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Submit your postgraduate application

It's time to jump in and explore the possibilities. Apply now for one of our research degrees.

We offer two enrolment dates per year, on 1 March and 1 October. The exceptions to this are:

All other application deadlines are as follows:

  • 1 October start: 12 August 2024
  • 1 March start: 20 January 2025

Please ensure you read the entry requirements carefully before submitting your application to ensure you've included all the necessary documents. Not including all the required documents will delay our ability to process your application.

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Student-led research degrees University-led research degrees
PhD EdD Professional Doctorate in Education
MPhil PhD Creative Writing
PhD by Practice PhD Creative Writing (Low Residency)
PhD by Publication PhD Story Foundry (Distance Learning)
  PhD Story Foundry (Low Residency)

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PhD

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.

MPhil

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.

PhD (Low Residency)

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

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.

PhD by Publication

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.

Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD)

Designed to meet the needs and career aspirations of experienced professionals working in education, training, and professional development, our Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) focuses on cutting-edge research methodologies to extend your knowledge and understanding of education practice.

Please note that this programme recruits every two years. Applications for October 2025 will open from September 2024 and will have a deadline of 31 May 2025. 

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

PhD Story Foundry

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.

Please note that this programme will be recruiting for March 2025. Applications for March 2025 will be open from September 2024 and will have a deadline of end of January 2025.

Find out more and apply on the course pages:

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