PhD in UK, also referred to as a doctorate, is a 3-5 years full-time and 5-6 years part-time degree. The minimum admission requirement for PhD in UK is to have a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree or a masters degree with a minimum of 70%, IELTS score of 7.0 or above or a TOEFL score of 100+. While applying for a PhD in UK you will need to submit a research proposal in the field of research you are applying for.
The average annual tuition fee for pursuing PhD in UK at the top universities is 20,000 GBP- 50,000 GBP (20-50 Lakh INR) and the average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) per year. The opportunities after studying in UK universities are vast. Almost 87% of the Ph.D. students start working after graduation and earn an average pay of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (40-60 Lakh INR) per annum.
PhD in UK: Top Universities
International students are attracted to the high-quality education offered by the top universities in UK. According to the QS Ranking of 2024, 5 universities in the UK rank among the top 50 universities across the world. The following table lists some of the top universities offering PhD in UK:
| Qs Rankings 2024 | University | Program | Application Deadline | Annual Tuition Fees (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #2 | University of Cambridge | Aerosol Science, Architecture, Archaeology, Biochemistry, Clinical Medicine, Economics, Law, Medical Science, Oncology, Surgery | 16 May 2024 | 25,000 - 55,000 |
| #3 | University of Oxford | Computer Science, Engineering Science, Law, Economics, Philosophy,Clinical Medicine, Astrophysics | 25 January 2024 | 25,000 - 30,000 |
| #6 | Imperial College London | Chemical Engineering, Physics, Business, Brain Science, Mechanical Engineering | 15 April 2024 | 20,000 - 40,000 |
| #22 | University of Edinburgh | Nursing Studies, Management, Engineering, Socio-cultural Studies, Economics, Accounting, Finance | 15 July 2024 | 24,800- 29,700 |
| #32 | University of Manchester | Accounting and Finance, Criminology, Architecture, Law, Mathematics, Petroleum Engineering, Sociology, Computer Science | 19 January 2024 | 27,000-40,500 |
Why Study PhD in UK?
- PhD graduates from UK universities have a high employability rate, with 82% of them in employment or further study within six months of graduation, Higher Education Statistics Agency.
- The UK has some of the world's best universities, and many of these institutions are highly ranked for their PhD programs. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the UK has 3 universities in the top ten for graduate employability, and five universities in the top 40 for graduate employability.
- The opportunities after studying in UK universities are vast. Almost 87% of the Ph.D. students start working after graduation and earn an average pay of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (40-60 Lakh INR) per annum.
- UK universities offer cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students have access to world-class resources and expertise, allowing them to undertake innovative research in their chosen fields.
PhD in UK: Admissions
Depending on the institution and the particular school, the admission requirements for PhD in UK may change, but they typically include academic credentials, English language proficiency, and work experience. In the section below the detailed admission requirements for top universities offering PhD in UK are given.
PhD in UK: Eligibility Criteria
Admission requirements for a PhD in UK can vary depending on the university and the area of research. However, there are some general admission requirements that most universities will require from applicants:
- Academic Degree- A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study.
- Minimum GPA- The minimum GPA requirement is 3.7 on a scale of 4.0
- English Proficiency Test Score- IELTS: 7.0 or above, TOEFL: 100+.
- Statement of Purpose(SOP)- Submit a 5000 word personal statement outlining their academic and professional background, their reasons for applying to the program, and their career aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)- Applicants are usually required to provide at least 2-3 academic or professional references.
- Research Proposal- A 3000 word research proposal needs to be submitted in the area of research you are applying for.
PhD in UK: Admission Requirements
Following table shows the general admission requirements for getting into a Phd program in the UK universities along with their respective academic requirements and additional document requirements:
| University | Academic Requirement | IELTS Score | Additional Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study. | 7.5 or above | SOP (maximum 1,000 words), 3 LOR (all academic), Resume, Transcript(s) |
| Imperial College London | A 4-year Bachelor or Master’s with 70% grades may be accepted for entry to Masters or Research. | 7.0 or above | SOP, 2 LOR (minimum 1 academic), Resume, Transcript(s) |
| University of Cambridge | Professional Bachelor's (at least 4 years) in professional subject from a Well-Ranked Institution with an overall grade of 75% or CGPA 8.0+. | 7.0 or above | SOP, 2 LOR (minimum 1 academic), Resume, Transcript(s), Research Proposal |
| University of Manchester | A minimum of a three-year degree and who have obtained First Class at a reputable university or have completed a three-year degree with First Class, and also obtained a master's, both from reputable universities with minimum grade of 70% | 7.0 or above | SOP, 2 LOR (all academic), Resume, Transcript(s), 3000 word Research Proposal |
| University of Edinburgh | a masters degree in a related or relevant subject, and a research proposal | 7.0 or above | SOP, 2 LOR (all academic), Resume, Transcript(s), Research Proposal |
PhD in UK: Cost of study
United Kingdom is one of the most pursued and sought out countries in the world for international students. The cost of study in UK will include the cost of living and the tuition fees a student is paying for PhD in UK. The cost of study in UK can differ from person to person depending on the university of their choice. The average cost of study in UK ranges from 30,000 GBP to 37,000 GBP (30-37 lakh INR).
