PhD Programs in UK: Top Universities, Duration, Application Process 

The UK is known for its diverse academic PhD courses in subjects such as Mathematics, Accounting, Management, Science, Law, and Economics. Infact, there are more than three thousand PhD programs in UK, providing students with top-quality education in their preferred field of study. The average duration of these courses is 3-5 years full-time and 2-8 years part-time. Whereas, their average fees can range between £20,000 to £40,750. The best part is that international students can relieve some of their financial burden through PhD scholarships in UK. Sounds interesting? 

There is more to it. In this blog, you will find a complete list of PhD programs in UK, their duration, fees, and the list of best universities to study in UK. Let’s begin.

Name of the course	PhD Programs
Study level	Post-graduate research degree
Duration	Full-time: 3-5 years Part-time: 2-8 years
Study mode	On-campus Distance learning
Top subjects	Mathematics, Accounting, Economics, Science, Management, Law, Nursing, Psychology
Average fees	£20,000 to £30,750

List of Popular PhD Programs in UK for International Students

The UK allows students to pursue a PhD degree in various subjects, according to their field of interest and academic background. In this blog, you will find a compiled list of the best and most popular PhD programs in UK for international students.

Additionally, you will read about their part-time and full-time durations as well as their yearly fees. Each of these programs offers students a chance to conduct advanced research and development. Here is a list of all the PhD subjects covered in this blog: 

1. Education
2. Accounting and Finance
3. Economics
4. Mathematics
5. Science
6. Chemistry
7. Physics 
8. Engineering 
9. English and Literature
10. Management
11. Law
12. Nursing
13. Pharmacy
14. Psychology
15. Philosophy 

PhD Programs in UK – Education

PhD in Education is offered as a full-time and part-time course in the UK. It prepares students for research and teaching roles in the field of education by providing them with theoretical knowledge and relevant skills. The average duration of PhD in Education in UK is 3-5 years whereas the average fee is £17,550 –  £25,290.

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Bristol	PhD Education	Full-time: Up to 4 years Part-time: Up to 8 years	£20,700
University of Birmingham	Education PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	Full-time: £21,360 Part-time: £10,680
University of Glasgow	Education PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 5 years	£25,290
University of Leicester	Education including Applied Linguistics PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 7 years	£17,550 – £19,700
University of Nottingham	Education PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£23,000
University of Bath	Education PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 6 years	NA
Queen University Belfast	Education PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 6-8 years	£20,500

PhD Accounting & Finance Program in UK

A PhD in Accounting and Finance provides students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of finance, accounting, taxation, and other related subjects. The average duration of courses in this field is 3-6 years, depending on whether you are pursuing it full-time or part-time.

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Glasgow	Accounting & Finance PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 5 years	£25,290
Durham University	PhD in Accounting	Full-time: 3 years + 1 writing-up year	NA
Lancaster University	Accounting and Finance PhD	Full-time: 4-5 years	£20,790
University of Birmingham	PhD in Accounting	Full-time: 3 years	£23,520
Lancaster University	Accounting and Finance PhD	Full-time: 4-5 years	NA
University of Liverpool	Accounting and Finance PhD	Full-time: 2-4 years Part-time: 4-6 years	Full-time: £23,400 – £29,750 Part-time: £11,700 – £14,900

Also Read: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students

PhD Economics Program in UK 

A PhD in Economics or Doctor of Philosophy in Economics is a postgraduate research program. It is the highest qualification in the field of economics which grants students a doctor-level degree. Moreover, it is a great option for students who wish to pursue a career as an economist. The average duration of PhD in Economics in UK is around 3-5 years in full-time and 5-6 years in part-time.

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Oxford	DPhil in Economics	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 8 years	NA
University of Bath	EconomicsPhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 6 years	NA
University of Nottingham	PhD Economics	Full-time: 1 + 4 years	£23,000
University of Birmingham	PhD Economics	Full-time: 4 years (3 years for students with a taught MSc)	£23,520
University of Glasgow	Economics PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 5 years	£25,290
Lancaster University	Economics PhD	Full-time: 4-5 years	£20,790
Cardiff University	PhD in Economics	Full-time: 4 years	NA

PhD Mathematics in UK

PhD in Mathematics in UK is a doctorate program. It is designed to equip students with the relevant skills and knowledge in the field of mathematics. Moreover, it may include courses in applied and pure mathematics such as computation methods, statistics, and mathematical analysis. 

