How to apply for a research degree (PhD, Professional Doctorate, MPhil, MA/MSc by Research)
KU Studentship Competition 2025 now open!
Before you apply
- Consider whether a research degree is right for you.
- Investigate the research happening now across Kingston.
- Find out about the research degrees we offer, the entry requirements, and see which one works best for you.
- Check if we have expertise in your research area and consider who you would like to work with as your supervisor.
- Work on your research proposal and application.
- Find the right faculty to apply to.
- View our awarded research degree theses.
Documents to submit with your research application
You will be asked to include the following documents with your application:
- A draft research proposal or project outline
- Your academic transcripts and or certificates
- English language qualifications, if required
- A photograph or scan of your passport
- You may also wish to attach a CV or other relevant documents, for example a portfolio of art work
Our faculties have produced guidance for applicants on how to put together a research proposal. Please see the application support section under each faculty area on this page for more information.
Make your application
We encourage you to start your research degree in March or October to receive maximum benefit from our induction and development programmes and you should select the nearest date listed below when you apply. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to start your research degree outside October or March.
Which faculty are you applying to?
To apply for a research degree at Kingston, you'll need to choose one of our four faculties (listed below). The faculty you choose will depend on the subject(s) you are interested in.
Please make sure you choose the correct faculty to avoid a delay in considering your application.
Click on the links below for specific information for each faculty. Research degree options and contact details are listed for each faculty. If you are uncertain, please contact the Faculty Research Student Coordinator to check.
Research at Kingston School of Art
Includes Architecture and Landscape, Fine Art, Filmmaking and Photography, Performing Arts, Critical and Historical Studies, Creative and Cultural Industries, Humanities, Journalism, Publishing and Media, Graphics, Illustration and Animation, 3D Design and Fashion
Research in the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
Includes Business, Management (including Healthcare Management, Leadership, and Decision Making) Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Criminology and Sociology, Economics, Law, Politics and International Relations, and Psychology.
Research in the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
Includes Nursing, Midwifery, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Social Work and Social Care, and Education
Research in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
Includes Civil Engineering and Construction; Earth, Environmental and Social Sciences; Energy; Fire and Fluid Dynamics; Ground and Aerospace Transportation Engineering; Medical Engineering; Nano-materials and Composites; Communications; Vision; Security
Business and Social Sciences
To apply, please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance:
Engineering, Computing and the Environment
To apply, please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance:
Health, Science, Social Care and Education
To apply, please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance from the drop-downs below.
Kingston School of Art
To apply, please ensure you select the exact qualification, start date and mode of attendance:
After you have applied
Your application, qualifications and proposed project will be assessed by the Faculty. If suitable, you will be invited to an interview to discuss your application and project. Interviews may take place over the telephone or by Skype, if appropriate.
We will assign a first supervisor to help you develop your proposed research into a practical project and to agree a programme of research training.
For more information you can download Information for research degree applicants and offer holders (PDF).
