Research degrees
Join an active and supportive research community
Almost 80 percent of our 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 research.
Research degrees combine independent study with supervisor support and you will present your findings in a final written thesis. We offer two types of research degrees:
- PhDs focus on research and can last three to four years full-time or six years part-time.
- Professional doctorate degrees focus on research that advances professional practice and are equivalent in status and challenge to a PhD.
Your studies will be supported both by your supervisors and the dedicated UWL Graduate School.
Links to study information
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Applying for a PhD
Find out about studying for a PhD and the Vice Chancellor's PhD scholarship.
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PhD opportunities
Explore our subject areas and find your PhD opportunity at the University of West London.
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Professional Doctorates
Turn your career into a qualification by studying part-time for a Professional Doctorate while you work.
The Vice-Chancellor's PhD scholarships
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Further information
Particular attention will be paid to applications aligned with one (or more) of our research strategic priorities:
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) – We encourage applications promoting and embedding EDI values throughout the whole research process. We also encourage original research addressing key EDI-related challenges.
- Interdisciplinarity - We encourage applications sitting across several UWL Schools/Colleges and demonstrating innovative research focus and/or methodologies.
- Impact - We encourage applications demonstrating effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia.
Full-time beneficiaries of these scholarships will be engaged on a programme of full-time study and are not expected to undertake paid work for the duration of their course. The stipend will support students towards their accommodation and living costs, and towards any peripheral costs incurred in the course of their study.
New Vistas Journal
The University's Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) supports the development of higher education research and practice.
CELT publishes the New Vistas Journal, which addresses issues of policy, practice and scholarship in higher education.
Contact us
If you would like more information about studying for a research degree please email: postgraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk.
Find out more
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Research Centres and Groups
Find out about our multi-disciplinary areas of expertise, research, and teaching.
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Research impact
Learn how our research has helped communities locally, nationally and internationally.
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The Graduate School
If you are interested in studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate, the Graduate School is here to support your research.