Research in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
Join a dynamic research community at the forefront of engineering, computing and environmental advancements.
Discover our research
Discover a thriving research culture that spans engineering, computing, geography, surveying, and environmental sciences. Our collaborative approach, supported by national and international networks, enables groundbreaking advancements across disciplines.
With strong industry links and funding from global organisations such as the European Commission, UK research councils and multinational corporations, we’re driving innovation that creates change.
Specialist areas of expertise include:
- Digital information research centre: Specialising in informatics, addressing health, communications, security and data needs.
- Robot vision: From automated image recognition to VR development, we explore cutting-edge technologies to assist businesses in multiple sectors, including healthcare and security.
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV): We help businesses advance UAV technology for applications in various sectors, including agriculture, security and logistics.
Research degrees in the Faculty
We offer three flexible pathways for research degrees:
- MSc by Research
- MPhil
- PhD
All degree options are available across our research centres and subject areas, allowing you to tailor your research to your interests. As a research student you can expect:
- An inspiring, interdisciplinary research environment
- Access to cutting-edge facilities
- A supportive student community
- Opportunities to collaborate with industry partners
Self-funded PhD project ideas include:
- Aerospace and aircraft engineering
- Civil engineering and construction
- Computing and information systems
- Electrical, electronic and robotic engineering
- Geography, geology and environment
- Mathematics
- Mechanical and automotive engineering
You can view the full list of self-funded project ideas on FindAPhD.com. If you are interested in one of these projects, please contact the supervisor to discuss it. You will need to submit a full project proposal and timeline with your online application.
Applying for a research degree in the Faculty
Application deadline
Applications are accepted at any time of year, but there are three entry points: October, January and May.
We aim to process applications as quickly as possible, but it can sometimes take 4 to 6 weeks for all the paperwork to be in order. Only when all the required paperwork (including two references) has been received can it be submitted for Faculty approval. Once an application has been approved, the applicant is invited to interview; an offer can only be made after an applicant has had a successful interview.
How to apply: what you will need
In order to be considered for a research degree we will need the following from you. Please ensure that you have all documentation ready before you apply. It is essential that you have the support of an academic prepared to supervise you before applying, as you are required to put his/her name on the application form.
Complete the appropriate postgraduate application form, to be found on this webpage.
You will be asked for names and contact details of two referees. References must be from professional or academic contacts and cannot be from family members or friends. At least one reference should be from someone who knows you from your most recent academic qualification (but is not a member of the supervisory team for the project). We cannot accept references provided via an applicant.
You will need a detailed research proposal. Please see the details given below on preparing a proposal.
When submitting a project proposal as part of your application please ensure that it is all your own work and where you have made use of the work of others this is clearly indicated through a citation or acknowledgement. Please be aware that the University takes any act of plagiarism seriously and will conduct a plagiarism check on all research proposal documents submitted for application. If plagiarism is identified the application may be unsuccessful. The University will not accept a lack of understanding of the requirements for acknowledging the work of others as a legitimate defence for academic misconduct.
Degree and/or masters certificates and transcripts.
For international students who have not previously studied in the UK or a majority English speaking country, evidence of English language proficiency is required. Please read Kingston University's English language entry requirements.
How to prepare a research proposal
A crucial part of a research application is the research proposal. Here is some guidance on writing a research proposal, including suggestions on what to include and what to avoid.
Normally a proposal should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words. It should include the following.
This should do more than convey the key words associated with the proposed research. It should describe the content and direction of your project.
This should provide a brief overview of the wider background of the proposed research and identify the discipline(s) within which it falls. You might also refer to the way in which your own background gives you competences in your chosen area.
Develop your proposal to show you are aware of the debates and issues raised in relevant bodies of literature. Provide evidence for why you believe your research is needed, using an analysis of published work. Refer to key articles and texts, to show you appreciate their relevance to your research area. Demonstrate that your proposed area has not been studied before: identify your niche which will lead on to the thesis preparation.
You need to demonstrate that the topic can be completed within the normal time period allowed; you need to show that it is manageable, so focus on key questions within your niche area.
State specific aims and objectives of the research to be undertaken, in a logical sequence.
Show how you anticipate achieving your aims. Demonstrate an awareness of the methodological tools available to you and show some understanding of which tools would be suitable for your research.
It may be that a qualitative method, including the analysis of interviews, is appropriate. Alternatively, your approach may involve forecasting or statistical, financial or econometric modelling. In other cases you may be combining methodologies. You need to specify the approach you feel will be most appropriate. You should include a back-up plan or risk mitigation in case of unforeseen problems.
Demonstrate an awareness of the need for planning and the timescale of the research. Your timescale should be realistic, taking into account the requirement for upgrade monitoring (PhD applicants) and timely thesis submission. The timeline should show which aspects of the project you will be completing in each year of registration and the anticipated time required for each, and time for writing up the thesis (by the end of month 36 for full-time or month 72 for part-time) should be included.
Please note: use "month 1", "month 2", "month 3" etc, in the timeplan/Gantt chart, not calendar months.
The timeline for PhD should include the following indicative milestones:
Monitoring milestones
- Upgrade Monitoring Report (9-10M FT, 20-22 M PT)
- 2nd year Annual Monitoring Report (21-22M FT, 42-44M PT)
- 3rd year Annual Monitoring Report (33-34M FT, 66-68M PT)
- PhD Thesis Submission or Application for Writing Up Extension (36M FT, 72M PT)
Proposed research milestones
- Apply for Research Ethics Approval (1-6M FT, 1-12M PT)
- Discipline-specific Training (1-9M FT, 1-18M PT)
- Complete Draft Literature Review (6-15M FT, 12-30M PT)
- Data Collection/field work (3-18M FT, 6-36M PT)
- Data Analysis / Experiments / Methodology (ongoing 6-36M FT, 12-72M PT)
Dissemination milestones
- 1st year Internal (seminar/conference) presentation: (6-12M FT, 12-24M PT)
- 2nd year Internal/external (seminar/conference) presentation: (12-24M FT, 24-48M PT)
- 3rd year Internal (seminar/conference) presentation: (24-36M FT, 48-72M PT)
You should include a short list of references to key articles and texts including in the application.
- Broad topic areas which would be unmanageable as research topics.
- Vague descriptions of research areas.
- Subject areas where your chosen school has no expertise.
- Plagiarism (for more information on this, please see the Kingston University policies and regulations).
Advance your expertise with a research degree at Kingston University
Join a dynamic postgraduate community, work alongside leading academics, and access cutting-edge research facilities.
Research centres
Our research is driven by two world-class centres, each tackling challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. These centres bring together experts across disciplines to address today’s most pressing issues in engineering, technology and environmental science:
- Centre for Engineering, Environment and Society Research
- Digital Information Research Centre
