Post-Graduate Qualifications at UEA, Explained

Wondering what the different types of post-grad degrees mean? From MA to PhD, we break down your options for post-graduate school.

There are many different types of post-graduate research degree. Each has its own type of qualification and an abbreviation to go with it. The University of East Anglia offers post-graduate programs for each of the following types, so you're sure to find the right education to help you reach your goals.

Master's by research

A master's by research is a short, twelve-month full-time or two-year part-time research programme, with the results written up in an original research thesis of up to 40,000 words. Assessment of your thesis will be through an oral examination by experts within your field of research.

Undertaking a master's by research degree can be done for a range of reasons, but some of the typical reasons include:

• To gain additional laboratory skills or experience
• To prepare for a PhD – i.e. allowing you to gain important skills you'll need to go on to study for a PhD such as thesis writing, research training, undertaking your viva
• Having the opportunity to work with like-minded researchers and professionals, such as post-docs, PhD students and laboratory technicians

Learn more about master's by research at UEA.

MD — Doctor of Medicine

The Doctor of Medicine programme consists of either a two-year full-time or four-year part-time period of academic research. The programme is designed to allow clinicians-in-training to conduct research outside of their professional training. By the end of your programme, you will have produced a thesis of 65,000 words, which will be assessed through an oral examination.

The revised full-time degree programme has been aligned more effectively with the three-year timeframe available to you as a clinician during your training, to conduct "out of programme" research. This provides candidates with a structure that supports and facilitates completion of the research project and the writing of the doctoral thesis for examination within this timeframe.

Learn more about the MD program at UEA.

PhD

A three-year full-time or six-year part-time degree during which you will contribute to the development of understanding and new knowledge within your field. You will produce an original research thesis of up to 100,000 words, assessed through an oral examination by experts within your field of research.

PhD programs are typically undertaken after completing a master's degree in your field of interest.

PhD by publication

This programme is designed for an experienced researcher who can evidence extensive active research effort in their field and, through published work, a contribution to the development and understanding of your subject area. The PhD by publication course is part-time and is assessed through a selection of published work, a critical analysis of your publications and oral examination.

The PhD by publication is an accelerated, part-time PhD award intended for those who have carried out extensive research over a significant period of time and have a number of publications arising from this work which have already been published in high-quality journals.

Learn more about earning a PhD by publication at UEA.

ClinPsyD — Doctor of Clinical Psychology

The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is a three-year full-time professional course that comprises both academic and clinical components. Trainees are employed as trainee clinical psychologists by one of our local NHS Foundation Trusts. Successful completion of the course gives eligibility to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council for registration to practise as a Clinical Psychologist.

UEA's mission is to produce high calibre clinicians who, through the application of theory, knowledge and research, can dedicate their clinical careers to making a positive difference in the lives of people in distress. Joining a profession that works with people at vulnerable times to empower them to realise change is a huge privilege.

Learn more about the ClinPsyD at UEA.

EdPsyD — Doctor of Educational Psychology

The Doctorate in Educational Psychology involves theory, practice and research. You will combine a broad range of psychological theories, framed within the principles of critical pedagogy, psychology and social justice. Successful completion of the course gives eligibility to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council for registration to practise as an Educational Psychologist.

The newest of only 13 programmes in England, this programme was established to meet demand for qualified Educational Psychologists in the East of England.

Learn more about the EdPsyD at UEA.

ProfD — Professional Doctorate

The part-time five-year Doctorate in Health and Social Care interdisciplinary, post-graduate-level research programme is designed to help working practitioners develop the skills needed to lead evidence-based interventions.

The Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care (ProfD HaSC) is an interdisciplinary, post-graduate level research programme that has been designed to meet the needs of senior health and social care practitioners who wish to develop and lead evidence-based interventions within their own sphere of practice. The course is part time, with six taught workshops a year, independent study and regular doctoral supervision.

The ProfD HaSC has a start date every other year. The next start date will be in October 2023, to be confirmed.

Learn more about the ProfD at UEA.

Of course, there are even more designations out there, depending on your field of study. Engineering, nursing, and more — many professions have their own distinct post-graduate credentials and requirements.

Hopefully the above has given you a sense of what you could expect from your post-graduate experience at the University of East Anglia! We'd love to hear from you, either via our live chat, or the enquiry form. We're happy to help you make sense of your post-grad options.