Key timelines for your research degree at Liverpool
The typical timelines for a research degree vary, depending on which award you’re working towards, and whether you’re studying full- or part-time.
- PhD/MD: Minimum of two years full-time (four years part-time) before submission. Maximum of four years (six part-time) to submit, and up to seven years (nine part-time) to fully complete, including corrections or re-examinations.
- MPhil: Minimum one year full-time (two part-time). Submission within two years (four part-time), with up to five years (seven part-time) allowed for full completion.
It’s important to think of your registration as a contract between you and the University. This comes with clear responsibilities on both sides, including the timely completion of your thesis and engagement in professional development activities.
Life, of course, doesn’t always go to plan. We understand that you may need to pause or extend your studies, and there are processes in place to make sure that all students are treated fairly. We recommend bookmarking appendix 6 of our Policy on PGR Interruptions of Study, Extensions of Study and Personal Extenuating Circumstances for more information on this.
In short, your degree is carefully structured but also flexible enough to accommodate any genuine challenges you might face, with processes in place to support you as you progress through your studies.
Find more detailed information on pages 14-18 of the PGR Handbook
The typical PhD journey
The typical full-time PhD: your annual progression and development
