Ever wondered what it’s like to do a PhD while juggling another job, significant family responsibilities, or other commitments? You’re not alone! Although less common than undertaking a PhD full time, some students go the part-time PhD route to better fit their lifestyle or existing responsibilities — but it comes with its own unique challenges.
So, what does a part-time PhD involve, and is it the right choice for you?
In this post, we’ll unpack everything you need to know—how long a part-time PhD takes, the costs, the pros and cons, and practical tips to help you succeed. Plus, we’ll share insights and advice from a recent PhD graduate who studied part-time.
Let’s dive in and explore what a part-time PhD really entails!
What is a Part-Time PhD?
A part-time PhD is a doctoral programme designed to be completed over a longer period than a full-time PhD. While a full-time PhD typically takes three to four years, a part-time PhD can take anywhere from five to eight years, depending on the university and study intensity.
Here are a few examples of webpages from universities which explicitly mention the possibility of studying part-time.
Some universities even provide PhD By Distance programmes, where students conduct research remotely with minimal campus visits – though these programmes are less likely to be applicable to STEM PhDs. The University of Reading is one example of a university offering a PhD By Distance option.
There are several reasons why you may wish to base yourself away from the University of Reading while undertaking your PhD:
Reasons why a student may wish to pursue a PhD by Distance programme at the University of Reading
- You have an extensive fieldwork element to your research
- You have responsibilities (e.g. caring or employment) that prevent you from attending on campus
- You are already based and/or employed in an environment that is relevant and conducive to their research
- You do not reside within travelling distance of the University
- You are based in a UK research organisation/institution with a collaborative agreement with the University of Reading in place
Be mindful though of criteria for doing a PhD part time. For example the University of Sydney states “Part-time is not available to international student visa holders”.
Whatever style of learning you choose, in all instances you’ll still need to attend supervision meetings, conduct research, and submit a thesis — but with more flexibility to fit around your other responsibilities.
Why Do a Part-Time PhD?
There are plenty of reasons why people choose to study part-time. Here are some of the most common:
1. Balancing Other Responsibilities
If you have family commitments or caring duties, a part-time PhD gives you the flexibility to fit research around your life.
2. Self-Funding a PhD
Sadly PhD programmes don’t always come with full funding.
If you’ve chosen to self-fund your PhD, studying part-time allows you to work alongside your research and cover tuition fees and living costs.
Side note – If you’re looking to do a STEM PhD and your only reason for pursuing a part-time PhD is financial I’d highly recommend to keep trying to secure funding, even if this means waiting longer before starting.
It took me three years to line up both an offer and funding, but the skills I built in the meantime have since helped to fast-track my career. You can learn more about my PhD application journey here.
In addition, if you’re worried that a PhD stipend won’t cover your living costs, please check out my post comparing a UK PhD stipend to a graduate salary. As PhD stipends aren’t taxed (in the UK at least), there’s actually less of a difference than you may think. You also retain your personal tax allowance, meaning that you can continue to earn some money alongside your PhD (such as through Graduate Teaching Assistant work) without being taxed on that either.
3. Ability to Continue a Career in Parallel
Another popular reason to study part time is for professionals who don’t want to leave their job. Studying part-time provides an opportunity to gain expertise while continuing an existing career. Some employers even offer financial support or study leave to help with research.
A part-time PhD can boost your career by enhancing your knowledge of your field without stepping away from work.
4. Personal Interest
Some people simply love research! If you’re passionate about a subject but don’t need a PhD for career progression, a part-time option gives you the chance to explore it in-depth without a huge lifestyle change.
Can You Do a Part-Time PhD in Any Subject?
Not all PhD programmes allow part-time study. Lab-based subjects, for example, may require full-time commitment due to the nature of the research. Some universities also have restrictions, so it’s best to check before applying.
International students should be aware that visa restrictions often require you to study full-time, making part-time study difficult unless alternative visa options are available.
How Long Does a Part-Time PhD Take?
In the UK, a full-time PhD typically takes 3–4 years, while a part-time PhD usually takes 5–8 years.
Some students finish sooner, while others take longer depending on their workload and commitments. It depends upon what percentage of your time you spend on the part-time PhD. Many universities suggest part-time PhD students spend 15–20 hours per week on research.
- Minimum submission: Some universities allow submission after 4 years (with approval)
- Maximum duration: Usually capped at 6 to 8 years
Insights from a Recent PhD Graduate
Name: Taku
Place of study: University of Bristol
Field of research: Machine Learning
Social links: LinkedIn, Google Scholar
Why did you choose to do a PhD part-time?
I have a strong interest in machine learning, particularly in reinforcement learning. Initially, I learned through various online resources, including research papers, YouTube videos, and slides from university courses.
While these materials were quite helpful, I did not feel fully confident in my understanding because I lacked a mentor to discuss my ideas with or encourage me to explain or publish my findings. As a result, I decided to return to university to further my studies.
Since I was employed at a company and wanted to continue working (and I have a family to support), I chose to pursue a part-time PhD.
What was the % split between the PhD and your work?
In the early stages, it was 25% PhD work and 75% other responsibilities. Later on, it shifted to a 50-50% split. During the last six months, the ratio changed again, with 75% of my time dedicated to the PhD and 25% to other work.
I was fortunate to have a manager who understood my situation and provided support.
