Research degrees
Advance your career and expertise through Kingston University’s research degrees. Our research programmes offer pathways to academic, consultancy or commercial careers.
Why Kingston University is ideal for research degrees
Kingston University's research degrees offer a flexible approach to carrying out research. They allow you to study on a full-time basis or combine your research studies with employment.
We carry out a wide range of research activities, from traditional academic disciplines to more contemporary problems or developments. Our staff are highly respected in their fields. You will be working with people at the forefront of the latest thinking and practice, with access to cutting edge research facilities.
As a research student at Kingston University, you will join a strong and ambitious postgraduate community. You will receive full support through a comprehensive programme of research training, including workshops, seminars, guest lectures, symposia, and related activities organised by the research groups.
All research degrees are programmes of independent study, culminating in the submission of a dissertation or thesis, which you will defend in a viva voce (oral) examination. The nature of the research will vary depending on the subject, with some involving extensive fieldwork or laboratory testing, while others may be more theory-based.
What research degrees are available?
English language requirements for research degrees
Academic IELTS language requirements
| Faculty/School | Overall | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Business and Social Sciences - School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences | 6.5 | 5.5 in each element |
| Faculty of Business and Social Sciences - Kingston Business School | 7.0 | 7.0 in writing and a minimum of 6.5 in all other elements |
| Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment | 6.5 | 6.0 in each element |
| Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and the Environment - Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry | 6.5 | 6.0 in each element |
| Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and the Environment - Health, Social Care and Education | 6.5 | 7.0 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other elements |
| Kingston School of Art | 6.5 | 5.5 in each element |
More information on English language requirements.
Why choose a research degree?
A research degree offers the opportunity to gain expertise in your chosen field through in-depth study and original research. In addition to paving the way for an academic career, it can enhance your employment prospects in commercial research and development, consultancy, and various roles across the public and private sectors.
How much does a research degree cost?
Research degree funding and studentships
We are pleased to offer a variety of funding opportunities to our postgraduate researchers, including prestigious studentships fully funded by UK Research and Innovation (please see the list below).
How to apply for a research degree
New students may enrol on our research degrees at various points in the year, depending on arrangements within each faculty. Our induction programme runs twice a year – in October and March.
Apply now via the relevant faculty
The online application links for our research degrees are listed by faculty (use the links below). Queries may be emailed to the relevant faculty using the addresses included with each faculty listing.
Kingston School of Art
Kingston School of Art includes illustration, graphic design, fashion and sustainable design; architecture, landscape and environment; critical and historical studies; contemporary art; film and photography; creative writing, English language and literature; dance, music, theatre and performance; journalism and media.
See research degrees available in Kingston School of Art
Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
This faculty includes: business, management (including healthcare management, leadership, and decision making), finance, accounting, marketing, economics, law, international relations, psychology.
See research degrees available in the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
This faculty includes: civil engineering and construction; earth and environmental and social sciences; energy technologies; fire and fluid dynamics; ground and aerospace transportation engineering; medical engineering; nano-materials and composites; electronic engineering and robotics; communications; computer vision; cyber security; artificial intelligence; software engineering; quantum computing.
See research degrees available in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
This faculty includes: nursing, midwifery, life sciences, pharmacy, chemistry, social work and social care, and education.
See research degrees available in the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
Research degrees in Kingston School of Art
We offer MA by Research, MPhil and PhD degrees across the range of research areas within the Faculty.
As a research student at Kingston University you will become part of a strong and ambitious postgraduate community. You will be fully supported by a rich programme of research training, including research workshops, seminars, guest lectures, symposia, and related activities organised through the research centres.
Currently we have over 250 postgraduate researchers across the Faculty. Several have successfully secured prestigious AHRC postgraduate studentships through TECHNE or LDoc, overseas government studentships, industry or employer sponsorship, or University or Kingston School of Art scholarships.
Visit Kingston School of Art's research pages for more information.
For enquiries, please contact the research student coordinator: [email protected]
To apply, please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance:
Research degrees in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
The Faculty offers three research degrees: MSc by Research, MPhil and PhD. The research areas covered by the Faculty include environmental change, geological and crustal processes, fire and explosion studies, computer vision and machine learning, molecular electronics and photonics, construction materials and sustainable technology, and mobile information and network technologies.
Currently there are around 100 research students across the Faculty, many of whom have successfully secured studentships, industry sponsorship or University and Faculty funding. Any opportunities for funding for research degrees are advertised on these pages when they become available.
Visit the Faculty's research pages for more information.
For enquiries, please contact the research student coordinator: [email protected]
To apply, please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance:
