A Guide to Research Degrees

There are a multitude of research degrees available, perhaps enough to make the options a tad confusing. This guide provides a general overview for anyone, whether a healthcare professional or not, of the degrees available. There are one or two PA-specific options, but I hope it will remain accessible to all.

Defining a Research Degree

I asked some friends and family what they thought of when they heard the term “research degree.” Overwhelmingly, the responses (to this not-the-slightest-bit-scientific survey) were “PhD” and “doctorate.” Correct as those answers are, these are just the tip of the iceberg.

Without delving into hardcore educational theory, I’m going to set some context. All levels of education can be placed in a framework that compares them by certain characteristics. In the UK, these are set by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and this also maps to UNESCO’s International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) framework. These set a bachelor’s degree at level 6, a master’s degree at level 7, and a doctorate at level 8 (this is set out in figure one below). Levels are determined by several factors, including the complexity of the information being engaged with at each level (QAA, 2014; UNESCO, 2011).

Of course, there are exceptions. A prime example in the UK is medical degrees. Although MBBS/MBChB stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, the QAA and ISCED frameworks classify these at level 7. By the same token, integrated (undergraduate) master’s degrees, as these include final year courses at level 7, fall into this category. Also at level 7, we have postgraduate certificates and diplomas, each consisting of one third and two-thirds of the credits, respectively, of a master’s degree. Rarely do either require the completion of a substantial piece of research.

So why bring this up? Well, within the QAA framework, there are master’s degrees that are classed as research degrees based on undertaking a substantial piece of research. So, my not-so-scientific poll missed out on a class of research degrees which are perhaps more accessible than the traditional doctoral route. If the thought of committing to a doctorate leaves you cold, then one of these is bound to provide an alternative.

Master’s Degrees: Research Edition

To clarify, I’m not talking about master’s degrees that cover research methods or even running clinical trials. Rather, the focus is on degrees with a substantial piece of independent research. Figure two reflects the dichotomy of the two types.

The MPhil

The MPhil, or to give it its full name, Master of Philosophy, is a research degree that often serves as a precursor to a PhD. It is a standalone research degree in its own right, designed for students who wish to engage in advanced research, typically over one to two years full-time or two to four years part-time. MPhil candidates conduct independent research on a chosen topic and produce a thesis that is subject to examination. The MPhil is commonly offered as part of a MPhil/PhD pathway, where students initially register for the MPhil and then transfer to the PhD after making satisfactory progress.

Examples of UK Universities Offering MPhil/PhD Programmes in Healthcare and Health Sciences:

• Keele University: Keele offers an MPhil/PhD in Medicine that is research-focused, allowing students to explore a wide range of topics within medical and health sciences. Students can undertake research in areas such as primary care, health policy, and medical education, with opportunities for interdisciplinary research.

• University of East Anglia (UEA): UEA provides an MPhil/PhD in Health Sciences designed for students who wish to pursue research in areas such as clinical psychology, epidemiology, and public health. The programme supports both full-time and part-time study, offering flexibility for working professionals.

The MLitt (Master of Letters)

The MLitt, or Master of Letters, is another postgraduate research degree, typically found in the humanities and social sciences, though it is also increasingly relevant to interdisciplinary fields like medical humanities and health communication. The MLitt is often seen as a less common counterpart to the MPhil, with a similar structure focused on independent research leading to a dissertation.

In some universities, the MLitt may be offered as an alternative to the MPhil, particularly in fields that emphasise critical analysis, cultural studies, or literature, but it is also applicable to areas within health studies that intersect with social sciences or humanities. For instance, an MLitt in Medical Humanities might explore the cultural and historical contexts of medicine, health narratives, or the ethical dimensions of healthcare.

Examples of UK Universities Offering MLitt Programmes:

• In-Person Option: The University of Glasgow offers an MLitt in Medical Humanities, which allows students to explore the intersections between medicine, health, and the humanities. The programme includes a significant research component, enabling students to produce an in-depth dissertation on a topic of their choice related to medical humanities.

• Online/Distance Learning: The University of St Andrews offers online MLitt programmes in subjects like Health Communication, where the focus is on the role of communication in health and healthcare settings, blending social science research with healthcare studies.

The MRes (Master of Research)

The Master of Research (MRes) is a postgraduate degree specifically designed to prepare students for a career in research, particularly within healthcare and health sciences. Unlike many other master’s programmes, the MRes is heavily weighted towards independent research. Typically, a larger proportion of the course, often 120 out of the 180 total credits, is allocated to the research project or dissertation. This emphasis on research allows students to gain deep expertise in their chosen area of study while developing advanced research skills that are critical for pursuing a PhD or a research-intensive career.

Key Components of the MRes:

• Research Project: The core component of the MRes is the research project, which accounts for about two-thirds of the total credits (120 out of 180 credits). This extensive project involves conducting original research under the supervision of experienced academics, culminating in a substantial dissertation that contributes new knowledge or insights to the field.

