Chapter 1
Overview
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s greatest universities, making it one of the most popular places for students seeking higher education. In fact, one in every six world influencers attended university in the United Kingdom, making it a desirable location for students.
Over 30000 Indian students came to the United Kingdom for higher study in 2019, an increase from previous years. A degree from a UK university is widely valued worldwide, and it is a preferred choice among huge MNC recruiters. They are a popular choice among students due to their excellent ranks.
Ph.D. in the UK Key Info
Universities | 164 |
Oldest University | University of Oxford (1096) |
International Students | 489,019 |
PhD Length | 3-4 years |
Representative Fees | £4-5,000 (domestic rate) |
Academic Year | September to June |
About Ph.D. Degree
Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy and is derived from the Latin phrase ‘Philosophiae doctor.’
A Ph.D. degree often entails students completing original and significant study in a certain topic or subject on their own before writing a publishable thesis.
Although some Doctorates contain coursework, Ph.D. candidates are virtually always evaluated on the quality and novelty of the argument given in their independent research project.
Duration of PhD:
PhDs require three to four years to complete full-time, whereas part-time PhDs might take 6 or 7 years. However, the thesis deadline might be extended by up to 4 years at the discretion of the university. As a result, many students who enrol in 3-year Ph.D. programmes do not complete their thesis until their fourth year.
Types of PhD :
Standard, Integrated, Professional, Distance Learning, and Ph.D. by Publication are the five forms of PhDs given by institutions in the United Kingdom. The standard Ph.D. is a more popular option among international students than others. The following are brief descriptions of the four categories of PhDs available in the United Kingdom:
Standard PhD
It’s a 3-part full-time degree that takes three to four years to complete. During their 1st year, students meet with supervisors to discuss research ideas and build a strategy. Data meeting and analysis are part of the program’s year 2nd and 3rd. Finally, students compose their thesis in the last year and present it for viva.
Integrated PhD
In the United Kingdom, it combines a one-year Masters in Research (MRes) with a three-year Ph.D. and is provided by over 30 universities. The primary objective is to combine the taught component of the programme with independent study. This aids students in their understanding of various techniques.
Professional PhD
This form of Ph.D. is typically used in vocational fields such as medicine, engineering, and education. The Ph.D. focuses on getting the students ready for future employment. As a result, a few research theses and more projects focus on real-world business issues.
Distance Learning PhD
This sort of Ph.D. is preferred by international students with job or family responsibilities who wish to study in the United Kingdom. Students communicate with their supervisor by phone, email, or Skype, and they attend university for 1 or 2 weeks each year. The duration of this Ph.D. is 5-6 years.
Ph.D. by Publication
This Ph.D., also called Higher Doctorate, is awarded to students who have previously produced original work in book chapters, journal articles, or novels. Most UK universities, on the other hand, exclusively accept their graduates for Ph.D. by Publication. Students must submit 5 to 8 published works and a 5,000 to 20,000 words supporting statement.
Ph.D. Degree Stages:
First-year
You’ll connect with your mentor to talk about your research idea and set up a timeline. After that, you’ll finish your literature review, in which you’ll assess and critique existing works to guide the path of your project to ensure that your research is unique.
Second-year
Your focus will move to obtaining data and creating your thesis, and you may even start drafting thesis chapters. You can also obtain teaching experience, cooperate with other students on similar topics, explain the advantages of your study to the broader public through seminars, talks, and presentations, or submit material for publication in an academic paper or book.
Third-year
Although your research may still be ongoing, it primarily entails composing your thesis. Then, following your supervisor’s approval, you’ll present your thesis before taking a one to 3-hour oral test in front of at least one internal and external examiner to debate and defend your work.
Why Ph.D. in the UK?
Academic excellence
The educational standards in UK universities are among the highest in the world. 4 of the top 10 universities globally are from the United Kingdom, including Oxford and Cambridge. Practical and utility-based learning is preferred over theoretical learning when studying in the United Kingdom.
Quality education
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is a non-profit body in the United Kingdom that regularly assesses the educational standards of the country’s universities and colleges. It keeps track of their progress through audits and topic evaluations, but it also helps them find the best teaching methods and gives them feedback on how to improve. The UK higher education funding bodies also review these research criteria, which submit their findings on a routine basis. This guarantees that all students have access to the top stage of learning, researching, and guidance irrespective of their field of study.
Shorter duration of courses
Many other countries education systems provide shorter and more challenging courses, enabling you to graduate faster while maintaining good quality. While an undergraduate degree can take up to three years, a graduate programme can be finished in as little as one year. This saves you time and money on your education and living costs.
Work while studying
You can do part-time jobs for up to 20 hours per week during your study to help pay for your daily living expenses while also pursuing your education. During your holiday break, you could even work full-time. This will assist you in paying your fees and gaining industry experience in a field of study.
Health benefits
The National Health Service (NHS) will provide you with free medical treatment while studying in the United Kingdom as an international student. To take full advantage of this service, you will need to pay a small International Health Surcharge (IHS). Your IDP counsellor will be able to assist you with this.
