Can you do a PhD without a Masters?
If you are considering a PhD without a Masters degree, you are not alone. Many prospective PhD students wonder whether skipping a Masters is realistic – and the good news is that it absolutely can be. In fact, a significant number of PhD students in the UK, the US and Australia begin their doctoral programmes straight from an undergraduate degree.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about pursuing a PhD without a Masters, including entry requirements, the advantages and disadvantages and practical steps you can take to strengthen your application. Whether you have just finished your undergraduate studies or are returning to academia after time in the workplace, this guide will help you understand your options and plan your next move.
Do you need a Masters to get a PhD?
No, you do not need a Masters to get a PhD. In the UK, many universities accept applicants with a strong undergraduate degree directly onto doctoral programmes. The same is true across much of the US and Australia, where starting a PhD without a Masters is a well-established route into postgraduate research. So if you have been asking yourself ‘can you get a PhD without a Masters?’ – the short answer is yes.
However, the picture does vary depending on your discipline, your university and your country. In parts of continental Europe, for example, a Masters is more commonly expected before PhD entry. In the UK, arts and humanities departments may prefer applicants with a Masters because independent research experience at postgraduate level is particularly valued in these fields. STEM subjects, on the other hand, often have structured doctoral training programmes that are specifically designed to accept students straight from an undergraduate degree.
The key point is this: a Masters is helpful but not essential. What matters most is your academic record, your research potential and, where relevant, any practical research experience you can demonstrate.
Advantages of doing a PhD without a Masters
There are several genuine benefits to starting a PhD without a Masters, directly after your undergraduate degree.
You save time. A Masters typically takes one to two years. By moving straight to a PhD, you could complete your doctorate and begin your career a year or more earlier than peers who take the traditional route. For a three-year PhD, that means finishing as early as your mid-twenties.
You save money. Masters fees in the UK range from around £8,000 to £12,000 for home students and significantly more for international students. Skipping this step means avoiding those costs entirely. If you secure a funded PhD — a studentship that covers your fees and provides a stipend — you may not need to pay anything at all. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to how much a PhD costs.
You can secure interesting projects early. Universities advertise funded PhD projects competitively and the best topics attract strong applicants. Applying for a PhD without a Masters early in the cycle means you are in the running for projects that might be taken by the time other candidates finish a Masters.
You get an earlier career start. Whether you plan to stay in academia or move into industry, completing a PhD sooner gives you a head start. You will enter the job market with a doctoral qualification while some of your contemporaries are still writing their theses.
Disadvantages of starting a PhD without a Masters
It is important to be honest about the challenges, too. Doing a PhD without a Masters is not the right choice for everyone.
Your application may be less competitive. When a supervisor receives applications from candidates with and without a Masters, the applicant who already holds a postgraduate qualification has a clear advantage. They will typically have a dissertation under their belt, experience with independent research and a stronger academic profile. You will need to find other ways to demonstrate that you are ready for doctoral-level work.
You may have less research preparation. A Masters teaches you how to plan and execute a substantial research project. Without that experience, the transition to a PhD, where you are expected to work independently from the start, can feel steep. Skills like formulating research questions, conducting a literature review and managing a long-term project are all things a Masters helps to develop.
The supervisor learning curve is steeper. During a Masters, you build a working relationship with an academic supervisor who guides your dissertation. This experience is valuable preparation for the more intense supervisory relationship you will have during a PhD. Without it, you may need more time to adjust to working closely with your doctoral supervisor.
You may lack confidence in your research direction. A Masters gives you the space to explore different topics within your discipline before committing to a PhD. Without that exploratory period, you might feel less certain about your research focus, though this is not always the case, particularly if you already have a clear area of interest.
Entry requirements for a PhD without a Masters
If you are applying for a PhD without a Masters, universities will place greater weight on your undergraduate degree and any other evidence of your research ability. Here is what most institutions look for.
A strong academic classification. Most UK universities require at least a 2:1 (upper second-class honours) in a relevant subject. For competitive programmes, particularly funded studentships, a first-class honours degree is often preferred or expected. Some universities will also consider a 2:2 if it is supported by relevant professional experience or a strong research proposal. Many Russell Group universities confirm that a Masters is not a mandatory requirement for PhD entry, provided applicants meet other criteria.
Research experience. This is arguably the most important factor when you do not have a Masters. Universities want to see that you have some understanding of what research involves. This could include an undergraduate dissertation, a summer research placement, laboratory work or a research assistant position. Any evidence that you can design, carry out and write up research will strengthen your application.
Subject-specific considerations. In STEM subjects, many PhD programmes are part of structured doctoral training centres or partnerships that are specifically designed for students entering directly from an undergraduate degree. These programmes, often funded by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), typically include a first year of taught training alongside your research.
In the arts, humanities and social sciences, independent research experience carries more weight. Applicants without a Masters in these disciplines should expect closer scrutiny of their research proposal and academic writing skills.
Strong references. Excellent academic references are always important, but they matter even more when you do not have a Masters to demonstrate your postgraduate potential. Choose referees who can speak specifically to your research ability, critical thinking and suitability for doctoral study. For more on what universities expect, see our guide to PhD entry requirements.
How does the PhD without a Masters process work?
