PhD FAQs

Is it possible to study for my PhD part-time?

Yes, you can register for part-time study. We would usually expect full-time students to complete their PhD in 3-4 years (3 years of research plus 1 optional writing-up year), and part-time students to complete in 5 years (4 years of research plus 1 optional writing-up year). Part-time students pay half the full-time tuition fee.

Is it possible to study for a PhD long-distance?

We do not have a formal distance learning setup for PhD students. All students are expected to attend regular meetings with their supervisors on campus, and all students yet to complete the upgrade process (which usually happens around 4 terms into the course for full-time students) are required to attend the department's Research Training Seminar which will take place on campus.

Of course, you may find during the course of your PhD that you need to undertake overseas travel in order to conduct research. This is covered by the UCL policy on study leave and is not the same as distance learning.

How do I apply for PhD funding?

Our students are supported by funding from many different sources. These include UCL scholarships as well as funding from external funding bodies. Further information can be found on the UCL Scholarships and Funding webpage.

Other funding bodies (perhaps in your home country) will have different application processes and we do not manage these applications in-house. If you need a reference or supporting letter from the Arts and Sciences department in order to apply for your external funding, please get in touch with us so that we can help.