newcastle university applied linguistics phd

PhD English Language and Applied Linguistics (Distance Learning)

Carry out your research with one of the UK’s leading English Language departments, renowned for its expertise in Corpus Research, Cognitive Linguistics and Psycholinguistics, and Discourse Analysis and Stylistics, from anywhere in the world. 

Our distance learning programme allows you to keep in contact with your supervisor via email and Skype, while remaining in your resident country. This is particularly beneficial if you are interested in relating your research to your current work. 

There are two distance learning PhD programmes in English Language and Applied Linguistics: a standard programme and a modular programme. Both programmes involve regular contact with a supervisor by email and/or Skype. There is no assessed taught component, but students follow online research training modules.

Distance PhD

The standard programme requires a traditional 80,000-word thesis. The work is examined at the end of the programme, as with other PhD programmes. Students identify and refine a thesis topic and research design in consultation with their supervisor and send drafts of the various chapters for comment as they work through the programme. As with all PhDs, progress is monitored throughout the registration period.

Distance Modular PhD

The modular programme requires three modules: two shorter research papers (Module 1 – 12,000 words, Module 2 – 20,000 words) and a final thesis of 50,000 words (Module 3). The work is examined in three phases, at the end of each module. The final product (in terms of total quantity and quality of work) is therefore similar to the standard PhD; however the modular option provides an incremental, continuously assessed route allowing students to progress through explicitly marked stages to a PhD. Students identify a topic they wish to work on and to which all their written work should be related; the nature of the assessment means however that the topic may not be as tightly focused as that in a traditional PhD.

Why Study this Course?

• World-leading research : The Department celebrated excellent results in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise: 34% of research at the University of Newcastle for English Language and Literature was top 4* rated ‘world-leading’. A further 53% was rated 3* ‘internationally excellent’. Additionally, the University of Newcastle was ranked 34th for the study of English Language and Literature in the 2019 QS World University Rankings. These rankings are compiled annually to help prospective students identify the leading universities worldwide in a particular subject.
• Distance learning experience : The Department has many years of experience in delivering high quality distance learning programmes at postgraduate level. Staff also have expertise in supervising doctoral research at a distance. Through the University library, you will have electronic access to a wide range of applied linguistic research journals and e-books.
• Exceptional student support : While the programmes are rigorous in their standards and expectations, they also provide excellent support and a high degree of flexibility. You will receive the same level of support and supervision as our on-campus students.

The postgraduate experience

The College of Arts and Law offers excellent support to its postgraduates, from libraries and research spaces, to careers support and funding opportunities.

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Course Level:

Postgraduate, distance learning, doctoral research, how long it takes:, 4-6 years part-time, study mode:, course cost.

Price: US$ 22,500

Entry requirements

Department:.

• Course Structure
• Entry Requirements
• Fees and funding
• Learning and Assessment
• Employability

Content and assessment for the Modular PhD

Module 1 – Subject-focused work, to include some research training and preparation related to the subject, such as empirical work, literature searches, and research methodology.

The 12,000-word assessment may be divided into 3 x 4,000 papers or combinations amounting to the total (60 credits). Pass/Fail.

Module 2 – Structured research and writing on the research topic. It may be linked in a linear way to Module 1, or the connection may be looser.

The 20,000-word assessment may be divided into one or two papers amounting to the total (120 credits). Pass/Fail

Module 3 – The thesis (maximum 50,000 words – 360 credits). Pass/Fail

The assessed work from Modules 2 and 3 should be of publishable quality.

Each assessment (i.e. each module) is submitted and passed before the student can proceed to the next. One re-submission of each module is permitted. The external examiner is consulted when each module is completed. Like all PhD theses at Newcastle, a Modular PhD is examined in a viva voce examination which takes place after the submission of Module 3.

Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.

Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.

This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject  – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
• Language proficiency  – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
• Professional experience  – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
• Entrance exams  – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs

Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21

MSc:   Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950 Postgraduate Diploma:   Full-time   £6,660. Part-time £3,300

Tuition fees for International students 2020/21

MSc:  Full time £23,310 Postgraduate Diploma:  Full-time £15,540

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University’s   Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated    careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: English Language and Linguistics

Newcastle English Language and Linguistics postgraduates develop a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, particularly in relation to verbal and written communication. They also develop crucial skills in organisation, time management, analysis and interpretation of information.

