Current Frameworks and Course Specifications
All Coventry University Research Degrees are defined within the following Framework and programme Specifications. All Frameworks and programmes are in line with FHEQ Level descriptors and are assessed at completion by a panel of independent examiners of which at least one is external to the University.
All Collaborative Doctoral programmes will normally follow one of the defined PhD Frameworks and students will need to meet the requirements as defined by the Framework Specification.
Research Degrees at Coventry University
PhD Framework
Coventry University’s PhD Programme and Framework maps can be seen at the following links
Masters by Research Framework
Coventry University's MRes Programme and Framework can be seen at the following links:
Professional Engineering Doctorate (EngD)
This is an alternative to the PhD route to doctoral level studies and is designed to prepare Postgraduate Research for a career in industry. The EngD involves working closely with an industry sponsor on a topic or topic related directly to their business activities.
Details of module and programme requirements can be seen in the EngD Programme specification (PDF).
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
The DBA programme provides a route to the highest level of academic study appropriate to experienced practitioners who seek to contribute to practice in their sector/ discipline. The programme will build upon a participant’s professional experience and their potential as change agents within their practice setting.
The programme specification can be found here: DBA Programme specification (PDF).
More information on our DBA programme including the programme brochure, Postgraduate Researcher testimonials and application details can be found here.
Professional Doctorate of Security Sciences
The Professional Doctorate of Security Sciences offers an alternative to the traditional PhD route and is designed for candidates currently working in security and/or defence, including law enforcement, criminal justice, intelligence, civil servants, agency staff, security practitioners, civil defence contractors, and technical experts. The programme is designed for those with an interest in supporting the understanding, capacity, capability, and development of policy and practice in this area of national and international importance and investment.
The programme offers a challenging, critical, and innovative educational experience focused around a uniquely tailored and flexible programme. It includes engagement with taught workshops as elected by the candidate, researcher development activities, seminars, and an independent research project leading to the submission of a thesis and an award of the highest academic level that is equivalent to, yet distinct from, the PhD due to its highly relevant application to the individual’s working situation.
Details of module and programme requirements can be seen in the Professional Doctorate of Security Sciences Programme Specification (PDF).
Structured PhD Framework
Coventry University offers Structured PhDs which are developed as standalone programmes within the Structured PhD Framework. Programmes are delivered entirely remotely and include a suite of research skills development workshops and subject specific on-line elements which will be accessible online.
Structured PhDs are designed to be delivered to both cohorts of candidates and individual applicants to develop a supportive research culture. Structured PhDs offer a scaffolded and supportive delivery approach to support distance learners on their journey to gaining a Doctorate.
IMPORTANT – The Structured PhD is delivered remotely and there is no requirement for Postgraduate Researchers to attend Coventry Campus. As such the University are unable to sponsor International applicants for a study visa under UKVI rules. A CAS will therefore not be issued for International applicants on this programme.
Structured PhD programmes currently offered by Coventry University:
