Join an active and supportive research community

Research degrees combine independent study with supervisor support and you will present your findings in a final written thesis.

At the University of West London, 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 our dedicated Graduate School.

Our research degrees

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PhDs

UWL offers a wide range of PhD opportunities across:

  • Business
  • Computing and engineering
  • English, film and media
  • Hospitality and tourism
  • Human and social sciences
  • Law and policing
  • Medicine and biosciences
  • Music
  • Nursing, midwifery and healthcare

Your studies will be supported by your supervisors and our dedicated Graduate School.

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Professional Doctorates

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

Our Professional Doctorates offer a flexible alternative to a PhD, designed so you can study part-time for a doctorate qualification tailored to your field of work.

How to apply

A PhD student at the University of West London. How to apply for a PhD
Learn how to apply for a PhD with the University of West London, including answers to frequently asked questions.

Why study with us?

Why study with us?

  • UWL is ranked 2nd globally for overall satisfaction and research community in the latest Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)*
  • Our research degrees have a 90% overall satisfaction rate in the latest Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)
  • UWL is ranked in the top 100 universities in the UK for the overall quality of our research in the latest Government Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment
  • 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

My doctoral experience at the University of West London was outstanding. The University offers everything you need as a student to succeed in your studies and I received a huge amount of support.

Athanasios Lykartsis, PhD student

Find out more

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.

 

Find out more

  • 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.

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disclaimer

* Rank out of 53 institutions.