Postgraduate Study: PhD and MD

PhD

PhD by research. For most students, the PhD is a three-year programme of supervised research, examined by thesis. The thesis is normally submitted by the end of the third year and is a piece of original work describing the research undertaken and its implications for present knowledge. During the first year of study the School may require your attendance on particular courses in order to acquire specific skills or knowledge, as appropriate to your area of study.

MD

In 2003 the Scottish Parliament reinstated the right of St Andrews to offer a Doctorate in Medicine (MD) degree to candidates holding a recognised medical qualification. Candidates must have some connection with St Andrews as either graduates in Medicine or Medical Science from this University, or members of academic staff or employees of the NHS in the Lothians, Fife or Tayside having a working relationship with St Andrews.

There are two routes to the award of the degree of MD. Firstly, the MD may be awarded as a result of research undertaken in St Andrews, for appropriately qualified candidates. The minimum period of study on a full-time research project is two years, or four years for part-time study.

Secondly, an MD may also be achieved through submission of a portfolio of published work, all of which must be in the public domain. This route is open to:

1. any graduate of the University of St Andrews who holds a qualifying degree in Medicine of at least ten years standing; and
2. any member of University of St Andrews academic staff of at least three years standing and who holds a qualifying degree in Medicine.