Research in the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
Join a thriving research community in health, science, social care and education. Explore groundbreaking topics with expert supervision.
You are reading:
About research
Our research spans health, science, social care and education, tackling real challenges and delivering meaningful results that inspire change. Learn more about research degrees, research centres and groups within the Faculty.
Research degrees in the Faculty
We offer flexible pathways for research degrees:
- MSc by Research
- MPhil
- PhD
- Education PhD
All degree options are available full-time and part-time 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:
- Life sciences, (Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Sport and Exercise Physiology, Forensic Science, Nutrition, Public Health, Cell Biology and Parasitology)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology
- Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic, Physical, Analytical and Environmental
- Polymers and Materials Science (polymer synthesis and properties, specialised materials such as conducting or thermoresponsive polymers, materials for medical devices)
- (Applied) Health Service Research to improve health outcomes, systems and care
- Health/Social Care and Policy Research
- Clinical Decision Making
- Intellectual Disability and End of Life Care; Nursing (e.g. work force development)
- Social Work and Social Care
- Healthcare Education
- Midwifery (e.g. women’s health, maternal disparities, critical midwifery studies, education, professional identity and development)
- Health Inequalities and EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion)
- Public Health; Education (e.g. AI and pedagogy, SEND, giftedness).
You can view a selection 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 March.
We aim to process applications as quickly as possible, but it can take a minimum of 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
To be considered for a research degree, you must have an upper second or first class honours degree in a subject relevant to your proposed area of study. A masters degree in a subject relevant to your proposed area of study is not essential but is advantageous.
We will need the following items from you. Please ensure you have all documentation ready before you apply. It is essential you have the support of an academic prepared to supervise you before applying, as you are required to put their name on the application form.
Complete the appropriate postgraduate application form on our research degrees webpage.
You will be asked for names and contact details of two referees. References must be from professional or academic contacts. They cannot be from family members or friends. At least one reference should be from someone who knows you from your most recent academic qualification. The referee cannot be 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 it is all your own work. Where you have made use of the work of others, make sure this is clearly indicated through a citation or acknowledgement. Please be aware that the University takes any act of plagiarism seriously. It 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 computer-based, theoretical, 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.
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 Continuation status (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
- First year internal (seminar/conference) presentation: (6-12M FT, 12-24M PT)
- Second year internal/external (seminar/conference) presentation: (12-24M FT, 24-48M PT)
- Third 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.
