Eligible courses

Subject specialist doctorates

A formal programme of study such as a PhD.

Integrated subject specialist doctorates

A supervised research project undertaken alongside a more structured taught course. It may depend on successful completion of taught elements and be undertaken in later years.

Integrated doctorates offer exit awards at master’s level based on successful completion of taught modules. If an integrated doctorate has a level 7 master’s component, you should include this as part of the course duration for the doctoral course and not as a separate master’s course.

To be eligible for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan, students must register for the doctoral degree from the start.

Professional and practice-based doctorates

Post-experience qualifications aimed at mid-career professionals, for example an Engineering Doctorate (EngD).