Many of our graduates enter roles for which their programme has prepared them, such as teaching and lecturing; others use their transferable skills in a wide range of occupations including journalism, marketing and events. Over the past 5 years, 83% of English Language and postgraduates were in work and/or further study within 6 months of graduating (DLHE 2012 – 2017).

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Linguistics, Applied Linguistics PhD

Newcastle University

Discover more 👀

Learn more about this course.

Course Overview - Linguistics, Applied Linguistics PhD

Newcastle University is one of the largest centres for linguistic research in Europe. This gives you the unique opportunity to learn a wide range of methodologies as part of our Linguistics or Applied Linguistics course. You will be exposed to diverse theoretical perspectives, which will enrich your own research. Linguistics and Applied Linguistics are split across three Schools: - School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences - School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics - School of Modern Languages <... Read more

Newcastle University is one of the largest centres for linguistic research in Europe. This gives you the unique opportunity to learn a wide range of methodologies as part of our Linguistics or Applied Linguistics course. You will be exposed to diverse theoretical perspectives, which will enrich your own research.<br/><br/>Linguistics and Applied Linguistics are split across three Schools:<br/><br/><br/>- School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences<br/><br/><br/>- School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics<br/><br/><br/>- School of Modern Languages<br/><br/><br/>Our supervisors current research interests, projects and publications are available from our staff profiles in each of these Schools.<br/><br/>We offer supervision in the following areas:<br/>- Linguistic Theory<br/><br/><br/>- Language Variation and change<br/><br/><br/>- Language evolution, acquisition and development<br/>

Course Information

4 option s available.

Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.

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King's Gate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU

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Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA

Newcastle university, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, similar courses at this uni, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

Linguistics Tesol (Teaching English To Speakers Of Other Languages)

Course type

Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL course provides theories and methods in teaching English as a second language. It also develops your research skills, enhancing your professional performance in the future.

Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA will build on your interest in learning and teaching a foreign or second language. You will be guided by renowned researchers with extensive teaching experience.

As part of this degree, we will address some of the following questions:

• What are the key cognitive and social processes of learning a second or foreign language?
• How do people teach and learn in the classroom and in wider settings?
• How do teachers and learners engage effectively with technology?
• How can teachers use critical reflection to improve their practices?

This Applied Linguistics and TESOL course is available to:

• those with teaching experience (in-service)
• those without teaching experience (pre-service)
• lecturers at higher education institutions

Our range of optional modules will allow you to build your own course to match your individual interests.

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in: English language; TESOL; English teaching methodology; English Education; English linguistics; English translation and interpretation; Business English.

Newcastle University is a world-leading university renowned for the quality of its teaching and research. The university is recognised internationally for its contributions to global problem solving in innovative and creative ways. Newcastle University is a prestigious founding member of the Russell Group association of research-intensive universities in the UK. The university enjoys an outstanding reputation as an institution at which... more

Linguistics and English Language Integrated PhD

Full time | 48 months | 16-SEP-24

English Language and/or Linguistics MLitt

Full time | 12 months | 16-SEP-24

Phonetics and Phonology Integrated PhD

Linguistics, applied linguistics mphil, phd.

Full time | 36 months | 16-SEP-24

Linguistics MA

Linguistics and English Language PhD Newcastle University

Key course facts.

• View programme website
• Admission advice for international students

Course Description

Our Linguistics and English Language Integrated PhD (IPhD) combines taught modules with original research. You will develop knowledge and expertise in linguistics and English language. You will also gain detailed knowledge and experience of research methods and research management. The course is for those who haven't completed a programme that leads to PhD study. It will suit those with a background in linguistics, English Language or related disciplines. You'll strengthen your knowledge base and research skills before embarking on writing a thesis.

Studying for an IPhD at Newcastle University offers many benefits and advantages, including: •a track record in student satisfaction •diverse staff expertise •activities and events •career development •funding opportunities.

