Can you do a phd without a masters? Everything you need to know

Many students ask this question, and the answer depends on the university. In many cases, you do not need a master’s degree, and strong undergraduate results can be sufficient. However, some universities still require a master’s, so it is essential to check carefully. Rules vary, and thorough research is always important.

The traditional route: Master's first, then PhD

Historically, the conventional academic pathway in the United Kingdom and across much of Europe has been:

Undergraduate degree (BSc/BA) → Postgraduate taught degree (MSc/MA) → Doctoral research (PhD)

This route is intuitive. A master’s degree deepens subject knowledge, develops research skills, and helps students determine whether doctoral-level study is genuinely right for them. Many supervisors and admissions panels still prefer candidates who hold a master’s qualification, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, where independent research skills are developed progressively.

However, academia has evolved considerably. Universities in the UK, the United States, continental Europe, and beyond now offer a range of direct-entry doctoral routes. 

Do you need a master's degree to get a PhD in France, UK and USA?

Not necessarily. It is  common tto pursue a PhD without a Master's degree. Whether or not you need a master's degree before beginning a PhD depends on several factors:

1. The Country and Institution

France and Continental Europe: The landscape varies. In France, for instance, a Master's as traditionally been a prerequisite for doctoral entry. However, some instituions are increasingly offering routes that assess candidates holistically, rather than purely on prior qualifications.

United Kingdom: Many UK universities allow exceptional bachelor's graduates to apply directly to a PhD programme, particularly in STEM disciplines. Applicants typically need a strong first-class or upper-second-class honours degree and, ideally, a compelling research proposal.

United States: American PhD programmes almost universally accept students straight from undergraduate study. In fact, US doctoral programmes are often structured to incorporate the equivalent of a master's degree within the first two years, after which students advance to their dissertation research.

2. Your undergraduate result

For direct-entry PhD routes, the quality of your undergraduate degree matters enormously. Admissions committees will look for evidence that you can sustain original, independent research at the highest level. A first-class honours degree from a well-regarded university, combined with strong letters of recommendation and a well-developed research proposal, can be sufficient to gain entry to highly competitive programmes.

3. Your research proposal

Whether or not you hold a master's degree, a persuasive, intellectually rigorous research proposal is essential to any successful PhD application. Your proposal should demonstrate that you have identified a genuine gap in the existing literature, that you understand the methodological landscape of your field, and that you have the intellectual ambition and focus to see a multi-year research project through to completion.

4. Professional experience

In business, management, and finance — fields where institutions such as EDHEC Business School operate — relevant professional experience can carry significant weight. A candidate with a strong undergraduate degree and several years of high-level industry experience may be viewed more favourably than a recent master's graduate with no practical exposure to the field.

Pros and cons of going straight to a PhD

Advantages

Time efficiency: Bypassing a master’s degree can save one to two years of study, along with the associated costs.

Funding opportunities: A wide range of doctoral scholarships and research council studentships are available directly to PhD candidates, potentially making funding more accessible.

Immersion in research: Entering directly into doctoral study can enable candidates develop an independent research identity at an earlier stage.

Career continuity: For experienced professionals, pursuing a PhD without first completing a master’s degree can be a more practical option. For example, EDHEC’s PhD in Finance is designed to accommodate candidates with significant professional experience.

Disadvantages

Competitive entry: Direct-entry routes are often highly competitive, requiring exceptional strength in other areas of the application.

Research skills gap: A research-focused master’s provides valuable methodological training that may otherwise need to be developed during the PhD.

Smaller academic network: Master’s programmes offer opportunities to build relationships with supervisors and develop a research network before committing to doctoral study.

What do PhD admissions committees look for?

Regardless of whether you hold a master's degree, admissions panels at leading institutions will assess you on the following criteria:

• Academic excellence: Strong undergraduate (and, where applicable, postgraduate) results
• Research potential: Evidence of independent intellectual inquiry
• A coherent research proposal: A clear research question, framework, and methodology
• Supervisory fit: Alignment with available academic expertise
• References: Strong academic or professional references that attest to your intellectual capability and research potential
• Motivation and resilience: A well-articulated rationale for pursuing doctoral study

EDHEC Business School's PhD programmes

EDHEC Business School offers two doctoral programmes designed for experienced professionals and dedicated scholars: the PhD in Finance and the Executive PhD in Business Management.

The PhD in Finance lasts three years, and is delivered in English across EDHEC's London and Nice campuses. The Executive PhD in Business Management, awarded as a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), lasts 40 months, includes six residential weeks, and is delivered across the Lille, Paris, and Nice campuses. 

Both programmes combine rigorous coursework, research workshops, and supervised projects, providing participants with access to a faculty of 187 professors and researchers, as well as a research ecosystem producing over 100 academic articles per year — all without requiring candidates to step away from their careers.