Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is the highest level of post-graduate degree that provides specialised knowledge in a chosen subject. Selecting the United Kingdom as your study abroad destination for pursuing a PhD program is an excellent career decision as the UK is home to some top-notch universities that offer world-class facilities to conduct research work. So, if you want to know popular UK universities offering PhD programs, PhD requirements in the UK, and other exciting information, this guide is for you.

Key Highlights

• PhD in the UK for Indian students: A brief overview
• Types of PhD in the UK universities
• Popular PhD programs in the UK
• Best universities in the UK for PhD
• PhD admission in the UK: Eligibility criteria
• PhD fees in the UK

PhD in the UK for Indian students: A brief overview
Also referred to as a doctorate, a PhD is an internationally recognised degree that can open rewarding job opportunities across the world, including India.

Mode of study	Full-time and part-time
Course duration	3-5 years full-time 5-6 years part-time
Job profiles offered	Senior Economist, Research Scientist, Associate Professor, Data Scientist
Average Salary	GBP 40,000-GBP 60,000 (~42 lakhs to ~62 lakhs)

Types of PhD in the UK universities

• Standard PhD: This is the most basic type of PhD program in which students discuss research proposals with their supervisors, collect as well as analyse data, and thereafter submit a thesis.
• Integrated PhD: Integrated PhD comprises a 1-year Master’s in Research (MRes) with a 3-year standard PhD program. Over 30 UK universities offer integrated PhD programs to international students.
• Professional PhD: It is one of the most popular types of PhD programs offered in disciplines like Engineering, Education, etc. This PhD program focuses on making students career-ready.
• Distance-learning PhD: This PhD program is ideal for students with a busy schedule but are interested in continuing with higher education.
• PhD by publication: Also known as Higher Doctorate, PhD by publication is for students who have already published their original work, such as books, journal articles, etc. Most UK universities accept their alumni for this kind of a PhD program.

Popular PhD programs in the UK

As per preferences, students can pursue PhD programs in disciplines like Philosophy, Mathematics, Economics, and Sociology, to name a few. However, some of the most popular PhD programs in the UK are as follows:

• PhD Psychology, UK: This program focuses on clinical psychology and therapies and other treatments. The course includes the study of the human brain, personality, and attitude, among other things.
• PhD in Computer Science: This doctorate-level course comprises the study of Computer Science and related aspects like Machine Learning, Data Mining, etc. The program prepares students for high-profile jobs.
• PhD in Architecture: The program provides in-depth knowledge of planning, designing, and constructing buildings after considering the social, technological, and economic aspects.

Best universities in the UK for PhD

S.No.	Name of University	Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University  Rankings 2023	Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking 2023
1	University of Cambridge	1	2
2	University of Oxford	2	1
3	Imperial College London	3	3
4	University of Edinburgh	5	5
5	University of Manchester	6	8
6	London School of Economics & Political Science	8	7
7	University of Bristol	9	9
8	University of Warwick	10	11
9	University of Southampton	11	13
10	University of Glasgow	12	10

PhD admission in the UK: Eligibility requirements

International students need to meet university-specific requirements to secure admission to a PhD program in a reputed UK university. The basic requirements are as follows:

• A master’s degree from a recognised university
• Academic transcripts (bachelor’s degree and other certificates)
• English proficiency test scores of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Research proposal (providing information about your topic of research, the intention of the research, and how to conduct it)
• Relevant work experience
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume

PhD fees in the UK

The cost of studying PhD in the UK includes tuition fees and the cost of living. On average, the annual PhD fees in the UK for Indian students range from GBP 15,000 to GBP 30,000 (~INR 15 lakh to 31 lakh). The cost of living includes food, accommodation, transportation, and other related expenses. The monthly cost of living in the UK ranges from GBP 1,100 to GBP 1,300 (~INR 1.1 lakh to 1.3 lakh).

So, if you are planning to study PhD degree in the UK but facing financial constraints, you can opt for an education loan for abroad studies. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer customised education loans with multiple benefits, including 100% finance and quick loan sanctions. Contact us today to know more about a loan for education.