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Birmingham	Applied Mathematics PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£21,360
University of Nottingham	Mathematics PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 8 years	£23,000
Lancaster University	Mathematics PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 4-7 years	Full-time: £26,492 Part-time: £13,246
University of Glasgow	Mathematics PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 6-8 years	£30,240
University of Bath	Mathematics PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 6 years	NA
Cardiff University	Mathematics PhD	Full-time: 3.5 years Part-time: 5 years	NA
University of Leicester	Mathematics PhD	Full-time: 3 – 3.5 years Part-time: 6 – 6.5 years	£33,250

Also Read: Unique Courses to Study in UK for Indian Students

PhD in Science, Chemistry, and Physics in UK

In this table, you will find a list of PhD courses in Science, Chemistry, and Physics in the UK. The average duration of these courses in part-time is 4-8 years whereas the duration in full-time is between 3-4 years. The exact duration and fee of these courses also depend on your university and other factors.

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Cambridge	PhD in Biological Science (EBI)	Full-time: 3.5 – 4 years	£56,083 (estimated)
University of Nottingham	Chemistry PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 8 years	£32,400 – £38,400
University of Nottingham	Biosciences PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 8 years	£32,400
Lancaster University	PhysicsPhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 4-7 years	Full-time: £26,492 Part-time: £13,246
Lancaster University	Biological Science	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 4-7 years	Full-time: £26,492 Part-time: £13,246
University of Glasgow	Chemistry PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 6-8 years	£30,240
University of Nottingham	Physics PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 8 years	£30,750
University of Glasgow	Biochemistry & Biotechnology PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 5 years	£30,240
Lancaster University	Chemistry PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 4-7 years	Full-time: £26,492 Part-time: £13,246
University of Birmingham	Earth Sciences PhD	Full-time: 3 years	£27,360
University of Bath	Chemistry PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 6 years	NA

PhD Engineering Programs in UK 

A PhD degree in Engineering in UK is a doctoral degree, specifically created to provide students with expertise and knowledge in different engineering fields. It is a 3-5 years Doctorate degree for candidates who have completed their graduation and postgraduate studies in the same field. The common subjects covered in such courses include computing, software systems, and other specialised areas.  

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Cambridge	PhD in Computer Science	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 5-7 years	£56,083 (estimated)
University of Birmingham	Chemical Engineering PhD	Full-time: 4 years	£27,360
University of Nottingham	Chemical Engineering PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years	£23,000 – 30,750
University of Birmingham	Civil Engineering PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£27,360
University of Glasgow	Biomedical Engineering PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 6-8 years	£30,240
Queen’s University Belfast	Chemical Engineering	Full-time: 3 years	£25,600
University of Leicester	Engineering PhD	Full-time: 3 – 3.5 years Part-time: 6 – 6.5 years	£23,560 – £33,250

Also Read: Study Abroad Packing List for UK for International Students

PhD English and Literature in UK

If you want to work in academia or research, you may pursue a PhD in English and Literature. It can be a 3 to 8 years long degree, depending on whether you pursue it full-time or part-time. Moreover, it may include a wide range of topics such as literary criticism, African-American literature, Renaissance literature, and more. 

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Birmingham	English Literature PhD	Full-time: 3 years	£21,840
University of Glasgow	Comparative Literature PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 5 years	£25,290
University of Nottingham	English PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 8 years	£23,000
University of Oxford	DPhil in Classical Languages and Literature	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 6-8 years	NA
Lancaster University	English Literature PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 4-7 years	Full-time: £21,082 Part-time: £10,541
University of Birmingham	Drama and Theatre Studies PhD	Full-time- 3 years	Full-time: £21,840 Part-time: £10,920 (distance learning)
University of Liverpool	English PhD	Full-time: 2-4 years Part-time: 4- years	Full-time: £23,400 – £29,750 Part-time: £11,700 – £14,900

PhD Management in UK

Students who want to pursue a PhD in Management in UK spend about 3-4 years studying business management and administration. Depending on the university, course, and mode of study, the average cost of PhD Management can range from £18,600 to £28,250.

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Birmingham	PhD Management	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£23,520
University of Birmingham	PhD Health Services Management	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	Full-time: £21,360 Distance learning: £10,680
University of Glasgow	Management PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£25,290
Lancaster University	Management (Entrepreneurship and Strategy) PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years	£20,790
University of Strathclyde Glasgow	Design, manufacturing & engineering management PhD	Full-time: 3 – 3.5 years	£28,250
Queen’s University Belfast	Management PhD	Full-time: 3 years	£20,500
Oxford Brookes University	Business and Management PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 4-6 years	Full-time: £18,600 Part-time: £9,300

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK in 2024?

PhD Law in UK

A PhD degree in Law is the highest academic degree in the field of law. Students who wish to pursue this degree must prepare themselves to conduct intensive research under faculty guidance. The average duration of this course in UK can be 3-4 years full-time and 5-6 years part-time. 