How did you find balancing work and your PhD?
Balancing my PhD with other work has been challenging for me. Ideally, I prefer to focus on one task without interruptions. Every time I switch from one task to another, I need to remind myself where I left off, which can be quite frustrating.
However, there are times when part-time work can be beneficial, especially when I feel stuck on a particular problem and can’t find a solution. Switching to another task helps relieve some pressure and often sparks new ideas to help me overcome the issue!
How long did your PhD take?
My PhD took 6 years to complete. Including my preparation period before formally starting the course, it took 7 years.
Do you have any tips for other people considering a part-time PhD?
Everyone’s situation is different, especially for those considering a part-time PhD. The main point I want to share is that it requires a long-term commitment, so it’s essential to choose a topic that you are truly passionate about — something you would enjoy spending your free time on.
The PhD journey will have its ups and downs; there will be moments of great happiness and times when you might feel regret. However, in the end, it is a rewarding experience. If you are considering the journey (and I assume you are if you’re reading this) and have a topic you love, I would definitely encourage you to pursue it!
Thanks Taku for sharing your experience!
So, is Studying Part-Time Worth It?
The answer depends on your own unique goals and situation. Here are some key things to consider:
Pros:
✔️ Flexibility – Easier to balance work, family, and other commitments
✔️ Financial benefits – You can earn a significant income while studying
✔️ Career development and synergies – Opportunity to apply your research to a current job or industry
✔️ Less pressure – More time to refine your research
Cons:
❌ Higher risk of dropping out – The long timelines can make staying motivated a challenge and increase the risk of not completing the PhD. Strong time management and self-discipline skills are required.
❌ Could be isolating – Due to fewer interactions with full-time PhD peers, and not progressing at the same rate.
❌ Funding challenges – Fewer scholarships are available for part-time students
If you’re aiming for a career in academia, bear in mind that a longer PhD timeline could impact when you establish a research portfolio and publications
Wondering whether any PhD is really worth it? Check out this post for more insights.
What to Expect When it Comes to Fees
PhD tuition fees vary depending on the university, country, and field of study.
In the UK, tuition fees for part-time PhDs are usually 50–60% of full-time fees per year. However, since you’ll be studying for more years, the total cost can end up being similar—or even higher—than a full-time PhD.
Funding options include:
- University Scholarships & Research Grants – Some institutions offer funding specifically for part-time PhD students
- Employer Sponsorship – Some companies fund part-time PhDs if the research is relevant to their business
- Regional Bursaries – A few universities offer bursaries for local students
- Research Council Funding – This is the most common form of funding for full-time PhD students, though it is less common for part-time students
- Government Loans – In the UK, doctoral loans can be used as a way to fund your tuition and living costs. But, as with normal student loans, you will start repaying the loan once your income reaches a certain threshold.
- Self funding – Through savings or part-time work. Note – I typically don’t recommend self-funding a STEM PhD unless it’s a last resort. See the early subsection in the orange box.
Also, don’t forget extra costs like conferences, research materials, and living expenses when budgeting.
Check out my post here for more details on securing PhD funding in the UK.
Advice for Potential Part-Time PhD Students
If you’re thinking about a part-time PhD, here are some tips to help you navigate the journey:
1. Choose the Right Supervisor
A supportive and understanding supervisor can make all the difference. Look for someone who has experience working with part-time students and is happy to accommodate your schedule. You can find more tips on finding a great PhD supervisor in this article.
2. Set Clear Goals and Deadlines
A longer timeline can make it easy to lose focus. Setting clear, achievable milestones will help you stay on track and keep up momentum.
3. Manage Your Time Effectively
Balancing work, research, and personal life requires solid time management. Consider blocking out dedicated research periods in your diary to maintain progress.
You may choose to work a few fixed days each week or you might want to work more flexibly. The main thing is to find what works for you.
4. Stay Engaged in the Academic Community
Attending conferences, research group meetings, and networking with other PhD students can help you to stay connected.
5. Plan For Financial Sustainability
Identify any potential funding opportunities early on and ensure you have funding for the full duration of your PhD.
6. Prepare for Motivation Dips
A part-time PhD can sometimes feel isolating, and like any PhD, it’s normal to experience dips in motivation. Staying connected with your supervisor and peers can really help. For more on this, check out my post on staying motivated throughout your PhD.
Some Final Thoughts
A part-time PhD can be a fantastic option for those who need flexibility while pursuing their research dreams.
Whether you’re balancing work, family, or funding constraints, studying part-time can allow you to achieve your academic and professional goals without turning your life upside down.
That said, it’s not without challenges—it takes dedication, good time management, and strong motivation. If you’re considering this route, take time to research your options, try to chat with current part-time students, and think about how it fits into your long-term plans.
While spending 5-8 years on something is undoubtedly a big commitment, you likely have a lot of working years ahead of you and if this could help to set you on your chosen path, then it’s worth considering.
The graphic below shows how much time a PhD normally takes out of a whole life. On balance, going part-time doesn’t extend this too much more, and could make a big difference to how you spend several decades of your career.
Whether you choose to study a PhD part-time, full-time, or even to not study one at all, I hope this post has helped to take you one step closer to that decision.
For more insights on PhDs for potential applicants check out my dedicated category here.
Do you have any questions or experiences with part-time PhDs?
Feel free to share them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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