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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded to candidates who have critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic and by doing so have made an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

It will contain a major research, constructive or reflective component, which in sum, or part, is worthy of publication. They also need to demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field.

The thesis produced will normally be between 40,000 and 80,000 words, depending on subject area and research topic. This falls within the description for degrees awarded at Level 8 and is drawn directly from the 2008 QAA framework document.

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The degree of Master of Philosophy is awarded to those candidates who have engaged in critical investigation and evaluation of an approved topic and have demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field through the submission of a thesis.

The thesis will be no more than 40,000 words (though final length can vary depending on the subject - i.e. 20,000 words for creative practice research). This falls within the description for degrees awarded at Level 7 and is drawn directly from the 2008 QAA Framework document.

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The Low-Residency PhD courses are structured programmes limited to specific subjects and open only to international students.

We are currently accepting applications in:

• Creative Computing
• Creative Writing

Further information on our low-residency course in Creative Writing can be found on the course page.

Please note that this has specific deadlines for application, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of and adhere to these.

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The PhD by Publication is no less rigorous than the traditional route. No prior connection with the University is required, but the candidate must be an active researcher who has developed their skills to doctoral level.

They must demonstrate, through a critical commentary and either an extensive portfolio of creative work or publications, an independent and original contribution to knowledge. Research outputs may have been produced inside or outside academia, but must be available in the public domain.

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The EdD is designed for those who are already working in education in a range of contexts. The course is aimed at both professionals and practitioners who would like to advance their own professional development in the areas of research, policy, curriculum development, and professional practice. The course will benefit those looking to improve and develop their own practice, as well as institutional practice or policy.

For more information, and a list of specific course requirements please visit the course page.

Please note: We're not currently not accepting applications for this programme. The next intake will be on 1 October 2023. Applications can be submitted for 2023 from 1 November 2022 and will have a deadline of mid-August 2023. Please contact pgradmissions@bathspa.ac.uk for more information.

• Sample of previously written work (i.e. dissertation extract or subject related work project if nothing academic can be provided
• Where possible a copy of the highest degree certificate or transcript to be provided. Other alternatives could be:
  • Letter from employer (HR or similar) confirming current role, status, length of service, level/standard of work, etc
  • Details provided of last university studied at

• Two referees should be provided and where possible one of these should be academic. Other alternatives could be:
  • Letter from employer (applicant's line manager or equivalent)
  • Character reference or letter from a previous employer
  • Commanding Officer letter/reference

These PhDs are hosted by leading industry experts within Bath Spa University’s Research Centre for Transcultural Creativity and Education (TRACE). Since 2016, Professor Bambo Soyinka and the TRACE team have supported students from diverse backgrounds to complete innovative PhDs across borders. Our alumni and current students include published novelists, Hollywood scriptwriters, film festival directors, spoken word artists and broadcasters.

Find out more and apply on the course pages:

• Story Foundry PhD (Low Residency)
• Story Foundry PhD by Publication (Distance Learning)

Please note that these have specific deadlines and entry requirements for application, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of and adhere to these.

Through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Strength in Places funded research project, MyWorld, we’re offering a fully-funded PhD studentship via Bath Spa University’s Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries (CCCI). The successful applicant will have their fees paid and receive a stipend to cover living expenses (where eligible). We offer funding on a full or part-time basis.

We’re looking for a researcher with a background in how emerging forms of immersive screen-based storytelling are enhanced, augmented and reshaped by new technologies.

This PhD will contribute to the arts and humanities focus of MyWorld, a multi-university and multi-partner project led by the University of Bristol. You’ll work alongside other MyWorld PhD and PDRA researchers and Co-Investigators who come from diverse fields including computer science, engineering, and psychology.

Find out more on the course page.