Research degrees
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
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.
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
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.
Find out more
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The Graduate School
The Graduate School is home to UWL’s community of doctoral students and the main centre for our postgraduate research training activities.
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Help with funding
Loans, bursaries and scholarships, and advice for managing your money while you study.
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Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarships
We offer a number of opportunities for fully funded PhD scholarships. These are available for all eligible students (both home and international).
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The Graduate School
The Graduate School is home to UWL’s community of doctoral students and the main centre for our postgraduate research training activities.
-
Help with funding
Loans, bursaries and scholarships, and advice for managing your money while you study.
-
Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarships
We offer a number of opportunities for fully funded PhD scholarships. These are available for all eligible students (both home and international).
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.
disclaimer
* Rank out of 53 institutions.