An integrated PhD is a 4-year study programme that is designed for graduates to acquire the necessary research skills in subject-specific interdisciplinary topics. This is an integrated PhD for graduate-level students to pursue PhD studies straight after an honours undergraduate degree. The integrated PhD programme includes taught modules, unlike the traditional research degrees, which encourage students to take responsibility for their own research and PhD thesis.
Research degrees in the UK traditionally last for a duration of 3 years full-time and six years part-time. Universities in the UK offer three types of other research degrees, including:
- MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme that may be transferred to a PhD programme later.
- MRes (Master of Research) is an advanced postgraduate degree acquired in areas of arts, humanities and social sciences before beginning a proper PhD.
- Professional Doctorate is a research degree to improve professional practice in law, medicine, engineering, business and education.
Normally the successful completion of a masters programme is required before embarking on empirical research and PhD studies, some UK universities offer integrated PhD degrees which can be studied directly after a bachelors and do not mandatorily require a master level education.
Benefits of an Integrated Research Programme
A PhD is the highest level academic certification awarded by the UK universities. However, completing a PhD programme can be incredibly challenging and financially burdening. An integrated PhD research programme, on the other hand, has several advantages:
- A PhD without a master's is a great time-saving option facilitating career progression for bachelor students who may directly move onto a PhD programme without a Master’s degree. Such a progression provides a competitive edge to graduates who advance in the desired career path in less time than the traditional route.
- Savings on the financial costs is a major benefit of an integrated PhD degree. Completing a Master's, which may last anywhere between 1-2 years, can be financially draining and may require funding through bursaries, loans and scholarships.
- The research work allows students to make valuable contributions in their desired field through path-breaking discoveries and findings of their research work.
- Integrated PhDs provide a broader training experience as students have access to tailored and highly specialist training of research processes and techniques along with hands-on guidance and supervision.
- Many universities also award an official Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate in Research after completing the first taught year, in addition to the PhD award. Employers in many countries often require these to certify skill training in the desired fields.
- Students who do not wish to continue with the PhD programme can benefit from the intermediate exit award, such as a Master’s degree, Postgraduate diploma or MPhil upon completion of the initial taught year and submission of dissertation or thesis.
Integrated Research Programmes at UK Universities
Top ranking universities in London and other places in the UK offer Integrated PhD Degrees in the fields of Science, Medicine, Economics, Law, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Management and Mathematics. These include:
- Imperial College London
- Brunel University london
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Sheffield
- University of Southampton
- Newcastle University
- Lancaster University
Study PhD in the UK
If you are interested in studying Research/PhD in the UK and want to learn more about how to apply, where to apply and how to fund your studies, book a free consultation with SI-UK. Our education consultants can expertly guide you throughout the application process.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
