1. What are the entry requirements?
The entry requirements are the same as those for the traditional British PhD.  

2. What is “new” about the NewRoutePhD?
The UK PhD has tended to focus predominantly on research and developing research skills.  The principle of the NewRoutePhD is to integrate in-depth study (often inter-disciplinary), research training, and high level professional skills training.  Students gain a powerful combination of knowledge, skills and research experience that makes them highly employable in business, university teaching, government and public service.

3. Why is it normally four years’ duration?
The programme is broader than the traditional UK PhD as it includes advanced taught modules and other transferable professional skills such as management, inter-personal and teaching skills which extend the programme to normally four years. Some students may be able to complete in a shorter period depending on their previous experience.

4. Will I (or my sponsor) need to pay full fees for four years?
Yes, although scholarships may be available at individual universities. Existing traditional PhD programmes will continue to be offered, so students who only wish to study for a three year PhD can do so.

5. Do I automatically receive an MSc/MA at the end of year 1 or 2?
Some of the universities offer this. Students who need to leave the programme before they can be considered for a PhD, however, will normally be eligible for intermediate qualifications (e.g. PG Diploma, MSc/MA or MPhil) if they can fulfil the requirements.

6. Can I gain advanced standing (e.g. direct entry to year 2) to the programme on the basis of my current qualifications and experience?
Yes, most universities will consider this although students will need to note that the majority of the broadening skills and modules are delivered in the first two years of the programme and students may miss out on some of these if they join the programme part way through.

7. Is the final thesis requirement more demanding or less demanding for NewRoutePhDs compared to traditional PhDs?
The same. Both types of PhD require successful completion of a substantial written thesis and oral examination.

8. Are there any qualifiers for progression to PhD?
Students will need to successfully complete the examinations for the taught parts of the programme to enable them to continue on with their research.  This requirement is equivalent to the comprehensive examination in the USA but structured differently.

9. I want to be a university lecturer/professor once I have studied for a PhD. Is this programme for me?
Yes. Teaching/academic practice courses are available in many New Route PhD programmes for those pursuing university teaching careers.

10. I want to work in business once I have studied for a PhD. Is this programme for me?
Yes. Business/management courses  are available in many New Route PhD programmes, together with problem solving, presentation and team working.  All of these are valuable for those who want to pursue a career in business after their PhD.

11. Can I undertake some of my research at home?
Yes, with the agreement of certain participating NewRoutePhD universities, students can undertake part of their research outside of their UK university (e.g. at a local university or research facility in country). Such cases are normally dealt with on an individual basis, as each student’s programme of research is unique, but the UK university will wish to see in place an agreed study plan (including required periods of studies at the UK university), adequate supervisory arrangements (including local supervision) and complementary research facilities.

This option is known by various names such as “joint supervision/ registration” or “split PhD” or “part time PhD”.  They are currently available at:
•    University of Bradford
•    University of Cardiff
•    University of Leicester
•    University of Newcastle upon Tyne
•    University of Nottingham
•    University of Portsmouth
•    University of Reading
•    University of Southampton
•    University of Sunderland