Year one forms the taught element of the course. You will study compulsory and optional modules and select a specialist pathway. You will then complete a 60 credit independent research project (15,000 words).

Years two, three and four constitute the research based element of the course. You will write a 80,000 word thesis under the guidance and direction of two supervisors.

We offer three pathways, with supervision in the following areas:

Language acquisition, development and evolution •first language acquisition and development •acquisition of second language morphosyntax and phonology •evolutionary linguistics.

Language variation and change •historical/diachronic linguistics •variationist/comparative linguistics •sociolinguistics •grammaticalization •dialect syntax •corpus analysis •linguistic typology.

Formal linguistics •syntactic theory and comparative syntax •phonological theory •morphophonology and morphosyntax •philosophy of language and linguistics •architecture of the language faculty.

We are one of the largest centres for linguistic research in Europe. This gives you the opportunity to enrich your research. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of methodologies and diverse theoretical perspectives.

Our Centre for Research in Linguistics and Language Sciences (CRiLLS) offers training that complements the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Training Programme. Your training is organised by a postgraduate researcher and academic staff to ensure that your training needs are met. Sessions include: •writing conference abstracts •presenting at conferences •preparing job applications and interviews •practical workshops on specific software programs (eg statistical packages, corpus linguistic methodologies).

Internationally renowned linguistic researchers are regularly invited to give guest lectures.

You can join our Special Interest Groups in linguistics, which usually meet every two to four weeks.

Additionally, our Student Work in Progress meetings give you the opportunity to present your work to a student audience, giving you instant feedback and discussions around your research.

In year one you take compulsory and optional 12 week modules. Between mid-May and early September of year one, you will also work on a 15,000 word research project.

The course is delivered at our Newcastle city centre campus. During the research phase of the course you can request a temporary change in study location. This is to allow for fieldwork and data collection.

Work experience:

You can gain valuable experience in journal editing and conference organisation through joining: •the editorial team of the annually published Newcastle and Northumbria Working Papers in Linguistics •the organising team of the annual Postgraduate Conference in Applied and Theoretical Linguistics.

Facilities:

The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics is a lively and diverse community with over 700 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates. We are based in the Percy Building where the majority of your seminars and tutorials will take place.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / english requirements.

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

• Foundation / Pathway Courses
• Graduate Degrees
• Undergraduate Degrees

Average student cost of living in the UK

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of newcastle university in top uk and global rankings., about newcastle university.

Founded in 1834, Newcastle University is located in the small city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Less than an hour’s bus ride from the coast, this institution of higher education offers Undergraduates modern lecture theatres, state-of-the-art laboratories, and spaces for socialising and for being creative such as their Fine Arts Hub. Postgraduate students have their own library, complete with a laptop loan system and assistance from knowledgeable librarians to ensure that students have every means of succeeding.

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Xun Liu, Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor of Research, Assessment and Evaluation, Foundations of Education

• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Texas Tech University
• M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, Texas Tech University
• M.A. in Applied Linguistics, Texas Tech University
• B.A. in English Language and Literature, Beijing Normal University
• B.A. (double major) in Chinese Language and Literature, Beijing Normal University

Research interests

Quantitative research methods and statistics (longitudinal modeling, structural equation modeling, multilevel modeling, etc.), marriage and family studies, educational motivation

Career highlights

• Texas Tech University Doctoral Dissertation Completion Fellowship (2014-2015)
• Texas Tech University AT&T Chancellor’s Fellowship (2011-2015)

