Research Process
Although you may begin the programme of study at any time during the academic year, the normal starting date is the end of September.
Once enrolled, you have the right to use all the normal facilities and will be assigned a Director of Studies who will supervise your research project.
Formal registration of the Research Degree will follow when the outline of the research programme within the area of study has been determined between you and your Director of Studies.
A formal proposal will be prepared and submitted to the Research Degrees Committee for approval and registration of the Degree. This is normally achieved within six months (for full-time) and 12 months of enrolling (for part-time students).
To improve knowledge of, and training in, the chosen subject of research, you may attend appropriate courses, lectures and tutorials.
The University provides a formal taught training programme for research students. The supervisory team will ensure that you undertake appropriate training in research methods, whilst you remain responsible for the initiation, techniques and execution of the research programme itself. Progress is monitored annually through the University's Research Degrees Committee.
When the research is completed, you prepare a thesis which is examined by internal and external examiners. The supervisors advise on the preparation and submission of the thesis and an oral examination (viva voce) follows.
International students can study on a part-time basis in their own country, provided that there are sufficient facilities at home and at the University, and that the student attends the University usually for a minimum of six weeks per year.
Southampton Solent University has an active and thriving research community with an increasing number of students registered for MPhil and PhD. Research at the University is mostly applied, designed to meet the needs of industry and commerce, and to underpin the University's commitment to teaching programmes.