Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A PhD with us offers you the opportunity to undertake an in-depth exploration of a research topic that aligns with your interests and career goals. This internationally recognised qualification is designed for those seeking to make an original contribution to knowledge in their field, supported by expert academic supervision.
The programme provides you with advanced research skills and theoretical knowledge to design, conduct, evaluate, and defend your independent research. Alongside subject-specific expertise, you will also develop highly sought-after transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication—preparing you for success in academia or other research-intensive careers.
We welcome candidates from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. Our team of experienced supervisors possesses expertise across a wide variety of disciplines, ensuring you receive tailored guidance and support throughout your PhD journey.
Whether you aspire to a career in research, academia, or beyond, a PhD from UWTSD is your pathway to becoming an expert in your chosen field.
Course details
- On-campus
- Distance Learning
- Full-time
- Part-time
- English
Why choose a PhD with us?
What you will learn
As a prospective PhD candidate, you will begin by submitting a research proposal that aligns with your academic interests and career aspirations. Once your proposal is approved, you will be allocated a supervisory team of two or three academic staff, led by a Director of Studies, who will support and guide you through your research journey.
Your PhD programme will involve an extended and focused investigation into your chosen topic, culminating in the production of a written thesis. For those pursuing practice-based research, the programme offers the option of producing a shorter written thesis accompanied by a substantial body of practical work, allowing you to combine creative practice with rigorous academic research.
Throughout your studies, you will have access to a range of research training opportunities, including workshops and events designed to enhance your research capabilities. Additionally, all research students are encouraged to participate in the University’s annual Summer School, which provides further opportunities for skill development, networking, and collaboration with fellow researchers.
Our academic staff possess a wealth of expertise across a wide range of disciplines, ensuring that your research is supported by experienced supervisors with a deep understanding of your field.
PhD research with us often leads to publication and may serve as a pathway to a career in academia or other research-intensive roles. This programme provides the opportunity to contribute original knowledge to your field while developing transferable skills that will support your career ambitions.
Areas of PhD supervision
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Art and Design
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Business and Management
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Education
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Health
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Languages and Humanities
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Science and Engineering
- Art and Media - Full-time and Part-time
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Business, Finance and Management - Full-time and Part-time
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Published Works (Business) - Full-time and Part-time
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Tourism and Hospitality - Full-time and Part-time
- Childhood and Youth - Part-time
- Education - Full-time and Part-time
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Physical Literacy - Full-time and Part-time
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Psychology - Part-time
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Sport, Health and Outdoor Education - Full-time and Part-time
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Celtic Studies – Full-time and Part-time
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Creative Writing and English - Part-time
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History - Part-time
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Philosophy - Full-time and Part-time
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Social Justice - Part-time
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Theology and Religious Studies – Full-time and Part-time
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Computing – Full-time and Part-time
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Engineering - Full-time and Part-time
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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The benchmark entry requirement is a 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree. Mature students may apply with their portfolio and/or previous academic/industrial career taken into account.
There is also a procedure for the recognition of prior learning. International students will also have to prove proficiency in the English language to the required IELTS level 6.5.
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The PhD is assessed by the submission of a written thesis together with a body of practical work where appropriate, which is scrutinised through an oral examination, or viva, by two examiners, one external to the University.
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Some of these PhDs are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially, In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at UWTSD. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
- Travel to and from campus
- Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Purchase of books or texts
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.