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PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
Sheffield Main
Full Time
Dec 2026
3 Year
The purpose of academic research at doctoral level is to make an original contribution to knowledge. Originality can be demonstrated by the discovery of new facts, by the refutation of an old theory, by advancing a new theory, or by the combination of two or more existing theories - or by some combination of these. Students enrol in the Department as PhD candidates - you cannot apply directly for an MPhil. At a certain stage in your studies, we decide whether you should continue working towards a PhD or enter for a Masters in Philosophy (MPhil). Achieving an MPhil degree demonstrates an excellent knowledge of a field of study or a body of literature, in contrast to the level of originality demanded by a PhD.