• Taught Modules: The remaining credits are usually divided among taught modules that cover advanced research methodologies, statistical techniques, and subject-specific content. These modules provide the theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to conduct high-quality research.

• Application in Practice: The MRes is ideal for those looking to bridge the gap between academic study and practical research applications, making it a popular choice for those intending to pursue further research or academic careers, such as a PhD.

Examples of UK Universities Offering MRes Programmes in Healthcare and Health Sciences:

• In-Person Option: Imperial College London offers an in-person MRes in Clinical Research. This programme provides a blend of taught courses and hands-on research experience, allowing students to work on cutting-edge clinical research projects within the university's medical school and affiliated hospitals.

• Online/Distance Learning: The University of Liverpool offers an online MRes in Public Health, focusing on global health challenges and designed for professionals looking to enhance their research skills while continuing to work. This fully online programme offers flexibility for students to balance their studies with professional responsibilities.

The Master’s by Research

Another form of research master’s degree is the Master’s by Research, particularly within the health sciences, which offers advanced research training focused on a specific research project. This degree differs slightly from the MRes in structure but is equally rigorous, with minimal taught content and an emphasis on independent research culminating in a thesis or dissertation.

Examples of UK Universities Offering Master’s by Research in Healthcare and Health Sciences:

• In-Person Option: The University of Birmingham offers a Master’s by Research in Biomedical Science. This programme allows students to engage in extensive research in various biomedical fields, including cancer biology and genetics, under expert supervision. This degree is ideal for those wishing to gain deep research experience in a laboratory setting.

• Online/Distance Learning: The University of Dundee provides an online Master’s by Research in Health Sciences, designed to be flexible for healthcare professionals who wish to conduct research that is directly applicable to their clinical practice. The programme allows students to pursue research projects in their area of interest with guidance from experienced supervisors.

MSc Physician Associate Top-Up Programme

For Physician Associates who have already completed a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Physician Associate Studies and are looking to advance their academic qualifications, the University of Birmingham offers an MSc Physician Associate Studies as a top-up programme.

Key Features of the MSc Physician Associate Top-Up Programme:

• Programme Structure: This MSc is structured to be highly flexible, allowing students to complete the degree while maintaining their professional responsibilities. The course involves a module focused on research methods, followed by a dissertation that is often linked to the student's place of clinical work, although this is not a requirement.

• Entry Requirements: To be eligible, candidates must have already obtained a PGDip in Physician Associate Studies from a UK or Irish university and be currently practising as a Physician Associate.

• Study Mode: The programme is designed to be completed alongside professional duties, making it ideal for working professionals who need a balance between study and work commitments.

Doctoral Degrees: Beyond the PhD

When considering doctoral studies, many people think of the PhD as the standard path. However, for those interested in advanced research qualifications within specific professional contexts, there are other doctoral degrees that might better suit your career goals. Figure three sets out some doctoral options.

The Traditional PhD

The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most recognised and prestigious research degree worldwide. It involves conducting original research over a period of three to four years full-time (or five to six years part-time), culminating in a substantial thesis that contributes new knowledge or contributes to the existing body of knowledge in a specific field. The traditional PhD is ideal for those who are interested in pursuing a career in academia, research institutions, or roles that require in-depth expertise in a particular subject area.

Key Components of a Traditional PhD:

• Research Proposal: Before starting a PhD, candidates typically need to submit a detailed research proposal outlining the scope, aims, and methodology of their intended research. This proposal is often a critical part of the application process (QAA, 2019).

• Original Research: The core of a PhD is conducting original research, which involves identifying a gap in the current knowledge, formulating a research question, and systematically investigating it through experiments, data collection, analysis, or theoretical work (QAA, 2019).

• Thesis/Dissertation: The research findings are presented in a thesis or dissertation, which is typically around 80,000 to 100,000 words. This document is subject to rigorous examination by experts in the field during a process known as a viva voce (oral defence) (QAA, 2019).

• Supervision: Throughout the PhD journey, candidates work under the guidance of a supervisor or a supervisory team, who provide expertise, support, and feedback on the research progress (QAA, 2019).

Examples of UK Universities Offering Traditional PhD Programmes:

• In-Person Option: The University of Oxford offers a wide range of PhD (DPhil) programmes, including those in medical sciences and health research. These programmes are highly regarded globally and offer excellent resources, supervision, and research opportunities.

• Part-Time Option: Many UK universities, including The University of Manchester, offer part-time PhD options, which allow students to balance their research with professional or personal commitments. This option is particularly popular among working professionals who wish to pursue research alongside their careers.

PhD by Publication

The PhD by publication is an alternative route to a traditional PhD, designed for researchers who have already published a significant body of work. Instead of writing a single thesis, candidates submit a collection of related publications (e.g., journal articles, book chapters) that they have authored. These publications are then accompanied by a critical commentary, which synthesises the work and demonstrates how it contributes to the field.

