Doctoral Research Programme
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Advanced knowledge. Create original research. Build scholarly impact.
Designed for researchers, academics and experienced professionals seeking to undertake rigorous independent research, make an original contribution to knowledge and complete a doctoral thesis under academic supervision.
3 Years
Standard Programme Duration
PhD by Research
Single Doctoral Pathway
2 Intakes
January & August
Thesis + Viva
Final Doctoral Assessment
Why Choose the PSBU PhD?
Programme Structure
A research-centred doctoral experience built around rigorous independent research and an original contribution to knowledge.
01. Original Contribution
Investigate a significant research problem and generate new knowledge, theory, methods, evidence or interpretation.
02. Independent Research
Investigate a significant research problem and generate new knowledge, theory, methods, evidence or interpretation.
03. Academic Supervision
Progress through the research process with supervision, academic review and doctoral monitoring.
04. Thesis & Viva
Present completed doctoral research in a written thesis and defend the work through the University’s viva-voce process.
Programme Structure
The programme follows a single research pathway from proposal and admission through supervised independent research, thesis submission, independent examination and final viva.
PhD.
Proposal & Admission
Define the research problem, significance, literature context and methodology. Indicative outputs: Application, research proposal, academic documents and Board of Study review.
PhD.
Candidacy & Supervision
Refine the study design, research framework, ethics and implementation plan. Indicative outputs: Supervisor appointment, progress planning and research milestones.
PhD.
Independent Doctoral Research
Collect and analyse evidence, develop arguments and demonstrate originality. Indicative outputs: Research findings, progress reviews and scholarly communication.
PhD.
Thesis & Viva
Integrate the research into a coherent doctoral thesis and defend the contribution. Indicative outputs: Final thesis, independent examination, viva-voce and final submission.
Key Features
Doctoral study built around rigorous research.
– Research-only doctoral pathway focused on independent research and a final thesis.
– Academic supervision and progress monitoring throughout the doctoral research process.
– Original scholarship through advanced theoretical, empirical or applied inquiry.
– Research methodology preparation and development appropriate to the candidate’s field and research design.
– Independent examination of the doctoral thesis by University-appointed examiners.
– Final viva-voce defence of the quality, originality and significance of the research.
Research Areas
Research proposals are considered within the University’s published disciplinary areas and other fields acceptable to PSB University.
Research proposals are considered within the University’s published disciplinary areas and other fields acceptable to PSB University.
Research proposals are considered within the University’s published disciplinary areas and other fields acceptable to PSB University.
Research proposals are considered within the University’s published disciplinary areas and other fields acceptable to PSB University.
Research proposals are considered within the University’s published disciplinary areas and other fields acceptable to PSB University.
Research proposals are considered within the University’s published disciplinary areas and other fields acceptable to PSB University.
Research proposals are considered within the University’s published disciplinary areas and other fields acceptable to PSB University.
Research proposals are considered within the University’s published disciplinary areas and other fields acceptable to PSB University.
Research proposals are considered within the University’s published disciplinary areas and other fields acceptable to PSB University.
Target Audience & Entry Requirements
For academics, researchers, experienced professionals and future academic leaders.
Who Is This Programme For?
– University Academics: Lecturers and academic staff seeking advanced research training and doctoral-level scholarly development.
– Researchers: Candidates seeking to investigate a significant research problem and make an original contribution to knowledge.
– Experienced Professionals: Professionals seeking to apply rigorous doctoral research to complex issues in their sector or discipline.
– Future Academic Leaders: Graduates preparing for advanced careers in research, higher education, policy, consultancy or specialist professional practice.
Standard Entry Requirements
– Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in a related field; or
– Master’s degree in a related field with coursework and a research component at the required doctoral-entry level; or
– Master’s degree in a related field without a research component, subject to successful completion of the required research methodology preparation before commencing doctoral research; or
– Other qualifications accepted by PSB University under the applicable doctoral admission requirements.
Admission decision: Applications are reviewed through the University’s Board of Study process. Doctoral candidateship and supervisor appointment are confirmed following academic review of the applicant and proposed research.
Application & Admission Process
Prepare your doctoral application and progress through academic review.
Application Documents
- Completed PhD application form
- Research proposal
- Summary of academic and research interests
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Supervisor consent, if already agreed (not mandatory at application stage)
Admission Process
- Submit application and supporting documents
- Academic and research proposal review
- Board of Study consideration
- Candidateship decision and supervisor appointment
- Registration in the January or August intake
Applications may be submitted throughout the year; enrolment is organised in January and August intakes.
Programme Learning Outcomes
What PhD graduates should be able to demonstrate.
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrate advanced and systematic understanding of the selected field and its theoretical, conceptual and methodological foundations
Intellectual & Critical Skills
Critically evaluate existing knowledge, synthesise complex evidence and formulate original scholarly arguments.
Advanced Research Skills
Independently design and conduct rigorous doctoral research using appropriate methodologies, analytical techniques and research standards.
Original Contribution
Generate a substantial and defensible contribution to knowledge through the completed doctoral research and thesis.
Scholarly Communication
Communicate complex research findings effectively through academic writing, oral presentation and appropriate scholarly dissemination.
Ethics & Research Practice
Conduct research responsibly and ethically while demonstrating academic integrity, independence and professional scholarly judgement.
Duration & Progression
A structured doctoral journey from proposal confirmation to final award.
Original Contribution
Original Contribution
Standard duration
3 years
Normal extension
Up to 6 years with approval
Annual enrolment points
January & August
Indicative milestones
Proposal confirmation; supervision and research development; progress reviews; thesis preparation; examination and viva.
Assessment Strategy
Independent examination and viva-voce.
The doctoral thesis is assessed by two independent examiners appointed by PSB University. Candidates who satisfy the required assessment conditions proceed to the final viva-voce examination.
The final doctoral decision is based on the quality of the written thesis, the originality and significance of the research contribution, and the candidate’s ability to explain and defend the work before the University-appointed viva panel.
1. Complete the approved doctoral research
2. Submit the final doctoral thesis
3. Independent examiner assessment
4. Viva-voce / oral defence
5. Complete required corrections and final submission
6. University award process
Programme Coordination
Academic and administrative coordination for the international delivery arrangement currently described by PSBU.
Academic Coordination
Responsibilities include application review, candidate selection, supervisor assignment, progress reviews, Board of Study activities, examiner appointment, viva coordination and recommendations for award.
Student Administration
Responsibilities include programme promotion, registration coordination, correspondence with PSBU, programme quality administration and provision of necessary programme facilities.