a research student you'll be assigned a supervisory team lead by a Director of Studies (DoS) and supported by one or more Co-Supervisors, both of whom will be selected based on their experienced and/or familiarity with your proposed area of research focus. ​
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The supervisory team's role will be to help you prepare for your registration application, guide you through the programme and its formal stages, help monitor your ongoing progress and support you in developing your research skills, studies and outcomes. They'll be your first point of contact for any programme or study related questions and you'll be able to liaise with them face to face, online or by phone, based on your mutual preferences. The frequency of engagement will vary throughout the programme based on your research requirements and programme stage.​
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The research student and supervisory team relationship will be integral to the success of your studies and requires proactive reciprocal engagement to work at its best.​

Support

We aim to support our research students through the duration of their studies. Preparing you through a number of initiatives to develop your personal attributes, knowledge base, experience and expertise, to succeed in your studies, undertake world class research and prepare for a career as a researcher. Examples of support initiatives include:​​

Research Student Development Programme (RSDP)​​

The Research Student Development Programme (RSDP) is designed to offer support, guidance and ongoing training to enhance your studies and prepare you for a career in research. It'll help you develop in skills and confidence, identify the appropriate research methods for your chosen subject and plan the structure of your project. ​

​Practice-led Research​​

We understand the value of creativity in developing innovative research, so support practice-led research in which your own creative practice plays a role, and where documented creative work can contribute to your final thesis, alongside the written component.​

Rich Research Community​

As a research student you'll be led by and work alongside a vibrant community of world class researchers with a rich, diverse and transdisciplinary breadth of experience and expertise, research focuses, portfolio of research, multidimensional and complimentary interests. In an environment where knowledge sharing and cross discipline collaboration are encouraged. ​

Open Innovation​​

You'll benefit from an environment that champions open innovation as a core value and a cross-institutional programme that enables researchers in all fields to share their work and ideas. Creating opportunities to partake in a lively and engaging programme of lectures, performances, readings, concerts and a variety of other activities, delivered by our research fellows, staff, faculty and community. ​
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Falmouth University research degrees are awarded through our partnership with University of the Arts London

Research fees

Latest fees and payment details

Find the latest information on tuition fees and payment schedules for UK, EU and international students.

MPhil/PhD tuition fees

How to apply

Apply for an MPhil or PhD research degree

Discover all you need to know about applying for a research degree and start your application today.

Apply now

Research facilities

Cutting-edge research facilities

Our research students have access to industry-level facilities, including our Academy for Innovation & Research, world-class photography studios and robot fabrication labs.

Explore our facilities

Additional resources