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Birmingham	Law PhD	Full-time: 3 years	Full-time: £21,840 Part-time: £10,920
University of Glasgow	Law PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 5 years	£25,290
University College London	Law PhD	Full-time: 3 years	£25,900
University of Nottingham	Law PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£23,000
Lancaster University	Law PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 4-7 years	Full-time: £21,082 Part-time: £10,541
University of Liverpool	Law PhD	Full-time: 2-4 years Part-time: 4-6 years	Full-time: £23,400 – £29,750  Part-time: £11,700 – £14,900
University of Aberdeen	Law PhD	Full-time: 3 years	NA
University of Strathclyde	Law PhD	Full-time: 3 years	£18,050

PhD in Nursing and Pharmacy in UK

A PhD in Nursing prepares students to pursue careers in academic settings, research, and pharmaceutical science. Similarly, a PhD in Pharmacy is an advanced degree that prepares students to work in the public sector and examine different aspects of healthcare management. 

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
University of Birmingham	Nursing PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£21,360
Queen’s University Belfast	Nursing & Midwifery PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 6-8 years	£20,500
University of Birmingham	Pharmacy PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£27,360
University of Nottingham	Nursing Studies PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 6-8 years	£23,000
University of Bath	Pharmacy and Pharmacology PhD	Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 6 years	NA

Also Read: UK Student Visa Interview Questions

PhD in Psychology and Philosophy

Students can find a combined PhD degree in Psychology and Philosophy or individual courses as well. This doctoral degree may provide students with knowledge of both or individual disciplines. Their duration is generally 3-7 years, depending on the university and course shortlisted. 

University	Course	Duration	Fees per year
Lancaster University	Psychology PhD	Full-time: 3-4 years Part-time: 4-7 years	Full-time: £21,082 Part-time: £10,541
University of Nottingham	Philosophy PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£23,000
University of Birmingham	Psychology PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years	£23,520
University of Glasgow	Philosophy & Psychology PhD	Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 5 years	£25,290
Queen’s University Belfast	Philosophy PhD	Full-time: 3 years	£25,600

Top 10 Universities to Study PhD Programs in UK

Here is a list of the top 10 universities in UK to study PhD programs along with their QS Rank and average fee. If the vast number of options are confusing you, then this table might help. 

Best UK University for PhD	QS Rank 2025
University of Bristol	54
University of Glasgow	78
University of Oxford	3
University of Cambridge	5
Lancaster University	141
University of Nottingham	108
Queen’s University Belfast	26
University of Birmingham	80
Durham University	89
University of Nottingham	108

Also Read: Best Cheapest Universities In UK for Indian Students

Admission Process for PhD Programs in UK

The exact admission requirements to study PhD in England can vary depending on your course, university, and mode of study. This is because different universities may have different requirements for admitting international students. Therefore, you must check the official website of their preferred university and course to get the exact details. Here are the general admission requirements to study PhD in UK.

Entry Requirements

Some universities such as the University of BATH also compensate a strong performance at the Master’s level for a weaker one at the Bachelor’s level.

• You must have a 2:1 or higher Bachelor’s degree with honours or its equivalent in the relevant subject
• You must have a Master’s degree in the relevant subject area
• You must also demonstrate English proficiency in IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

Also Read: What are the Requirements to Study in UK?

List of Documents Required

Along with satisfying the minimum entry requirements, you must also provide the following documents to gain admission to any of the PhD programs in UK. These documents help the admission department of your preferred university to evaluate your academic background. Here is a list of documents required to study abroad for international students:

• A filled-out application form
• Academic transcripts of all educational institutions attended 
• A detailed research proposal
• Proof of English Proficiency  
• 2-3 referrals or recommendation letters
• A comprehensive CV or Resume

Application Process

The exact application process to study PhD courses in UK varies from university to university. Below we have provided a general outline of the same to help you understand the process better.

Step 1: Find the university and course

Te first step while applying for any of the PhD programs in UK is to identify the right university and course. Make sure to consider the faculty expertise and university reputation, and that the course aligns with your interests.

Step 2: Find a potential supervisor

Many top universities in the UK require students to find a potential supervisor whose research aligns with their study. Reach out to the supervisor to ensure the availability of opportunities, research areas, and their availability to supervise your project. 

Step 3: Review entry requirements

Once you have shortlisted the university, course, and supervisor, move on to reviewing entry requirements. Ensure that you meet the minimum academic requirements including the level of study required, English language proficiency, and other additional requirements. 

Step 4: Prepare a research proposal

Next, write a detailed research proposal outlining your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. You must remember that your research proposal is a critical part of your application as it can highlight your academic achievements. 

Step 5: Gather your documents

Make sure that you have all the documents required to apply to UK universities. It will help the university admission committee assess your candidacy for admission. 

Step 6: Start your Application

Once you have all the required documents, you can start your application process in no matter of time. 

1. Visit the official website of your preferred university.
2. Find and select the PhD course.
3. Complete your personal information as per the official academic transcripts and documents.  
4. Upload the necessary documents 
5. Pay the required application fee.

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FAQs

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