Ph.D. in the US vs Ph.D. in the UK
#1 Programme length
The Ph.D. programs in the USA usually take 5-7 years to complete, whereas the Ph.D. programs in the UK take 3-4 years.
Additionally, most UK programmes strongly suggest obtaining a Masters’s degree before beginning Ph.D. studies, implying that the Masters’s degree is more important for a UK application than a US application.
#2 Programme structure
In the US, the timetable for the programmes is very structured. You don’t even have to choose classes because the program had a set schedule that everyone in the batch followed.
However, the Ph.D. programme in the United Kingdom is not as structured as equivalent courses in the United States. This allows you to be more flexible, ideal for a Ph.D., but it also necessitates self-discipline and self-motivation.
While there are timeframes for certain things, such as yearly reviews, this type of programme may surprise those who are used to a more controlled method in the United States. It’s easy to get distracted when you have the choice to choose what training to take and what to work on any given day. Setting fundamental time-based objectives and practising self-discipline, on the other hand, might make staying on top of things simple.
#3 Cost
So, is it more expensive to get a Ph.D. in the United States or the United Kingdom?
It’s crucial to understand that various colleges within both countries have differences, and scholarship opportunities will vary. As a result, you should thoroughly investigate the possibilities you’re contemplating and make the greatest decision possible for your circumstances. In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of living in a given place will impact your overall spending.
With that in mind, what is the likely difference, in general? A Ph.D. in the United States will be more expensive in many circumstances. The average annual tuition will be slightly more, and you’ll likely be studying for a longer time.
As an international student, you could expect to pay $78,000-177,000 for a 5 to 7 years doctorate in the United States, compared to $40,000-107,000 for 3 to 4 years in the United Kingdom.
#4 Work-life balance
In the US, the Ph.D. programmes consist of many coursework and projects in the first and second years, which is not comfortable for everyone.
In the UK, you will experience a much better work-life balance. This is because you will get alot of time to keep a regular working schedule. However, there can be a few instances where you might have to work extra, even on the weekends.
Chapter 2
Ph.D. Requirements in the UK
English Proficiency Requirements for Ph.D. in the UK
To complete a Ph.D. in the United Kingdom, the research thesis must be prepared entirely in English. In addition, workshops, seminars, lectures, and other events are also performed in that language. As a result, international students must submit one of the below test scores to prove their English proficiency:
Test |
Minimum Score Required |
IELTS |
7.0 |
TOEFL (IBT) |
90 |
PTE |
60 |
Chapter 3
Top PhD Universities in UK :
QS Rank 2022 |
University |
Important Ph.D. Programs |
2 |
Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering Science, Medical Science |
|
3 |
Chemical Engineering, Clinical Neuroscience, and Biotechnology, Engineering |
|
7 |
Mathematics, Life Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Sciences |
|
8 |
Chemistry, Physics Chemical Engineering, and Astronomy, Material Science |
|
16 |
Engineering, Medicine, Geosciences, Informatics, Mathematics |
|
27 |
Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Mathematics |
|
35 |
Medical Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Life Science |
|
49 |
Social Science, Communication, Law, Journalism |
|
62 |
Biochemistry, Medical Science, Physiology, Biological Science |
Popular PhD Programs in UK:
Universities in the United Kingdom provide sophisticated infrastructure and world-class amenities to assist Ph.D. students in their research. Its programmes are well-known around the world. As a result, overseas students may find it challenging to select a Ph.D. programme that best meets their skills and interests. Some of these popular degrees, as well as the universities that provide them, are included in the table below:
Program |
University |
Fees per Annum (GBP) |
Ph.D. in Computer Science |
University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London, Imperial College London, KCL |
22,200 to 33,250 |
Ph.D. in Medical Science |
University College London, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, Newcastle University, |
24,000 to 32,352 |
Ph.D. in Engineering |
Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, University of Southampton, The University of Manchester |
22,704 to 32,352 |
Ph.D. in Sociology |
LSE, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Warwick, University of Manchester |
19,338 to 24,450 |
Ph.D. in Law |
University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, LSE, KCL, UCL |
18,740 to 25,758 |
Chapter 4
Application Process & Costs
Some students present their research topic and request financing, while others may find that their supervisor already has funds for a study and is advertising it as a job. When applying for a Ph.D., you’ll usually be expected to provide the following documents:
- an academic CV
- your academic transcripts
- 2 or 3 academic references
- a personal statement
- a research proposal.
Cost of Ph.D. in the UK
Ph.D. studentships and assistantships that combine research and teaching are also prevalent, with scientific studentships typically paying more.
Pre-arrival Cost
Pre-arrival costs are the expenses incurred before arriving at the institution. The following table summarises these.
Type of Fees |
Cost (in GBP) |
UK Student Visa |
348 |
IELTS fee |
150 |
TOEFL fee |
140 |
Application Fees |
60 |
Airfare |
425 - 638 |
This is definitely expensive, but do keep in mind the fact that your tuition fees is going to be absolutely free!
