At a glance
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Duration
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Tuition / yr
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PhD
Level
Kingston University offers research degrees (MSc by Research, MA by Research, MPhil, and PhD) that allow you to advance your expertise and pursue academic, consultancy, or commercial careers. These programs emphasize independent study culminating in a dissertation or thesis, defended via an oral examination. The university supports a strong postgraduate community with comprehensive research training, including workshops, seminars, and guest lectures. Research activities span traditional academic disciplines to contemporary issues, with staff recognized as leaders in their fields. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities and join an ambitious postgraduate community.
Careers
A research degree from Kingston University prepares you for a variety of career paths, including academia, consultancy, and commercial sectors. The independent research skills, critical thinking, and subject expertise gained are highly valued by employers.
- Academic researcher
- Consultant
- Industry specialist
- Professional roles requiring advanced research skills
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for a PhD programme?
- Applicants for a PhD normally need a postgraduate masters degree in a subject relevant to the proposed research. In some cases, a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent may be considered, along with substantial relevant professional experience.
- How do I apply for a research degree at Kingston University?
- You should first identify your research area and a potential supervisor, then prepare a research proposal. Applications are submitted directly through the relevant faculty, along with supporting documents like academic transcripts, a CV, and references.
- What documents are required for the application?
- Required documents typically include academic transcripts, degree certificates, a Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a research proposal. References and a portfolio may also be required depending on the specific program.
- Are there any scholarships or funding options available for research degrees?
- Yes, information on research degree funding and studentships is available on the university's dedicated section for research degree funding. The amounts and specific options vary.
- What career paths can I pursue with a research degree from Kingston University?
- A research degree prepares you for various career paths, including roles as an academic researcher, consultant, or industry specialist. The independent research skills and critical thinking gained are highly valued by employers.
Entry requirements
Masters by Research (MSc/MA)Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in a subject appropriate to the proposed field of research. Exceptional candidates with substantial relevant professional experience, publications, or written reports may be considered.
MPhilNormally a first-class or second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in a subject relevant to the proposed research programme. Exceptional candidates with substantial relevant professional experience, publications, or written reports may be considered.
PhDNormally a postgraduate masters degree in a subject relevant to the proposed research programme. Some subject areas may consider applicants with a first/upper second class honours degree or equivalent. Exceptional candidates with substantial relevant professional experience, publications, or written reports may be considered.
PhD by prior publication/portfolioThis route is for individuals who have not followed a traditional academic path but have produced research and developed research skills to a doctoral level, potentially through mid-career professional work or practice-based disciplines. Requires substantial published work and an introductory section.
Practice-based PhDOpen to practitioners in fields such as fine art, design, engineering, architecture, creative writing, music, film, dance, and performance. The thesis must reflect a coherent research process, critical appreciation of context, and demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge, balancing reflective commentary with creative work or publications.
For all research degrees, in exceptional circumstances, the University may consider applicants without conventional qualifications if they have substantial relevant professional experience, including publications or written reports. MSc/MA by Research programmes are not available for business-related research topics.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information on international tuition fees is not provided on the research degrees page.
Tuition (home)Information on home tuition fees is not provided on the research degrees page.
LivingInformation on living costs is not provided on the research degrees page.
Research degree costs, funding, and studentships are addressed in separate sections on the university website, but specific figures are not detailed here.
How to apply
1. Identify Research Area and SupervisorDetermine your research interests and identify potential academic staff members whose research aligns with yours. You may need to contact them directly.
2. Prepare Research ProposalDevelop a clear and concise research proposal outlining your intended project.
3. Apply via FacultyApplications are submitted through the relevant faculty. Visit the 'Apply now via the relevant faculty' section on the Kingston University research degrees page for links to faculty application portals.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsRequired documents typically include academic transcripts, degree certificates, curriculum vitae, and potentially references or a portfolio, depending on the program.
5. Attend InterviewShortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to discuss their research proposal and suitability for the program.
Scholarships
Research degree funding and studentshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for a PhD programme?
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Applicants for a PhD normally need a postgraduate masters degree in a subject relevant to the proposed research. In some cases, a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent may be considered, along with substantial relevant professional experience.
How do I apply for a research degree at Kingston University?
+
You should first identify your research area and a potential supervisor, then prepare a research proposal. Applications are submitted directly through the relevant faculty, along with supporting documents like academic transcripts, a CV, and references.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Required documents typically include academic transcripts, degree certificates, a Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a research proposal. References and a portfolio may also be required depending on the specific program.
Are there any scholarships or funding options available for research degrees?
+
Yes, information on research degree funding and studentships is available on the university's dedicated section for research degree funding. The amounts and specific options vary.
What career paths can I pursue with a research degree from Kingston University?
+
A research degree prepares you for various career paths, including roles as an academic researcher, consultant, or industry specialist. The independent research skills and critical thinking gained are highly valued by employers.