Research Higher Degrees offered by the FGS-SUSL are designed to provide research training in a manner that fosters the development of independent research skills in candidates. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes are advanced postgraduate degrees undertaken by research only and lead to advanced academic and theoretical knowledge in a specialist area. Both programmes are available in full and part-time modes.
Research higher degree candidates are required to make an original contribution to knowledge or understanding in their fields of study and meet recognised international standards for such work. Research should be conducted with a high level of skill in analysis and critical evaluation and should provide evidence that the candidate is familiar with and has employed the most suitable research methods and other procedures in their studies.
The intended Learning Outcomes of the MPhil Programme are that graduates will:
- Have up-to-date and in-depth knowledge in their area of specialization;
- Have acquired analytical and presentational skills appropriate to a wide range of professional activities enabling them to undertake research independently;
- Be able to integrate the literature in their area of specialization;
- Be able to utilise a range of qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods of analysis and equip themselves with the rigorous and ethical research methodologies needed to conduct high-quality research in their area of specialization;
- Be able to present informed arguments consistent with such evidence; and
- Be able to present research findings effectively in both written and oral form while complying with both ethical and academic conventions.
The intended Learning Outcomes of the PhD Programme:
Upon the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Frame questions about complex problems and conduct independent research at a high level to answer those questions;
- Demonstrate knowledge of recent advances in knowledge within a specific field of research;
- Gather evidence of different kinds from different sources, and able to integrate the literature in their area of specialization;
- Analyse and evaluate their own research findings and those of others, and be able to offer critical appraisals of other research in their field;
- Utilise a range of qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods of analysis, and will be equipped with the rigorous, ethical research methodologies needed to conduct high-quality research in their area of specialization;
- Demonstrate the skills of research management, including how to access funding;
- Present informed arguments consistent with evidence; and
- Present research findings effectively in both written and oral form, while complying with both ethical and academic conventions.