Selected publications/projects

• Li, J. & Liu, X. (2021). Internet Addiction and Acculturative Stress Among International College Students in the United States (2021). Journal of International Students, 11 (2).  doi: 10.32674/jis.v11i2.2092
• Liu, X. , Wheeler, J. N., Broda, D. M., Daire, P. A., Dominguez, N. V., Griffith, M. S., & Case Pease, J. (2020).  Relationship Satisfaction Trajectories among Low-income Ethnically Minority Couples Before and After a Relationship Education Intervention. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 37 (7), 2053–2077. doi: 10.1177/0265407520916203
• Carlson, R., Wheeler, J. N., & Liu, X. , Daire, A.P., & HIPP, C. (2020). The Relationship Between Social Support and Family Relationships Among Low-Income Couples Attending Relationship Education. Family Process, 59 (4), 1498-1516. doi:10.1111/famp.12499
• McKee, S., Liu, X. , Truong, D., Meinert, A., Daire, A., & Mire, S. (2020). Use of the Family Adjustment Measure to Identify Stress in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29 (2), 592-604. doi:10.1007/s10826-019-01569-4
• Wheeler, N. J., Daire, A. P., Liu, X. , Tucker, K., Griffith, S. M., & Regal, R. (2020). Correlational study of differences in distress following relationship education for individuals with or without illness. Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation, 11 (2), 88-103. doi:10.1080/21501378.2019.1663703
• Daire, A., Liu, X. , Tucker, K., Williams, B., Broyles, A., & Wheeler, N. (2019).  Positively Impacting Maternal Stress and Parental Adjustment through Community-Based Relationship Education (RE). Marriage & Family Review, 55 (3), 239-257. doi:10.1080/01494929.2018.1458687
• Daire, A., Liu, X. , Wheeler, N., Tucker, K., & Williams, B. (2017). Examining RE and Emotional Distress in Population with Existing Cardiovascular Disease and/or Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Those Without. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 25 (4), 291-300
• Liu, X. , Daire, A., Griffith, S., O’Hare, V., Keller-Margulis, M., & Tucker, K. (2017).  Validity and diagnostic accuracy of a measure of family adjustment stress in parents with typically developing children. Journal of Child Custody, 14 (2), 175-190

Dr. Xun Liu teaches courses in educational statistics and quantitative research methods. She has a strong interest in using advanced quantitative research approaches to inform practical implementation to schools, teachers and students.

Dr. Liu has been performing advanced data analysis, including longitudinal modeling, structural equation modeling, and multilevel modeling in her research. Her research area focuses on quantitative research methodology, marriage and family studies, and educational motivation. Dr. Liu is also a statistical consultant for the Consortium for Family Strengthening Research, providing statistics consultation to faculty and graduate students for publications and grant applications.

Curriculum Vitae

(804) 827-6847

[email protected]

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PhD and Research Masters

Why a phd or research masters in linguistics at newcastle.

The University of Newcastle's linguistics research strengths include:

• The Endangered Languages Documentation, Theory and Application (ELDTA) Research Program, which focuses on documenting, describing, and investigating indigenous languages of Australia and the Pacific region.
• Applied linguistics. Second language acquisition and bilingualism are key research areas at UON, and our Language and Inclusion Research Network is involved in furthering our understanding of the relationship between language competence and social integration.

World-class research

We are ranked in the top 100 in the world for linguistics by the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Our history of success in achieving competitive national and international grants enables us to offer PhD scholarships in endangered languages research.

UON's linguistics research projects lead Australian and international researchers in language documentation and its applications for indigenous communities across Australia and the Pacific.

PhD and Masters by Research students benefit from working with researchers who have extensive expertise in all aspects of endangered language research. This includes documentation, fieldwork and recording techniques; linguistic annotation tools; digital archiving; linguistic analysis and grammar writing; as well as the investigation of aspects of issues of wider scientific and socio-cultural significance in the endangered languages of our region.

What you can research

Research proposals are invited in the following areas:

• Language documentation and description
• Australian and Pacific descriptive language projects
• Second Language Acquisition
• Bilingualism
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Research methodologies

Most of the research we conduct in the field of applied linguistics is empirical and/or experimental in nature, and involves both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Find a supervisor

Before you apply, contact a supervisor for discussion on possible research projects. This will allow you to frame your proposal to align with established disciplines and areas of supervisor capacity.

• Associate Professor Mark Harvey : Language description and documentation, focussing on indigenous Australian languages; phonology; morphology; complex predicates.
• Dr Jean Harkins : Intercultural communication and semantics, focussing on indigenous Australian languages; second language acquisition.
• Dr Alan Libert : Turkic languages; artificial languages; adpositions; onomastics.
• Dr Catriona Malau : Language description and documentation; Oceanic languages of the Pacific, focussing on Vanuatu.
• Dr Christo Moskovsky : Second language acquisition; bilingualism.
• Dr Åshild Næss : Language description and documentation; Oceanic languages, focussing on languages of Temotu Province, Solomon Islands; typology, with a focus on transitivity and argument structure.
• Dr Bill Palmer : Language description and documentation; Oceanic languages of Pacific, focussing on Bougainville and Solomon Islands; syntax.