Key Features of PhD by Publication:

• Published Works: The candidate's body of work must demonstrate coherence, originality, and a significant contribution to the field. The publications typically need to be peer-reviewed and of high academic quality (University of Portsmouth, 2024).

• Critical Commentary: Alongside the publications, candidates must submit a critical commentary that contextualises the work within the broader field, highlights the research's contribution, and addresses any gaps or limitations (University of Portsmouth, 2024).

• Examination: Similar to a traditional PhD, the PhD by publication is assessed by external examiners and usually involves a viva voce examination (University of Portsmouth, 2024).

Examples of UK Universities Offering PhD by Publication:

• University of Portsmouth: The University of Portsmouth offers a PhD by publication, which is open to applicants who have already published substantial work in their field. This route is suitable for researchers with an established publication record who want to consolidate their work into a doctoral qualification.

• General Note: Many UK universities offer the PhD by publication route, often reserved for members of staff, former students, or individuals who have a history of collaboration with the university. This pathway is particularly popular among academics and professionals who have already made significant contributions to their field through their published work.

Professional Doctorates: An Overview

What is a Professional Doctorate?

A professional doctorate is an advanced degree that combines high-level academic research with the practical application of knowledge in professional settings. Unlike a PhD, which is typically focused on contributing new knowledge to an academic field, a professional doctorate emphasises the application of research to solve real-world problems within a specific profession. This makes professional doctorates particularly valuable for those looking to advance in their careers while making a significant impact in their field.

These programmes are designed for professionals who wish to remain in their industry while pursuing their doctorate. They often include a combination of taught modules, focusing on advanced theories and methodologies, and a significant research project or dissertation that addresses a practical issue relevant to the candidate’s workplace or industry. The research component is usually applied in nature, meaning that it is designed to produce outcomes that can be directly implemented in professional practice (QAA, 2015).

The Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)

The Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) is a professional doctoral degree designed for health professionals aiming to advance their expertise and leadership in healthcare through applied research. The DHSc is distinct from the PhD in that it is primarily practice-oriented, focusing on the application of research to solve practical problems in healthcare settings rather than contributing purely theoretical knowledge.

Examples of UK Universities Offering DHSc Programmes:

• In-Person Option: The University of Nottingham offers an in-person DHSc programme that combines advanced coursework with a substantial research component. This programme is tailored for healthcare professionals who wish to develop leadership skills and apply research to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

• Online/Distance Learning: The University of Portsmouth offers an online DHSc programme, providing a flexible format for working professionals. The programme focuses on integrating research into clinical practice and healthcare management, allowing students to conduct research that directly impacts their workplace.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) with a Focus on Health Professions Education

While the Doctor of Education (EdD) is traditionally associated with the field of education, many programmes offer specialisations in health education or the leadership of educational programmes in healthcare settings. The EdD is designed for professionals looking to apply research to educational practice, including those in healthcare education roles.

Examples of UK Universities Offering EdD Programmes with a Focus on Health Education:

• In-Person Option: The University of Sheffield offers an EdD programme with a specialisation in Health Education designed for professionals involved in health education and training. This programme combines coursework with research focused on improving educational practices in healthcare settings.

• Online/Distance Learning: The University of Glasgow offers an online EdD programme focusing on Health Professions Education structured to allow healthcare educators to continue working while pursuing their doctoral studies, with a focus on applying research to enhance educational outcomes in clinical settings.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path

When it comes to choosing a research degree in healthcare and health sciences, the decision should be guided by your career goals, interests, and the level of commitment you are willing to make. For those looking to enter academia or undertake high-level theoretical research, the traditional PhD remains the gold standard. However, for professionals in healthcare, degrees like the DHSc, EdD, or even specialised MLitt programmes offer robust alternatives that blend research with practical application in their respective fields.

Ultimately, the choice between these degrees depends on how you envision your career unfolding. If you aspire to lead in healthcare, drive policy change, or solve practical problems through research, a professional doctorate or a traditional PhD may be the right path for you. These degrees not only provide the skills needed for high-level professional practice but also enable you to contribute meaningfully to your field by translating research into actionable outcomes.

References

• QAA (2014) UK Quality Code for Higher Education, Part A: Setting and Maintaining Academic Standards. Gloucester: Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Available at: https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

• QAA (2015) Doctoral Degree Characteristics Statement. Gloucester: Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Available at: https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/doctoral-degree-characteristics-15.pdf

• QAA (2019) The UK Doctorate: Overview and Characteristics. Gloucester: Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Available at: https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/doctoral-degree-characteristics-19.pdf

• University of Portsmouth (2024) PhD by Publication. Available at: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/research-degrees/phd-by-publication

• UNESCO (2011) International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) 2011. Montreal: UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Available at: http://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/international-standard-classification-of-education-isced-2011-en.pdf