Numbers of PhD starters and qualifiers

We use Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data to identify the numbers of PhD starters and qualifiers at higher education institutions (HEIs) in England. (For this purpose, the term ‘PhD’ is used to refer to all ’doctorate degrees mainly by research’, including small numbers of specialist doctoral degrees such as Doctor of Education and Doctor of Engineering.)

The population of PhD starters we use is derived using data from two years either side of the time of starting the course, reflecting the fact that a significant proportion of these students will register initially for an MPhil programme with the intention of changing their stated aim as they progress. So, for example, for those starting on an MPhil course in 2001-02 we need to examine the 2002-03 and 2003-04 data to establish whether they were true MPhil students or PhD students initially registered on an MPhil course.

More details on trends in PhD starters are available in 'PhD study: Trends and profiles 1996-97 to 2009-10' (HEFCE 2011/33).

Information on PhD qualifiers in 'PhD research degrees: entry and completion' (HEFCE 2005/02) and the update of that publication, 'PhD research degrees update: entry and completion' (HEFCE 2007/28).

The population of PhD qualifiers is available from 1995-96 to 2003-04. More details and data definitions are available in ‘Staff employed at HEFCE funded HEIs: update’ (HEFCE 2006/31) and ‘PhD research degrees: entry and completion’ (HEFCE 2005/02).

Page last updated 24 July 2012