Part-time or full-time?
Cranfield School of Management is unusual in offering a PhD programme on a part-time, as well as a full-time, basis. The part-time programme is a popular option, giving researchers the flexibility of continuing to work whilst pursuing their doctoral studies. It is particularly appealing to members of academic institutions in the UK and abroad.
Typically, a PhD researcher will currently have an academic career or intend to work in academia on achieving his or her qualification. Part-time researchers may be working in industry and already have, or be seeking, a portfolio career which includes an element of teaching.
Our full-time and part-time programmes comprise a taught, research training element which requires attendance in the first and second years. The doctoral Core Research Methods Training Programme is delivered over eight one week blocks (7 weeks in year one and one week at the start of year two for full time researchers; four weeks in both years one and year two for part time researchers). Please refer to the ‘Core Research Methods Training Programme’ section for the dates of these weeks in 2013 and 2014.
After the end of the Core Research Methods Training Programme, ongoing attendance is not a requirement, but you will be expected to maintain frequent contact with your supervisor and the School as you develop your research topic. This should include visits to campus to discuss your progress and your formal PhD reviews.
During the four or six years that you will be with us, you will have access to a wide range of development opportunities – training sessions, supervisor-led activities and presentation of your research within the School and at conferences – to help you develop the skills you need for undertaking high-quality research and for your future career.