How to apply

for graduate study

Associate Professor Bill Palmer

• [email protected]
• Research profile

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

Are you visiting our site from South Asia ? Head to our dedicated page with all the information you need to study at the University of Newcastle. Close

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Applied Linguistics, Doctor of Philosophy

Department of English

College of Arts and Letters

If language is humanity's most useful tool, then applied linguistics, as the study of language, puts that tool to work. The focus of applied linguistics is on trying to resolve language-based issues that people encounter in the real world (Grabe 2002). This dissertation-based degree allows students to customize their coursework and research around such areas as second language studies, teaching and assessment of language skills, corpus linguistics, grammar and discourse, pragmatics, psycholinguistics, and speech perception and production.

University Requirements

To receive a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, from one or more disciplines, ranging from at least 60 - 109 units of graduate-level courses. Most plans require research, a dissertation, and comprehensive exams. All plans have residency requirements regarding time spent on the Flagstaff campus engaged in full-time study. The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Purpose Statement

PhD students pursue a diverse range of applied linguistic issues in preparation for their careers as researchers, teacher trainers, or leaders in fields related to teaching and learning second languages, including:

• computer-assisted language learning (CALL)
• corpus linguistics
• grammar and discourse
• language planning and policy
• language testing and program evaluation
• language variation
• literacy       
• register analysis
• second language acquisition
• second language teaching and learning
• speech perception and production

Our faculty work closely with individual students, helping them to develop as colleagues in applied linguistics. As a result, our PhD students have outstanding records of publication and participation in major conferences such as TESOL and AAAL. Graduates of our program have also been highly successful at obtaining tenure-track faculty positions at major universities. Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the PhD in Applied Linguistics, students will have:

• Advanced critical and analytical knowledge of the structure and uses of the English language, English language discourse processes and genres, the development of second language learning processes in their diverse cultural contexts, and the assessment of both language program effectiveness and individual language proficiency.
• Ability to address issues of language learning in real world settings
• Ability to address both language program effectiveness and individual language proficiency.
• Ability to contribute to innovative and effective English language teaching practices in the State of Arizona and elsewhere.
• Ability to integrate use of technology into language instruction and research.
• Ability to synthesize information and approaches across a range of core topics in Applied Linguistics, such as language acquisition, language in society, English grammar, and the development of language curricula and programs.
• Understanding of the many issues relevant to cross-cultural communication.
• Comprehensive preparation and professional orientation for advanced research in PhD programs.
• Ability to design, conduct, analyze, and interpret original and important empirical research.
• Ability to contribute as active professionals in Applied Linguistics and related fields.
• Expertise and qualifications to contribute significantly in professorial positions to the growth and development of Applied Linguistics.

Graduate Admission Information

The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College. Admission requirements include the following:

• Transcripts.
• Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.

Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies. Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy .

Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

• GRE® revised General Test
• Two letters of recommendation
• Writing Sample
• Personal statement or essay
• Resume or curriculum vitae

Official TOEFL iBT/IELTS scores taken within the last 2 years are required for international applicants. Please see department website for information regarding minimum score requirements.

Doctoral Requirements

This Doctoral degree requires 81 units distributed as follows:

• Master's-level Coursework: 36 units
• Statistics Coursework: 9 units
• Seminars: 9 units
• Graduate Electives: 12 units
• Dissertation: 15 units

Take the following 81 units:

Master's-level Coursework (36 units)

• Coursework relevant to your research interests. (36 units)

Statistics Coursework (9 units)

• Prerequisite: Admission to TESL M.A. or Applied Linguistics Ph.D.">ENG 668 , Prerequisite: ENG 668">ENG 768
• Approved PhD Seminars

Seminars (9 units)  

Graduate Electives (12 units)

• Graduate electives, chosen in consultation with your dissertation committee. (12 units)

Dissertation (15 units)

• ENG 799 , for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved dissertation (15 units)
• 15 units of dissertation credit may be applied to your degree; however, you may end up taking additional units since you must enroll each term while you're working on your dissertation.

