Graduate Research Degrees (also known as Research Higher Degrees) involve sustained independent enquiry, carried out under the direction of a supervising academic. Assessment is predominantly based on a piece of autonomous written work - the research component of these degrees is at least 66%.
A PhD is an independent and sustained research thesis on a particular topic conducted under academic supervision. The research is expected to make a significant new contribution to the discipline. It may contain limited coursework components. Candidates produce an 80,000-word thesis, which is externally examined.
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an internationally recognised masters (by research) degree. Students develop advanced skills in conducting independent and sustained research. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship. Students produce a thesis of approximately 30,000-35,000 words, which is externally examined.