In most UK universities, if you are accepted onto a PhD without a Masters, you will initially register for an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) rather than directly for a PhD. This is standard practice and does not mean you are doing a separate degree, it is simply how the progression system works.
During your first year (or 18 months for part-time students), you will begin your research and develop your project under the guidance of your supervisor. At the end of this period, you will go through an upgrade review (sometimes called a transfer or confirmation review). This is an assessment where an academic panel evaluates your progress. It typically involves submitting a written report and attending a short interview.
There are three possible outcomes of an upgrade review:
- Pass: your registration is upgraded from MPhil to PhD and you continue with your doctoral research.
- Revise and resubmit: the panel asks you to make changes to your work before they can approve the upgrade. You will usually have a set period to address their feedback.
- Remain as MPhil: in rare cases, the panel may decide that the work is not at PhD level. You would then complete an MPhil qualification instead.
The vast majority of students who engage seriously with their research pass the upgrade. It is designed as a supportive milestone rather than a barrier.
Integrated PhD programmes
Another route worth considering is an integrated PhD programme. These combine a Masters-level year of study with a three-year PhD, resulting in a four-year programme overall. You graduate with both a Masters and a PhD at the end.
Integrated programmes are particularly common in STEM disciplines and are often run as part of Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) or Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs). They are an excellent option if you want the research training that a Masters provides but do not want to complete a separate degree first. Many integrated programmes are fully funded, covering fees and providing a living stipend.
For more detail on how these programmes work, see our guide to integrated Masters and PhD programmes.
How to strengthen your PhD application without a Masters
If you are applying for a PhD without a Masters degree, there are several practical things you can do to make your application stand out.
Build research experience. This is the single most effective way to compensate for not having a Masters. Look for undergraduate research placements, summer research internships, research assistant positions or laboratory work. Even a short period of hands-on research shows supervisors that you understand what doctoral study involves.
Write a strong research proposal. Your proposal is your opportunity to demonstrate that you can think critically and plan a viable research project. Take the time to develop a clear, well-structured proposal that shows you understand the existing literature and have a genuine contribution to make. Our guide to writing a research proposal walks you through the process step by step.
Build your academic CV. Present your qualifications, research experience and relevant skills clearly and professionally. If you have published any work, presented at conferences or contributed to research projects, make sure these are prominently featured. See our guide to CV for your PhD application for detailed advice.
Secure excellent references. Ask lecturers who know your academic work well, ideally those who supervised your dissertation or saw your research skills firsthand. A detailed, specific reference is far more valuable than a generic one.
Contact supervisors early. Before you submit a formal application, reach out to potential supervisors whose research interests align with yours. Introducing yourself and discussing your ideas shows initiative and helps you establish whether there is a good fit. Many supervisors appreciate hearing from applicants pursuing a PhD without a Masters, and some expect it. Our guide on emailing a potential PhD supervisor explains how to do this effectively.
Can you do a PhD without a Bachelors degree?
This is an even less common route than a PhD without a Masters, but it is possible. Some universities will consider applicants who do not hold a traditional undergraduate degree, provided they can demonstrate equivalent ability through other means.
This might include significant professional experience in a relevant field, professional qualifications at an advanced level or a portfolio of published work that demonstrates research capability. In practice, this route is most common for mature applicants who have built substantial expertise through their careers.
Universities tend to handle admissions in these cases on an individual basis. If you are considering this path, contact universities directly to discuss your circumstances. You may be asked to complete a preliminary assessment or portfolio review as part of the application process.
It is worth noting that even where universities accept non-traditional applicants, the academic expectations during the PhD itself remain the same. You will still need to produce original research of doctoral standard and defend it in a viva voce examination.
PhD with a Masters vs PhD without a Masters
The table below summarises the key differences between starting a PhD with and without a Masters degree.
| Factor | PhD with a Masters | PhD without a Masters |
|---|---|---|
| Total study time | 4-5 years (1-2 year Masters + 3-4 year PhD) | 3-4 years (direct entry) |
| Total cost | Higher (Masters fees + PhD fees) | Lower (PhD fees only, or fully funded) |
| Application competitiveness | Stronger profile with postgraduate qualification | Relies more on undergraduate record and research experience |
| Research preparation | Dissertation and taught research methods | Undergraduate dissertation and any additional experience |
| Entry process | Direct PhD registration common | MPhil registration with upgrade review |
| Structured training | Completed during Masters | Available through integrated PhD or CDT programmes |
Key takeaways
Here are the main points to remember if you are considering a PhD without a Masters:
- Yes, you can do a PhD without a Masters. Many UK, US and Australian universities accept direct entry from an undergraduate degree.
- A strong undergraduate classification is essential – a 2:1 minimum, with a first preferred for funded positions.
- Research experience matters most. Placements, lab work and undergraduate dissertations all help to demonstrate your readiness.
- Integrated PhD programmes offer a structured route that combines Masters-level training with doctoral research.
- A compelling research proposal and strong references can make the difference between acceptance and rejection.
Pursuing a PhD without a Masters is a well-trodden path, and universities are set up to support students who take this route. The upgrade process, integrated programmes and structured doctoral training all exist to help you succeed.
If you are ready to take the next step, search for PhD opportunities on DiscoverPhDs to find a project that matches your interests and ambitions.
