St Mary’s Doctoral College has a vibrant community of international students.
Students may choose to reside overseas whilst undertaking a PhD with the majority of supervisory meetings taking place via Skype. All students are expected to undertake a prescribed number of visits to the UK every year for supervisions and to participate in training and seminars.
We currently have a successful Centre for the Social Scientific Study of the Bible with a cohort of research students supervised in the US by a US-based St Mary’s academic.
Do I need a Master’s Degree?
Students who already have a Master’s degree can join the Research Degree programme directly.
Students who do not have a Master’s degree or who wish to undertake further taught postgraduate study, can choose a four-year programme route consisting of a taught Master’s degree in any academic area, followed by either a three-year full-time research-based PhD Degree or a (maximum) six year part-time PhD.
Subject Combinations
Although you can join the PhD/MPhil programme with any Master’s degree, the following combinations make use of particular strengths and specialisms at St Mary’s:
PhD in a sport or applied health sciences related area preceded by a Master’s degree in:
- Applied Sports Nutrition
- Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
- Applied Sport Psychology
- Chronic Disease Management
- Human Nutrition
- Nutrition and Genetics
- Physiotherapy
- Sport Rehabilitation
- Strength and Conditioning
- Sport, Health and Applied Science
PhD in Theology, Biblical studies, Catholic Social Teaching, Bioethics or a criminology related area preceded by a Master’s degree in:
- Biblical Studies
- Bioethics and Medical Law
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Human Trafficking, Migration and Organised Crime
- Theology
The university offers a range of other Master’s courses and a PhD can be undertaken in any of the areas in which we can offer supervision.
Cross-disciplinary routes
Particular cross-disciplinary routes may also be especially appropriate. For example, MSc in International Business Management followed by a PhD in Catholic Social Teaching or in Human Trafficking.