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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

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

Special arrangements are in place for applications for this route. Please refer to the guidelines and application process and contact the faculty using the contact details above to discuss your proposal.

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

 

MSc by Research

Law and Social and Behavioural Sciences

 March 2020

MPhil

Law and Social and Behavioural Sciences

 March 2020

MPhil/PhD

Law and Social and Behavioural Sciences

 March 2020
Business PhD  October 2020  
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) October 2020 The DBA is currently being re-designed. Applications will be open again for October 2020 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.

March 2020

PhD by prior publication: Apply for part-time attendance

PhD by prior publication in Business & Management: Apply for part-time attendance
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 October 2019
October 2020
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
October 2020
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

Special arrangements are in place for applications for this route. Please refer to the guidelines and application process and contact the faculty using the contact details above to discuss your proposal.

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).

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