All research degree students at St Mary’s are part of the Doctoral College. The Doctoral College provides study facilities for all research degree students who require them as well as hot-desk space.
We want to give all students the opportunity to work together and collaborate across disciplines if they so wish, though it is also appreciated that part-time students and professional doctorate students will have different approaches to their studies.
At St Mary’s Doctoral College, you can study for a PhD, MPhil or a Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD).
I undertook a PhD to investigate perceptual-motor skills in sport with the Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group at St Mary's. The Research Student room in the Naylor Library was a great facility to work, to meet and discuss with other researchers, get insight into other fields, and support each other’s PhD journeys.
Oliver Runswick - final year PhD student
Supervision and development
The Doctoral College ensures high standards of supervision for all students with a supervision team of at least two experienced academics and provides a Researcher Development Programme for first-year PhD students.
Later in your studies, you will have an opportunity to participate in the Career Development Programme and take advantage of the Experts in Residence who have been appointed from different walks of life to provide help and guidance to students as they go through their studies.
The work of PhD students is fully integrated into the work of academics in the faculties/institutes. Not only will you be invited to partake in seminar programmes, full-time students will also be part of school research clusters so that they can obtain wider experience of university research outside their supervisory team.
Part-time and professional doctorate students can also take part in these activities as guided by the supervisors.
Having the PGR room made the transition into my PhD feel really natural. Being surrounded by other PhD students creates a safe and enjoyable environment, where everyone is willing to share experiences and learn from each other. Doing a PhD can be quite isolating, but having a central base for students to go eliminates that feeling; it allows like-minded people to socialise, discuss ideas, and normalise any challenges they may be facing.
For me, the support of the other students in the office has been invaluable during my first year.
Hannah Levi - second year PhD student
Visiting Academic Scholars
We welcome visiting scholars from around the world as part of our research community. The University has published a set of Guidelines for Visiting Academic Scholars.
However, please note that visiting scholars from universities in Ukraine do not need to pay any relevant fees and we would very much like to support the scholarly work of academics from Ukraine if they would like to come to St Mary's University under this programme. We can provide a desk, library facilities, networking opportunities, access to classes and advice.
Address
99 Waldegrave Rd, Teddington, Twickenham TW1 4SU.