Residence requirements
If you are studying for a full-time research degree, you will be required to live within a reasonable travelling distance of Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, so that you can come on to campus regularly to fully engage with the University research environment. Milton Keynes is a vibrant, modern city with exceptional facilities for learning, business and recreation. The University campus provides a focused opportunity to work and study, with state-of-the-art research equipment, an outstanding library, a nursery, high-quality catering, numerous sports facilities and green spaces.
Milton Keynes has a wide variety of residential accommodation, and plenty within easy reach of the campus. Although we have no student accommodation on campus, we have an accommodation advisor who can help you navigate the rental process; please contact the Graduate School if you would like to be put in touch with them.
If, in exceptional circumstances, for example due to childcare, disability or domestic commitments, you need to live outside a reasonable travelling distance of Milton Keynes, you will need approval to register. You will need to make a case explaining how you intend to engage with the research environment, and submit it with your application form. Unfortunately, the need to evidence regular in-person engagement on University premises prevent us from offering this option to students on the Student Route visa.
Can I work while I study?
Full-time funded students can take on a maximum of six hours of paid work per week, declared to the Graduate School. In exceptional circumstances the Graduate School can give permission for working over six hours per week, but the student must make a formal request in this case. All full-time students are expected to work on their doctorate for a minimum of 37 hours a week. There may be additional constraints on paid work for Student Route visa holders and certain studentships.
How long does a full-time research degree take?
The time to complete your degree may vary. However, the minimum registration period for a full-time PhD is 24 months (2 years) while the maximum is 48 months (4 years). For full-time MPhil students, the minimum registration period is 15 months while the maximum is 36 months. If you are applying for a funded studentship, you should check the funding duration as this may be shorter than the maximum registration period.