Fees and funding
The following tuition fees apply to research studies due to commence during the academic year 2024-2025.
Understanding tuition fees
The fees you pay are mostly determined by your fee status. What is my student fee status? Fees are also subject to change and are published for guidance only until the academic session begins. For full details on how fees may change please read our fees and refund policy.
Full-time fees
| Award | Home (Scottish) and RUK | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | £4,880 | £17,200 |
| MPhil | £4,880 | £17,200 |
Part-time fees
| Award | Home (Scottish) and RUK | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | £2,495 | £8,600 |
| MPhil | £2,495 | £8,600 |
| PhD by previous publication | £2,495 | £8,600 |
Doctorate of Business Administration
| Study mode | Home (Scottish) and RUK | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £6,300 | £12,600 |
| Distance learning and Part time | £4,725 | £9,450 |
MRes Biological Sciences
| Study mode | Home (Scottish) and RUK | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £7,300 | £19,600 |
Scholarships, studentships and fee discounts
We offer research scholarships and studentships to help with the cost of research fees. Our early payment discount can also help if you are self-funding your studies.
Continuing study
The continuation fee applies to postgraduate research students who are continuing beyond the expected period of study and are within their maximum period of registration for the degree types full-time PhD, DBA/ProfD, and full-time MPhil. The continuation fee is also applicable to all postgraduate research students on any research degree (full-time or part-time) when they enter a year of study beyond their maximum period of registration and have an authorised extension from the University.
Students must be registered at all stages of their progression up to the point of formal award sign-off from the Chair of the Research Degrees Committee. Any student who is about to reach their maximum end date or has gone beyond their maximum period should seek approval to extend their end date as a matter of urgency or they will be deemed not to be continuing. Students are expected to re-register each year in order to continue with their studies
| Award | Mode of study | Expected duration (years) | Maximum duration (years) | Continuation fee applied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Full time | 3 | 4 | Year four |
| PhD | Part time | 5-6 | 6 | n/a |
| PhD by previous publication | Part time | less than 1 | 1 | n/a |
| ProfD | Part time | 4 | 6 | Years five and six |
| DBA | Distance learning (from Glasgow) | 4 | 6 | Years five and six |
| DBA | Full time (GCU London only) | 3 | 4 | Year four |
| MPhil | Full time | 2 | 3 | Year three |
| MPhil | Part time | 3 | 4 | n/a |
The expected duration of study for a part-time PhD is five to six years. Students will continue to be charged the annual fee throughout their study until completed, while they are within the maximum period of registration. For example, if the part-time PhD study is completed within five years, no sixth-year fee is required.
MRes fees are applied on modular basis with trimester A to C assessment deadlines, and so there is no specified expected or maximum period of study.
For all research degrees (full-time and part-time), should you wish to continue study beyond the maximum period, you must have an authorised extension from the University and pay the continuation fee.
If a continuation year is needed, you will be charged the current continuation fee rate applicable during your continuation period.
Continuation fee
| Continuation fee 2023/24 | £600 |
From 1 October 2021, the continuation fee, where applicable, will be charged to students in all stages of their research, writing or submission process, including; those students who have submitted their thesis and are preparing for their viva, those preparing minor corrections following their viva examination, and those who are to re-submit with or without a second viva examination.
If you fail to pay the continuation fee, you may be suspended. If you require an extension you should discuss this with your Director of Studies, submit your application for an extension and pay the continuation fee when billed. This will ensure uninterrupted access to University services and progression with your studies and submission.
For further information please contact Diane Dickie, Senior Registry Officer (RPG).
Bench fees
Bench fees may apply to certain projects. If this is the case this will be discussed at your interview and included in your letter of offer.