Michelle Pyer
Associate Professor in Child & Family Wellbeing
level:PG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:false;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:true;start_month:October, March;location:Waterside
Dementia studies MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works
Key Facts
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Duration
MPhil: Full time 12 months - 3 years, Part time 30 months - 5 years
PhD: Full time 2 years - 4 years, Part time 3 years - 6 years
PhD by Published Works: 1 - 2 years -
Level
PostgraduatePG PhD
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See Fees section
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See Fees section
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Updated 11/02/2026
Overview
The MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published Works in Dementia programme offers those interested in dementia (academically or professionally) the chance to pursue advanced studies in their area of specialisation. The training encourages critical and applied thinking in relation to theoretical and practical challenges surrounding all facets of dementia. You will plan, carry out, and finish an independent research project with the help of a group of supervisors that adds something new to our body of knowledge. If you successfully defend your final thesis, you will receive the highest degree that a UK institution can provide and will have a chance to further your career in a variety of sectors. This degree is available both full-time and part-time, and it draws a diverse group of students.
Applications deadline: to allow sufficient time for you to join your preferred intake the deadline for applications for the October intake is the 1 August and for the March intake is the 11 December
Highlights
- This course is exclusive to Northampton University.
- Research degree candidates engage in original research, conducting studies that contribute to knowledge.
- Students have the freedom to explore their research questions, design methodologies, collect and analyse data, and draw meaningful conclusions. This hands-on research experience is a hallmark of a research degree program.
- Research degree programs foster intellectual stimulation through engaging fieldwork, seminars, and discussions with faculty and peers. Students are exposed to a diverse range of theories, research methods, and empirical studies, challenging their thinking and broadening their perspectives.
Entry Requirements
You’re normally expected to have a first or upper second-class honours degree or Masters Degree from a UK university or international equivalent.
Your qualification should be in a subject area relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Individual consideration will be given to students with lower-level degrees or qualifications in a different subject area, but relevant experience is required.
As part of the selection process, all qualified candidates will be expected to attend an interview.
All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- successful interview outcome.
- availability of suitable Research Supervision Support.
If you are applying for Research study, you will need to write a research proposal. Find out how to write a research proposal.
More detailed information about the research degrees is available on our Graduate school page.
If you’d like to join us as a research student, then please review the webpages below:
- browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.
- Find out how to apply for a MPhil/ PhD/ PhD by Published Works at the University of Northampton.
- IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component including writing. We will also consider equivalent English language qualifications.
We are unable to consider applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components from a test taken within the last two years
What You'll Learn
In this subject area, we particularly welcome applicants who wish to focus their research on the following:
- Dementia-Friendly Communities
- Personhood & Lifestyle Factors
- Community Interventions
Research degree programmes are a way for you to develop your specialism and improve your technical skills. They enable you to specialise in a particular area of interest within your field, enabling in-depth exploration and understanding. Research degree candidates engage in original research, conducting studies that contribute to our existing knowledge. While developing and setting up research projects you will receive general, discipline based and project specific training so that you can go on to conduct your research work effectively and independently. We support you to network with established academics, researchers, and professionals in the field. Conferences, seminars, and workshops offer platforms for connecting with like-minded individuals, potential collaborators, and future mentors.
The University has excellent research centres and institutes. Applicants to this area of study are usually aligned to our outstanding Northamptonshire Dementia Research and Innovation Centre. The University’s Graduate School provide sector leading support to enhance your development. Students are hosted within a University Faculty and supported by motivated supervisors with topic and methodological expertise. Our Faculty Postgraduate Research Leaders are also available to support your development and to offer pastoral care as you progress in your studies.
In addition to our extensive development programme for researchers, we also seek, where possible, to identify opportunities for our postgraduate researchers to obtain teaching experience, allowing you to develop your pedagogical skills by instructing undergraduate or masters courses. Some postgraduate researchers also support funded research projects as research assistants or Graduate Teaching Assistants.
What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?
A PhD involves conducting original research and writing a thesis, while a PhD by Published Works is awarded based on a collection of previously published papers demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Additional information about choosing your type of research degree can be found on our How to apply for Research degree study page.
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 26/27 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
- UK – Full Time: £5,850
- UK – Part Time: £2,900
- International – Full Time: £16,850
- International – Part Time: £7,850
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works
Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.
- UK – Part Time: £3,700
- International – Part Time: £8,100
Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
- UK – Full Time: £5,700
- UK – Part Time: £2,845
- International – Full Time: £16,350
- International – Part Time: £7,640
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works
Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.
- UK – Part Time: £3,600
- International – Part Time: £7,840
Staff