Tuition Fees for Indian Students
The cost of studying Ph.D. in the UK for an Indian student ranges between 18-36 Lakh INR per year. Among the top universities, University of Warwick and the King’s College London have the lowest tuition fees i.e., below 19L per year
Cost of Living in UK
In the United Kingdom, the yearly cost of living, including transport and accommodation, is estimated to be roughly 15,000 GBP. The following is a breakdown of a week’s worth of expenses for an international student:
Type of Expense |
Weekly Cost (in GBP) |
Accommodation |
125 - 160 |
Food Expense |
10 |
Telephone Bill |
45 |
Household Items |
10 |
Books and Supplies |
10 |
Other Expenses |
45 |
Chapter 5
Scholarships for PhD in UK
University scholarships and bursaries
The first place to seek postgraduate funding is your chosen university. Universities provide a variety of scholarships and bursaries for a variety of reasons. These are some of them:
- Academic excellence scholarships
These provide financial assistance to students in appreciation of their exceptional academic achievements. Unfortunately, because these are usually in short supply, you’ll have to compete with others for the money.
- Disadvantaged bursaries
These are offered to encourage students from all origins to seek further education irrespective of their circumstances.
- Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)
Students wishing for Ph.D. funding and hands-on academic experience can finish a GTA with their university using this assistantship. Fee exemptions will be provided in exchange for pastoral assistance and teaching tasks to undergraduate students and researching and writing your thesis.
- PhD studentships
These fiercely competitive Doctoral fellowships might ensure a spot on a research topic that is often pre-determined.
The majority of university scholarships and grants must be obtained before the start of the semester. However, if you have financial, health, or familial challenges, you can normally apply for hardship aid during the academic year.
Here is a list of all the scholarships which you can avail for a Ph.D. in the UK:
UK Government Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
- Scotland Saltire Scholarships
- Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
Note: Here’s information about scholarships in UK
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- Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford (UK)
- Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Bristol University Think Big Scholarships
- University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships
- University of West England Chancellor’s Scholarships
- Sheffield Hallam University Transform Together Scholarships
- Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Developing Solutions Scholarships at University of Nottingham
Chapter 6
Jobs after Ph.D. in the UK
The most popular job roles for Ph.D. graduates in the UK are:
- higher education teaching professionals
- other researchers, unspecified discipline
- natural and social science professionals
- specialist medical practitioners
- clinical psychologists
Although finding a position in academia is a natural next step for many Ph.D. grads, there are more options available outside of teaching and education.
For example, many Ph.D. graduates engage in the science and pharmaceuticals (13.2%) and medicine (15.3%) industries. This may have been aided by the recent trend of increasingly research-oriented private sector enterprises.
Research scientists can specialize in various fields, including biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences, in addition to medicine.
If you want to work as a clinical or academic psychologist, you’ll be required to complete a taught Doctorate in clinical (DClinPsy or ClinPsyD) or educational (DEdPsy) psychology.
What do other PhD graduates do?
Destination |
Percentage |
Working |
81.7 |
Studying |
1.3 |
Working and studying |
7.9 |
Unemployed |
2.7 |
Other |
6.3 |
Type of work |
Percentage |
Education |
22.4 |
Other professionals |
16.6 |
Health |
15.3 |
Science |
13.2 |
Business, HR and finance professionals |
9.1 |
High Paying Jobs after PhD in UK :
Clinical psychologists, biologists, healthcare professionals, and university researchers are the other most frequent employment opportunities for Ph.D. graduates. The following is a list of salaries for Ph.D. graduates in various jobs in the United Kingdom:
Job Role |
Average Annual Salary (in GBP) |
Data Scientist |
43,000 |
Principal Scientist |
51,000 |
Senior Software Engineer |
71,000 |
Postdoctoral Research Associate |
31,000 |
Research Scientist |
39,000 |
Senior Research Scientist |
43,000 |
Best UK Cities for International Students :
The best student city rating considers six factors, including desirability, affordability, and student perceptions. Here is the table for the top 10 UK cities which are best for international students.
UK Ranking |
World Ranking |
Student City |
1 |
1 |
London |
2 |
15 |
Edinburgh |
3 |
29 |
Manchester |
4 |
39 |
Glasgow |
5 |
47 |
Coventry |
6 |
48 |
Nottingham |
7 |
49 |
Birmingham |
8 |
57 |
Newcastle upon Tyne |
9 |
64 |
Aberdeen |
10 |
83 |
Brighton |
FAQs :
Q : How much does it cost to get a PhD from the UK?
The cost of getting a PhD in the United Kingdom ranges from 18,000 to 35,000 GBP per year. For an Indian student, this equates to 17 lakhs to 34 lakhs INR each year.
Ques. How long is the PhD in the UK?
Ans. 3 to 4 years
Ques. Is a PhD in the UK free?
Ans. No
Conclusion :
The UK Universities are consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. As a result, studying in the UK is highly respected and recognised around the world for Indian students. Students studying in the UK meet peeps from all over the world and share their diverse backgrounds. These universities are routinely audited to verify that they meet the government’s standards for learning, teaching, and research.
Universities in the UK provide a plethora of bursaries and scholarships to aid the students financially. Through unique teaching and study methodologies, institutions in the United Kingdom allow students to be creative and acquire skill sets and confidence. Students have the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most renowned academics and experts.
Mentor, Motivate, and Guide