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.

The Vice-Chancellor's PhD scholarships

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The University of West London is a forward-thinking University with an appetite for innovative, rigorous and impactful research.

As part of its research expansion strategy, the University is offering a number of opportunities for fully funded PhD Scholarships.

Our scholarships are open to full-time, part-time, home and international* students and comprises an attractive package including:

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Full-time

  • Stipend of £22,000 per year (tax free)  
  • Up to £900 per year to attend conferences  
  • Duration: Three years

Part-time

  • Stipend of £11,000 per year (tax free)
  • Up to £450 per year to attend conferences
  • Duration: Six years

Deadlines for applications

  • International students: 12 May 2024 
  • Home students: 30 June 2024

* Please note that international students cannot apply for part-time scholarships.

  • Further information

    PhD scholars will be expected to carry out teaching or research duties for a maximum of six hours per week (full-time) and three hours per week (part-time).

    The University welcomes applicants who wish to study for a PhD research degree in one of its schools or colleges. Visit the PhD opportunities page for more 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.

    Successful applicants to the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship will join a vibrant and challenging academic environment where innovation, insight, and knowledge creation feeds into high quality research. 

  • Terms and conditions

    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. 

Links to study information

  • Applying for a PhD

    Find out about studying for a PhD and the Vice Chancellor's PhD scholarship.

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  • PhD opportunities

    Find out about the research specialisms of our academic schools and colleges, current and past PhD projects and new PhD opportunities.

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  • Professional Doctorates

    Turn your career into a qualification by studying part-time for a Professional Doctorate while you work.

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How the Graduate School can support your research

As a research student you can access research-specific support, advice and development opportunities through the UWL Graduate School. The School also facilitates networking opportunities between disciplines and will support the publication and dissemination of your research.

Graduate School staff:

Contact us

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If you would like more information about studying for a research degree please email: postgraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk.

 

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.

Find out more

  • Research Centres

    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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  • Research degrees

    Join an active and supportive research community.

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