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Distance Learning
Distance Learning PhD
The College of Social Science is pleased to offer expanded opportunities for study towards a PhD by Distance Learning in five units including the Department of Sociology. [Click on this link for more information about the College of Social Science]
Applications
Accepting applications now for registration in October 2012 or after, the PhD by Distance Learning is designed to offer an additional mode of study to those who seek a PhD but would find it difficult to fulfil the requirements of full or part-time study on campus.
Research Proposal
Successful applicants for this programme will require a good quality research proposal as a key condition of entry. [Click on this link for guidance on writing this proposal] They must also meet the standard University and departmental requirements. [Click on this link for more information on these requirements for Sociology and on the application procedure] They will be assigned supervision from the relevant department.
Research Training
All Distance Learning PhD candidates, regardless of department, will initially undertake a structured programme of research training over the course of 12 months. The research training will consist of four mandatory modules, delivered through a combination of module books and interactive tasks, readings and discussion on the University’s Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE).
Following the completion of the research training, you will begin to focus solely on your proposed thesis, with supervisory support provided by telephone or electronically.
Advanced Postgraduate (APG) Review
You will only be expected to visit the Leicester campus for your Advanced Postgraduate (APG) review which must be completed after 24 months of registration. The APG review represents the end of this probationary period and allows your department to assess your overall suitability as a research student based on your performance over the two years. The department then makes a recommendation on the degree for which you should register (in most cases this would be a PhD) and your eventual viva. You will not be required to visit campus at any other time during your registration, although you will be both encouraged and welcome to do so (to meet your supervisors and fellow students and to attend additional training events.) The minimum period of registration for the Distance Learning PhD is four years and the maximum is six years.
