Introduction

Research Excellence at the University of Dundee

The title of 'The UK's fastest developing university for Enterprise and Innovation' aptly sums up what Dundee is all about. The University has a long and distinguished heritage of pioneering research. Our contribution to knowledge in subjects as diverse as medicine, microelectronics, fine art and design, digital media, engineering, law, dentistry and even space exploration is recognised throughout academic circles in the UK and beyond.

Even if you cannot quite place Dundee on the map you will have heard of RADAR, keyhole surgery, beta-blockers, LCD displays and anti-cancer drugs. Well, our staff were responsible for developing these and many more areas of ground-breaking research. On our staff there are four Knights including two of the most cited scientists in the UK, one Life Peer, and eight Fellows of The Royal Society.

Research across the University from Art and Design to Mathematics, from Civil Engineering to Law, and from Dentistry to History, has been classified at 'international excellence' level. But it is for its medical and biomedical research that the University is probably best known. We are very hopeful of making a real breakthrough in tackling cancer, diabetes and diseases affecting the immune system.

One of Dundee's strengths is bringing together staff from different areas to focus their collective expertise on finding solutions. One such example paired keyhole surgery pioneer, Professor Sir Alfred Cuschieri, with Professor Sir David Lane, discoverer of p53 (the protein controlling cell growth), to use keyhole surgery to target anti-cancer drugs developed from the p53 discovery directly at cancerous tumours.

Dundee is the only Scottish University to figure in the rankings of star scientists compiled by data research company, Evidence. Three of our scientists, Sir Philip Cohen, Sir David Lane and Professor Peter Downes, all in the biomedical field, have been named in the UK's top twenty. Sir Philip was recently named as the world's second most quoted bioscientist for his pioneering diabetes research.

It is equally reassuring to know you'll be working under the supervision of an acknowledged expert in your field. Thanks to our Code of Practice for Supervised Research, you can also look forward to receiving regular guidance and support throughout your studies.

We go to great lengths to ensure you never feel isolated or lacking direction. For example, we have some programmes of training in research methodology to complement the help available at departmental level from your supervisor and other members of staff.

Studying for a Research Degree at the University of Dundee

Studying for a research degree offers the exciting prospect of working at the frontiers of knowledge under the supervision of an expert and in the company of equally enthusiastic and dedicated fellow researchers.

The normal period of study - on a full-time basis - for completing a Doctorate (normally a PhD) is three years and for a Masters by research one year. Part-time students will take longer, see the table below.

Higher degrees by directed research may be pursued in any of the departments or schools of the University and in any of the topics listed in research interests.

Within each academic school, the Dean has responsibility for the direction of its research including the appointment of supervisors for each research student. Supervisors are responsible for organising a suitable programme of study for the student, for ensuring the student's research is proceeding along profitable lines and at a later stage for offering advice on the contents of the student's thesis.

Research studies normally commence with a probationary period (of up to two semesters) during which the student's progress as well as the suitability of the proposed research topic can be more fully assessed. All being well the student is then registered for a specific higher degree with credit for the probationary period.

Our Code of Practice for Supervised Research, which is issued to all new research students, ensures that they receive regular guidance and support throughout their studies and need never feel isolated or lacking direction. For example, we offer some programmes of training in research methodology to complement the help available from your supervisor and other members of staff.

For an explanation of the UK research ratings check the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) Gradings page.

For details on fees and funding opportunities, check the Fees and Funding page.

Standard Periods of Study for Research Degrees

	Full time	Part time
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)	3 years	5 years
Masters by Research (MPhil)	2 years	4 years
Masters by Research (MSc)	1 year	2 years

This summary is intended for general guidance. Periods of study can vary in some cases depending on a student's previous studies.