PhD in UK: Tuition Fees
A PhD in UK lasts for 3-5 years on a full-time basis depending on the University and the area of research. The following table highlights the annual fees for pursuing PhD in UK universities:
| University | Total Tuition Fees (GBP) | Fee for Indian Students (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 25,000 - 30,000 | 26-31 Lakh |
| Imperial College London | 21,000 - 44,000 | 22-45 Lakh |
| University of Cambridge | 25,000 - 55,000 | 26-57 Lakh |
| University of Manchester | 27,000 - 40,500 | 28-42 Lakh |
| University of Edinburgh | 24,800- 29,700 | 26-32 Lakh |
Cost of Living in UK
The cost of living in UK includes accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, personal expenses etc. The average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP- 24,000 GBP (14-25 lakh INR) per year.
| Likely living costs for 1 month (in GBP) | Likely living costs for 9 months (in GBP) | Likely living costs for 12 months (in GBP) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower range | Upper range | Lower range | Upper range | Lower range | Upper range | |
| Food | 315 | 495 | 2835 | 4,445 | 3,780 | 5,940 |
| Accommodation | 745 | 925 | 6,705 | 8,325 | 8,940 | 11,100 |
| Personal items | 190 | 320 | 1,710 | 2,880 | 2,280 | 3,840 |
| Social activities | 40 | 95 | 360 | 855 | 480 | 1,140 |
| Study costs | 35 | 85 | 315 | 765 | 420 | 1,020 |
| Other | 20 | 35 | 180 | 315 | 240 | 420 |
| Total | 1,345 | 1,955 | 12,105 | 17,595 | 16,140 | 23,460 |
PhD in UK: Scholarships
If you are planning to study in UK for a PhD you should know that it can become heavy on your pocket. For that reason UK universities provide different scholarships in UK for international students to lighten their burden. Following are some of the scholarships offered to international students who are applying for PhD in UK.
| Scholarship | Awarded by (private/government/university) | Eligibility | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Trust Foundation Bursary | University of London | Need Based | A bursary covering full tuition fees or 5,000 GBP subsistence allowance |
| Foundation Degree Scholarship | University of Westminster | A household income of £25,000 or below as assessed by the Student Loans Company. | 1,500 GBP per year towards maintenance costs or tuition fees up to a maximum of four years. |
| International PGT Merit Scholarship | University of Leicester | Merit Based | Degree equivalent to a UK high upper second class degree – 3,000 GBP. Or Degree equivalent to a UK first class degree – 5,000 GBP. |
| University of Edinburgh | School Doctoral Scholarship | Enrolled in Ph.D. in history, classics or archaeology | Course fees (equal to UK/EU rate), 15,009 per year stipend |
| University of Manchester | Research Impact Ph.D. Scholarship | Enrolled in Ph.D. at Department of Humanities; Research Project related to philanthropic research themes | 19,500 per year for 3 years; Additional 1,500 per year |
PhD in UK: Job Opportunities
A PhD graduate earns on an average of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (30-60 Lakh INR) per year in the UK. Most of them go for an academic job especially in the teaching and education sector. According to Prospects UK, over 50% of graduates having PhD in UK are either education or science professionals working in the science and pharmaceutical industry.
