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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We welcome applicants for our full-time Vice-Chancellor's PhD scholarships, which are open to all Home students who qualify and include:

  • Waiver of UK PhD tuition fees
  • Payment of a tax-free stipend of £22,000 per annum.

PhD scholars carry out teaching or research duties for a maximum of six hours per week. Scholarships are for three years (subject to satisfactory performance and academic progress).

You can apply for one of our Vice-Chancellor's PhD scholarships as part of your PhD application - please state on the application form that you would like to apply for the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship.

  • Terms and conditions

    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 (including attendance at conferences). 

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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