Additional Information

In addition, you must:

• Complete a screening process.
• Complete a qualifying exam.
• Fulfill Northern Arizona University's residency requirements (For more information about residency and other requirements that pertain to this degree, see the policy on Requirements for the Doctoral Degree, PhD .
• Pass an oral exam on your dissertation (Dissertation Defense).

Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

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• PhD and Doctoral Study
• Newcastle University
• Postgraduate

What is a PhD and Doctorate?

A PhD – which stands for Doctor of Philosophy - is a doctoral degree that emphasises research in a specific field. It’s characterised by its theoretical orientation and requires research efforts to contribute to new knowledge. 

In contrast, the term doctorate degree serves as a broad category encompassing various doctoral-level degrees. This category can be divided into two main types: academic (PhD) and professional. 

Doctorates are the highest level of degree you can earn, meaning that you have mastered a specific area of study. 

Types of courses 

You might be considering the difference between a doctorate and a PhD, and if there are any other study options. 

In some areas of study, you can decide between a professional doctorate and a PhD. For example, you could earn a PhD in Education or a Doctor of Education (EdD). At Newcastle, we offer three types of doctoral study: PhDs, Integrated PhDs (IPHDs) and Professional doctorates. Find out what each one means, below. 

PhDs at Newcastle 

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) concentrates on original research that makes significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. Your research will enable you to become an expert in your chosen topic. It requires a significant time commitment, usually three years full time. 

You'll develop your project with help from an academic supervisor or team of supervisors. This could be theoretical or involve working with an industrial partner to develop new products. It depends on your subject and research interests. 

To complete a PhD you will produce a piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. It should show evidence of originality and be suitable for publication. 

You'll attend research training sessions and carry out independent research with advice and supervision provided by a designated academic team.  

PhDs are awarded in all subject areas. For professionally qualified doctors, an MD (Doctor of Medicine) is awarded. 

Integrated PhDs at Newcastle 

Our Integrated PhDs (IPhDs) address changes in the knowledge and skills demanded of PhD graduates. They are flexible, practical programmes, which combine advanced training in research skills with original research. 

Each integrated PhD contains: 

a significant and tailored taught component 

an annual assessment 

a research project written up as a thesis 

The taught component is the main difference between the IPhD and a standard PhD programme. 

Lasting from three to four years full time, some IPhDs can be taken part-time over a longer period. 

IPhDs are intended for middle or senior level managers that may work in public or private sector organisations. A broad and advanced knowledge base is required, as well as an understanding of disciplinary enquiry. 

Integrated PhDs at Newcastle include: 

Computer Science  

Educational and Applied Linguistics  

Engineering and Science in the Marine Environment  

Linguistics and English Language  

Phonetics and Phonology  

Professional doctorates 

Professional doctorates are different from other doctoral awards. They fulfil the formal training required for particular professions. 

They are practical programmes combining original research with taught modules and work placements. The balance between these components varies depending on the requirements of the profession. 

The main difference between a professional doctorate and a PhD is the focus on work-based practice. This is contrast to research in an academic context. Your research project will be informed by your professional practice. 

Professional doctorates at Newcastle include: 

Doctorate of Education  

Educational Psychology  

Why study a PhD or Doctorate Newcastle University? 

With an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, we’ve been recognised as a global top 130 university (QS World University Rankings 2025). Research shows we're one of the UK universities that top graduate employers target the most. We were awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2024).  

When studying a postgraduate research (PGR) degree with us, you’ll be supported through our Doctoral College. This includes: 

a customised research development programme featuring workshops tailored to your academic and career objectives 

career consultations, workshops, and coaching sessions 

participation opportunities in competitions and events 

personalised training needs analysis and research development training provided to each student 

Extra support from our doctoral training centres, faculty training programmes, and award-winning  Research Student Support Team is available throughout your studies with us.