Research Programmes

​​​​Cardiff Metropolitan University provides a number of opportunities to undertake research leading to either a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualification. ​We also offer a number of high quality Professional Doctorates. Whichever route you take, our staff will endeavour to provide the appropriate motivation, support and encouragement. 

The usual minimum entry requirements to study for an MPhil or PhD is a first or upper second class honours undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution, or a postgraduate qualification deemed by Cardiff Met to be equivalent to this level. The usual minimum entry requirement for a Professional Doctorate is a taught Postgraduate Diploma, or the equivalent of one year full-time supervised postgraduate work in a related subject field.

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.5 standard (minimim 6.5 in the reading and writing components) or equivalent, unless otherwise specified within the programme entry requirements.

For more information on Research opportunities at the university please visit Cardiff Met Research. Please visit this page before proceeding with an application.

Research Proposal Guidelines

SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN

Please visit theCSAD Research page for up-to-date information on proposal requirements, applicant advice and deadlines.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & SOCIAL POLICY

Please provide an outline research proposal of around 1000 -1500 words. Your proposal should include a working title, a clear explanation of the research area and context with reference to key literature, your proposed aims and objectives/research questions, and an outline of the methodological framework and methods to be adopted. Please include a rationale for your choice of topic, including an indication of how the research would make an original contribution to knowledge. Professional Doctorate (EdD) applicants should indicate how the research relates to their own professional context and how it might impact upon policy/practice. Please cite all references using an approved referencing style. The proposal will be judged on its relevance to the School's research profile and supervisory expertise as well as on its quality and potential as a research study.

HEALTH SCIENCES (SCHOOL OF SPORT & HEALTH SCIENCES)

Please provide an outline research proposal (maximum of 1500 words). Your proposal should include a working title, some background information on the subject, the main aims of your research question, the principal methods to be adopted (including any specialised equipment requirements where known) and any ethical issues associated with your research. Please cite references in the background and list all cited references. We will use this information to ensure that the proposal fits with the School's research profile and that the necessary equipment and supervisory expertise is available.

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

Your proposal should be described in a maximum of 2,000 words, using the following sub-headings: 'Research Question' and 'How your proposal relates to published work in this area'. You should also submit a 'Reference Section', which is not included in the word count.  Further information on requirements can be found here.

SPORT (SCHOOL OF SPORT & HEALTH SCIENCES)

Please submit an outline of your intended research area. You should indicate the rationale for the project, the main research question or hypotheses and the research design that you would follow. You should also include the related methodological approaches that you would take and refer to the key literature in this area. This should be around 1500 words and will form the basis for discussion with potential supervisors.

THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR PRODUCT DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH (PDR)

Please provide a brief outline of your research topic/subject. The proposal should be up to 1000 words and should describe the research topic/question on which you are likely to focus and an outline of the debate/subject area in which your research will be located (making the significance of your research interest clear). You should also include a Reference Section (not included in the word count) and your professional and/or personal reasons for wanting to undertake this research.

Research Enquiries

If you would like to discuss your options before making an application, please complete this form and we will contact you shortly.

Making an Application

You can search and apply for your chosen course in our online Self Service System. If searching for an MPhil/PhD this will be preceded by Research in the search bar. Please contact Admissions if you would like to complete an application form through the medium of Welsh.

Through Self Service you are able to submit an application directly to the university, and it allows you to attach compulsory and other supporting documents such as qualifications (we advise that you upload qualifications, if completed, with your application). You must upload a Research Proposal and Supporting Document​ before submitting all research applications.

* Please note, if applying for the Doctorate in Sport Coaching only a personal statement and CV is required at application stage. 

You are able to save your application and return to submit at a later date, however please note that accounts where an application has not been submitted within a 6 month period will be deactivated. Once submitted, you are able to log in and check the status of your application.

If Recognising Prior Learning (RPL​) is applicable to your application, please visit our information page before submitting as this process will need to be initiated in plenty of time before the start of the programme.

We encourage online Self Service applications as it is a quicker and more efficient way of applying for a programme. If however you are experiencing difficulties please contact Admissions on 029 2041 6010 or email: directapplications@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

Re-Application

Debtors

Debtors to the University who make a new application will be considered and providing requirements for entry are met, will be offered a place. However, this offer will be dependant on either the debt being cleared before the start of the programme, or an agreement established with Finance concerning payment.

Applicants can contact Finance concerning outstanding debt by either:
Email: finance@cardiffmet.ac.uk; or Tel: 029 2041 6083

Further information on the University's Debtor Policy and Procedure.

Bad Academic Standing

Applicants who have left the University in bad academic standing i.e. without successfully completing the year of study upon which they were last enrolled are expected to inform the Admissions Unit when considering reapplying, before an application is submitted. Applicants will be considered once the information on the bad academic standing has been received and verified. The final decision on acceptance will be made by the two Programme Directors concerned with your past and proposed study.

Enrolment Intakes

If you are considering applying for an MPhil/PhD, Professional Doctorate or PhD by Published Works, we have two research intakes each academic year. You should apply for your preferred start date and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

However please be aware that not all courses are available for all dates, if needed, you should consult the relevant Graduate Studies Co-Ordinator for details. Please apply for your preferred start date and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Please also note that there may be an option of a January intake, but please do not apply for this unless you are informed to do so.


START DATES FOR 2022/23

Enrolment

24th April 2023: followed by Meet & Greet 10th May 2023 and Induction on the week commencing 22nd May 2023.

29th September 2023: followed by Meet & Greet 11th October 2023 and Induction on the week commencing 23rd October 2023.

31st January 2024: followed by Meet & Greet 14th February 2024 and Induction on the week commencing 26th February 2024.

30th April 2024: followed by Meet & Greet 15th May 2024 and Induction on the week commencing 27th May 2024.


School of Art & Design only offers one entry point, September.

School of Sport & Health Sciences offers two intakes per year, September and April.

Professional Doctorates offer two intakes per year, September and April.

Enrolment & Induction: Spring Term & Autumn Term

Visit Academic Registry for up-to-date information with regards to term dates and enrolment.

Please note that you must have applied to and received an offer from us before you can enrol.

Fees & Finance

Student loans are now being introduced for postgraduate study, however there are restrictions. Please see further information on the Postgraduate, Part Time and Research Fees & Finance page. Here you can also find the latest fee tables and finance advice.


Changes and Discontinuation of Programmes

The University makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided to applicants on programmes offered is as accurate and up-to-date as possible, however University programmes of study are continually revised and there may well be some changes between the time of publication and the time a student starts the programme. The running of University programmes are also subject to numbers in that a certain number of students need to undertake the programme for it to be viable.

Where changes and a decision to discontinue a programme is made, applicants are informed of this as soon as possible so that opportunity is given to consider an alternative programme at the institution or elsewhere. If a decision to discontinue a programme is made after applicants have been offered a place the Admissions unit will make every effort to offer alternatives and provide assistance with finding an alternative choice.

If offered a place on a programme of which the viability is uncertain, applicants with unconditional offers will not be able to enrol until such time as viability for the offered period of study is confirmed. Applicants affected will receive communication updates and confirmation of when they are able to self enrol.

Terms & Conditions

Please visit our Terms and Conditions page for full information.​