Hi,
I am an IT professional. I have Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronics & Communication Engineering from India. I am having a 4+ years of Experience in Information Technology Industry as a Sr. Software Engineer. I have worked extensively on Microsoft. Net technology. I am looking for a PhD course in UK. I am not sure whether I can pursue a PhD degree without having a Master Degree. I don't have any master degree. I would like to do my PhD in the field of Information Technology. Please give me the information about the qualification for PhD in UK.

Regards,
Narendra Ojha

I was accepted on PhD programmes at both universities that I applied to without a Masters. However, I discussed the possibility with faculty in advance of application and was advised that I would be considered as I .... a) had a first class degree ...b) won an academic award.... c) had a track record of managing my time appropriately and...d) would be self-funded. Although my subject is Arts related, I believe that similar criteria applies across disciplines at many universities.

The chances of you receiving any form of PhD funding in the UK without a Masters is zero and I'm not sure how your status as an international student would affect your position but, if you have a proven track record of academic achievement, and are self-funded, then you are likely to be considered. I suggest you check out the websites of the universities you're interested in. Most provide information on faculty and their research specialisations, and also have postgrad research advisors who you can email.

Good luck.

Hey Narendra! The requirements for a PhD vary according to the uni/department and the subject. For some subjects a masters is usually required (as was the case for my PhD in clinical psychology) but for many subjects it is not a requirement- I know plenty of people in biological sciences, for example, who got onto a funded PhD with a 2.1 at BSc level and no masters. And your experience in the subject will go in your favour. I don't know much about your subject, but others on here might be able to advise what the norm is for technology/engineering. However, if you have a uni/department in mind then it is probably best to contact them directly and take their advice. Good luck! KB

Your experience in the "real world" may make up for the lack of a masters. Most unis want you to have a masters but if you contact them and explain your situation they may waiver this requirement. It's up to the individual university or oven the individual professor. Contact them and ask them.

I was previously offered a fully funded science PhD with a 1st class BSc and industry work experience. I did turn that PhD down and later went on to be accepted as a part-time PhD student doing my own project with the same 1st class BSc and extra few years work experience with self-funding. A PhD can be acheived with a BSc (plus work experience) and no MSc as I have acheived this. My offered PhD studentship was at first attempt, but the competition at this present time may make this harder to acheive with multiple applications required.