PhD
Students wishing to pursue a PhD (doctorate) research degree are initially registered either at MPhil or MLitt level, depending on previous qualifications and experience. They then follow a system of 'upgrading', which involves an assessment of the student's suitability to proceed to a higher level of study. At each stage of upgrade the assessment requires a written submission and a viva examination. Normally the MLitt, as a degree in its own right, is completed within three years full time, but students may upgrade to the PhD up to two years after registration for the MLitt, after which they have a maximum of up to two further years full time study to complete their PhD. It is possible to study for a PhD part time, which may take from six to eight years to proceed through the MLitt to completion of a PhD.
All postgraduate research degree students are assigned an internal supervisor, who is a Trinity College or Baptist College faculty member, and an expert in the field of the student's dissertation topic. Their role is to advise, guide and encourage the student in their research. It is possible to study a research degree from a distance or from abroad, in which case it is necessary to have a suitably qualified supervisor in the place where the student is located. Students who choose to do their research at a distance or from abroad are expected to come to the college at least six weeks per year (three weeks if part time) to connect with the college and its community.