Here are some sectors in the where PhD graduates may find job opportunities in UK, along with the percentage of PhD graduates employed in each sector (source: Vitae Researcher Development International):
- Higher Education - 37%
- Business and Industry: 23%
- Government- 16%
- Non-profit Organizations- 10%
- Self Employed- 5%
- Health and Social Care- 5%
- Other Sectors- 4%
Here are some average salaries for various job titles in the UK for PhD holders:
| Job Title | Average Salary (in GBP) | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist | 39,690 | 41.35 lakhs |
| Data Scientist | 46,474 | 48.42 lakhs |
| Postdoctoral Research Associate | 36,286 | 37.80 lakhs |
| Senior Research Scientist, Biotechnology | 41,993 | 43.75 lakhs |
| Senior Research Scientist (Unspecified Type) | 40,835 | 42.54 lakhs |
| Research Associate (Unspecified Type) | 36,879 | 38.42 lakhs |
| Research Engineer | 41,874 | 43.63 lakhs |
Phd in UK: Visa
International students planning to pursue PhD in Uk will require a points-based Student Route visa (previously known as the Tier 4 student visa). To get this visa you must be able to show that you have sufficient money for living costs. The minimum requirements are:
- £1,023 per month if your PhD is based outside London
- £1,334 per month if your PhD is based in London
A student visa requires 70 points. These are awarded to you as follows:
- 50 points – for gaining your confirmation of acceptance for studies
- 10 points – for proving that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your degree
- 10 points – for proving you meet the English language requirements
PhD in UK: Work Permit
Provided you are pursuing a full-time PhD in UK, you may work alongside your project or programme, provided you do not: work for more than 20 hours per week, except during any vacations or in the case of an agreed work placement or internship
PhD in UK: ROI
A UK PhD offers a strong ROI as graduates gain advanced skills leading to higher salaries and diverse career opportunities, offsetting initial costs. The prestige of a UK PhD can boost professional credibility, leading to leadership roles and consulting opportunities, further enhancing ROI.
| University | Annual Tuition Fees (in GBP) | Average Salary (in GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 27,510 - 31,480 | 36,000 |
| Imperial College London | 21,600 - 44,100 | 51,000 |
| University of Cambridge | 29,826 - 37,458 | 39,000 |
| University of Manchester | 27,000 - 40,500 | 35,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | 23,350 - 28,000 | 38,000 |
PhD in UK: Degree Comparison
The following table draws a comparison between PhD in UK vs PhD in USA on the basis of program duration, tuition fees, cost of living, visa, average salary among other parameters.
| Parameter | PhD in UK | PhD in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-5 Years | 4-6 Years |
| Average Annual tuition fees | 20,000 GBP- 50,000 GBP (20-50 Lakh INR) | 20,000 USD- 50,000 USD (16-41 Lakh INR) |
| Cost of living (per month) | 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) | 1,800 USD (1.4 lakh INR) |
| Financial Support | Scholarships, grants, bursaries | Fellowships, assistantships, grants |
| Visa | Student Route Visa | F1 Student Visa |
| Average salary | 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (40-60 Lakh INR) | 55,000 USD- 75,000 USD (45-61 Lakh INR) |
| English language proficiency tests | IELTS: 7.0 or above TOEFL: 100+ | IELTS: 7.0 or above TOEFL:110+ |
Pursuing a PhD in the UK can be a great opportunity for students who are looking for world-renowned universities, a multicultural environment, generous funding opportunities, and a shorter duration of the program. UK offers excellent research opportunities, and PhD graduates from UK universities have a high employability rate. After completing your PhD in UK one can work at higher posts in different fields and earn an average annual salary of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (30-60 Lakh INR).
FAQs
Ques. How much does a PhD cost in UK?
Ans. The average annual tuition fee for pursuing PhD in UK at the top universities is 20,000 GBP- 50,000 GBP (20-50 Lakh INR) and the average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) per year.
Ques. How long is the PhD in UK?
Ans. PhD in UK, also referred to as a doctorate, is a 3-5 years full-time and 5-6 years part-time degree depending on the University of choice and the area of research.
Ques. Do PhD students get paid in UK?
Ans A stipend is awarded to students planning to pursue Ph.D in the UK. The cost of the stipend varies from university to university. PhD stipends in the UK were set at £16,062 for students outside of London and £18,062 for those within London, reflecting the higher cost of living in the capital.
Ques. What are some of the top universities offering PhD in UK?
Ans. University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, and University of Edinburgh are some of the top universities offering PhD in UK.
Ques. What are the admission requirements for applying to a PhD in UK?
Ans. The minimum admission requirement for PhD in UK is to have a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study or a masters degree with a minimum of 70%, IELTS score of 7.0 or above or a TOEFL score of 100+ and while applying for a PhD in UK you will need to submit a research proposal in the field you of research you are applying for.
Ques. What are the career prospects after completing a PhD in the UK?
Ans. Graduates with a PhD from a UK university have diverse career opportunities. While some pursue academic careers as researchers or professors, others find employment in industry, government, or non-profit organizations. The skills acquired during a PhD, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, are highly valued in many sectors.
Ques. Are there funding opportunities available for international students pursuing a PhD in the UK?
Ans. Yes, many UK universities offer scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities for international PhD students. These may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or research costs. Prospective students should research and apply for relevant funding opportunities early in the application process.
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