An environmental scientist uses a compound semiconductor molecular beam epitaxy system

Research

Discovering ways to improve lives

Almost 80 percent of our PhD research is rated as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) in the latest Government Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment.
UWL is ranked in the top 100 universities in the UK for the overall quality of our PhD research.

By sharing our research and technology, and drawing on our close ties with businesses and industry, our research finds answers to problems to improve our lives. Find out more about our current projects and the impact of our research.

Our collaborative and supportive research community brings together common areas of expertise and shares findings. Find out more about our active research areas and PhD research degrees.

Recent PhD research projects

The Lost Dads Project

This research by Ben Hine, Professor of Applied Psychology within UWL's School of Human and Social Sciences, examines the increased vulnerability faced by men following family breakdown, separation and divorce, as well as the need for increased understanding, support and recognition.

Falling in love in video games

Professor Mark Coulson's work focuses on the psychology behind relationships within games, including the ability to use these often optional relationships as a way to explore your own identity. 

Achieving bias-free criminal investigations

Dr Rashid Minhas' research project focuses on creating a model that can help police and criminal investigators to limit, or eliminate completely, the amount of bias involved in investigations.

Racial linguistic perceptions of speech in the context of criminal investigations

Dr Viktoria Magne's research focuses on how non-native English speakers are often pre-judged based on their accent, and how this can impact not only everyday life, but also criminal investigations.

Multimodal forensic investigation of mass graves

Dr Xenia Kyriakou's research project focuses on developing technology to detect mass graves and exhume them whilst preserving forensic evidence and repatriation of the deceased.

The Graduate School

Three students walking outside the UWL building smiling and socialising.

The Graduate School is home to UWL’s community of doctoral students and the main centre for our postgraduate research training activities.

If you are interested in studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate with us, the Graduate School is here to support your research.

We also provide training and support to experienced and new supervisors, helping ensure that we meet our goals to grow UWL's research capacity and develop our research standing.

Learn how our Graduate School can support you

Research Support Unit

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The Research Support Unit (RSU) assists UWL researchers and academics in producing high-quality research. They manage Research Excellence Framework submissions, support research impact, help secure research funding and develop initiatives that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across the University.

Find out more about the Research Support Unit

PhD research at UWL

Explore how our PhD research is being used

Elderly lady seated in front of a laptop assisted by someone next to her.
The use of technology to support older people

Learn about GIAM's research into how interacting online can help maintain memory in older people.

close up of moss-covered tree roots
Testing below the surface without causing damage

Find out about our research into pioneering, non-destructive techniques to understand the condition of both natural and man-made structures.

Police officers patrolling the street
Tackling rape myths in policing

Find out about our research to understand how attitudes to rape victims can impact a police officer's judgement in sexual assault cases. 

The Olympic rings in London's olympic park
Ensuring the redevelopment of the London Olympic Park helps local people

Find out more about our research into whether London Olympics delivered the promised affordable housing legacy.

an older person holding a glass of water sitting next to her carer
Improving hydration in care settings

Find out how our hydration research has helped older people in care settings stay hydrated.

Schoolchildren raising their hands in a classroom
Helping children develop their confidence

Find out how our research has helped schools to support shy or withdrawn children develop their social skills and become more confident in the classroom.

Internet of things, represented by an abstract image of a phone surrounded by home appliances
Protecting the Internet of Things

Find out about how our cybersecurity research is helping to prevent the threat of large-scale attacks.

Male nurse tending to patient in hospital bed, with a second nurse present.
Preventing healthcare-associated infections

Find out about our research to develop guidelines to prevent infection in healthcare settings.

Someone operating a sound desk during a dress rehearsal
Making music interactive

Find out about our research to develop an app that allows listeners to interact with an artist's music.

Sophie Muller, a successful director of music videos who was interviewed by Professor Emily Caston.
Understanding the impact of British music videos on the screen industries

Find out about our research into the history of music videos in Britain and their impact on the screen industries.

Research integrity and governance

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Our research is governed by policies which draw on good practice in research and legal frameworks including human rights legislation, ethical research conduct and our data protection policy.

Learn more about research integrity and governance at UWL