How to apply for a research degree
Before you apply
- Consider whether a research degree is right for you
- Investigate the research happening now across Kingston:
- check if we have expertise in your research area, and;
- consider who you would like to work with as your supervisor.
- Work on your research proposal and application. You will be asked to include the following documents with your application.
- A draft research proposal or project outline
- Your academic transcripts and or certificates
- English language qualifications, if required
- A photograph or scan of your passport
- You may also wish to attach a CV or other relevant documents, for example a portfolio of art work
Our faculties have produced guidance for applicants on how to put together a research proposal:
| Faculty | Contact |
|---|---|
| Kingston School of Art |
Visit Kingston School of Art's research webpage for more information. For enquiries please email the research student co-ordinator or call +44 (0)20 8417 4016. |
| Faculty of Business and Social Sciences |
Visit the Faculty's research webpage for more information. For enquiries please email the research student co-ordinator or call +44(0)20 8417 5226 (for business) or +44(0)20 8417 2304 (for Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences). |
| Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education |
Please visit the Faculty's research degree webpage for more information. For enquiries please email the research student co-ordinator or call +44 (0)20 8725 3024. |
| Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing |
Please see the Faculty's research degree webpage for more information. For enquiries please email the research student co-ordinator or call +44 (0)20 8417 2044. |
Application deadlines and course start dates
We encourage you to start in October or March to receive maximum benefit from our induction and development programmes and you should select the nearest date listed below to apply. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to start your research degree outside October or March.
Apply online
Select the faculty that you wish to apply for a research degree in. Please make sure you choose the right Faculty to avoid a delay in considering your application. If you are uncertain, contact the Faculty Research Student Co-ordinator to check.
- Kingston School of Art
- Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing
Kingston School of Art
Please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance that you wish to apply for below:
| Course | Start date | Online application |
|---|---|---|
| MA by Research | October 2019 | |
| March 2020 |
|
|
| MPhil | October 2019 |
|
| March 2020 | ||
| MPhil/PhD | October 2019 | |
| March 2020 | ||
|
PhD by prior publication/portfolio
|
October 2019, March 2020 |
|
Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
Please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance that you wish to apply for below:
| Course | Start date | Online application |
|---|---|---|
| MA by Research | March 2020 | |
|
MSc by Research Law and Social and Behavioural Sciences |
October 2019 | |
| March 2020 | ||
|
MPhil Law and Social and Behavioural Sciences |
October 2019 | |
| March 2020 | ||
|
MPhil/PhD Law and Social and Behavioural Sciences |
October 2019 | |
| March 2020 | ||
| Business PhD | October 2019 | |
| Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | October 2019 | The DBA is currently being re-designed. Applications will be open again for October 2019 shortly. |
|
PhD by prior publication/portfolio Please refer to the guidelines and application process and contact the faculty using the contact details above to discuss your proposal. |
October 2019, March 2020 |
Please refer to the guidelines and application process and contact the faculty using the contact details above to discuss your proposal. |
Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education
Please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance that you wish to apply for below:
| Course | Start date | Online application |
|---|---|---|
| MSc by Research | Ocotber 2019 |
|
| March 2020 |
|
|
| MPhil | October 2019 |
|
| March 2020 |
|
|
| MPhil/PhD | October 2019 |
|
| March 2020 |
|
|
| PhD by prior publication/portfolio – before applying, please refer to the guidelines and application process | October 2019 |
|
| March 2020 |
|
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing
Please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance that you wish to apply for below:
| Course | Start date | Online application |
|---|---|---|
| MSc by Research | October 2019 |
|
| March 2020 |
|
|
| MPhil | Ocotber 2019 |
|
| March 2020 |
|
|
| MPhil/PhD | October 2019 |
|
| March 2020 |
|
|
|
PhD by prior publication/portfolio Before applying, please refer to the guidelines and application process |
October 2019, March 2020 |
|
After you have applied
After you have applied, your qualifications and proposed project will be assessed by the Faculty. If suitable, you will be invited to an interview to discuss your application and project. Interviews may take place over the telephone or by Skype, if appropriate.
We will assign a first supervisor to help you develop your proposed research into a practical project and to agree a programme of research training.
For more information you can download Information for research degree applicants and offer holders (PDF).
Contact us
- For queries relating to research degree admissions, contact the relevant faculty.
- For non-admissions enquiries regarding research programmes, email Rachel Graham.
- How to get to Kingston University
Contact us
- For queries relating to research degree admissions, contact the relevant faculty.
- For non-admissions enquiries regarding research programmes, email Rachel Graham.
- How to get to Kingston University