Who Provides PhD Study?
Postgraduate Study: Thoughts from the Experts
1. University Status
There is considerable, and perhaps inevitable, rivalry and snobbery around the university structure as each institution seeks to establish its credentials particularly as far as research and research degrees are concerned. This connection between research degrees and perceived status is mirrored across the world, indeed many countries (e.g. Japan , France , Mexico ) restrict to an ‘elite' group of universities the right to award research degrees. In the UK all but a handful of the very newest universities are able to award research degrees. For many however it is a minor, if important element of their overall business.
2. World Ranking
In world ranking terms only the universities of Cambridge and Oxford regularly appear in the top 10 and for those of you who are striving to research at the very best may like to consider the opportunities offered by these world leaders. Similarly, the UK universities that regularly appear in the top 50 are noted in Table 1.
Table 1: World Ranking of UK Universities (taken from the top 50)
| Institution | World ranking | |
| 2005 | 2004 | |
| Cambridge | 3 | 6 |
| Oxford | 4 | 5 |
| London School of Economics | 11 | 11 |
| Imperial | 13 | 14 |
| University College London | 28 | 34 |
| Manchester University and UMIST | 35 | 43 |
| Bristol | 49 | 91 |
3. Top Ten UK Universities (for awarding doctorates)
It is also worth noting that over half of all doctorates awarded each year in the UK are awarded by 14 institutions, reflecting the significant concentration of activity in the major what we might call research institutions, the top ten
of which are seen below in Table 2.
Table 2 - Top Ten UK Universities in Terms of Doctorates Awarded
|
Institution |
Total |
| Cambridge | 920 |
| Oxford | 705 |
| UC | 655 |
| Birmingham | 570 |
| Imperial | 515 |
| Manchester | 515 |
| Leeds | 465 |
| Nottingham | 460 |
| Sheffield | 455 |
| Bristol | 410 |
|
Total |
5,670 |
| UK |
15,255 |
4. Gaining a Doctorate Abroad
Of course the opportunities for research degree study are not confined to the UK – for many it is a case of the world being your oyster as research and research degrees are now global activities. For many students the lure of far away places to study, offer real attraction not only intellectually but in terms of broadening life experiences; for example, the Universities of Washington, Vancouver and Grenoble offer sporting challenges for the keen skier as well significant intellectual learning environments. Importantly however, you should be aware of the different characteristics and programmes that overseas universities can offer and the regard with which their degrees are held. It is most definitely not the case that research degree study is a uniform business across the world or indeed across Europe .
Howard Green and Stuart Powell (see contributors) November 2006
I met my wife on a study abroad program and even made good enough business contacts during that semester that I was able to return to the states on a work visa. Since then, I've recommended study abroad programs to all my brothers. Get them fixed up with a sweet American woman ;)
As Norway's primary university for the study of science, engineering and technology, and with equally strong arts and humanities programmes, NTNU is eager to welcome international PhD candidates to our research community. The university offers degrees in a range of doctoral programmes.
From the above DAC list some priority will be given to candidates coming from countries that Sweden have long-term development cooperation with. This means that a minimum of 50 % of the candidates will be chosen from the following countries: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
I totally agree with you in this matter. The study level in U.K. is better than the others but the fee structures and the policy matters must be revived for foreigners.
Elena D
There is considerable, and perhaps inevitable, rivalry and snobbery around the university structure as each institution seeks to establish its credentials particularly as far as research and research degrees are concerned. This connection between research degrees and perceived status is mirrored across the world, indeed many countries
the right to award research degrees. In the UK all but a handful of the very newest universities are able to award research degrees.
These are better chances that everyones awaiting. It may also spark off other ideas, and you may have other abilities which you can apply to a commercial enterprise in parallel.
The UK has always set standards in the field of education and most importantly in providing world class Higher educations like the Phd. Almost all of the top officials that are working around the world has been a product of the top universities in UK.Cambridge University being the leader for quite some time now, its every Youth's dream to get an higher education In Cambridge or Oxford but only a few lucky ones are eligible. It is also worth noting that over half of all doctorates awarded each year in the UK are awarded by 14 institutions, reflecting the significant concentration of activity in the major what we might call research institutions which is very true.
I totally agree with you in this matter. The study level in U.K. is far better than the others but the fee structures and the policy matters must be revived for foreigners.
I am Libyan student, born on 19.06.1968 in Alexandria - Egypt. I got Master degree from the October 7th University, Misurata - Libya (1999) in Faculty of science, Department of Biology, Division of Botany. Its title (The effect of pollution by sewage wastewater on some vegetables in Misurata area).
I wish to get acceptance for postgraduate studies (Ph.D.) degree. I would be extremely grateful, if you could assist me to obtain offer for studying.
Note: I have full scholarship to continue my PhD from my country
Thank you very much for time and co-operation in anticipation
I am looking forward to hearing from you
Yours faithfully