university college london phd in education

• Staff & students

MPhil/PhD Education

Course information.

Educational Studies

3-4 years full-time or 4-6 years part-time

Course overview

We are committed to developing our postgraduate students into competent and critical educational researchers able to conduct rigorous and socially impactful research using a variety of methodological approaches.

The Department of Educational Studies at Goldsmiths is recognised nationally and internationally for its innovative, original, and publicly relevant education research. We encourage research proposals in any of the areas in which the Department has expertise, subject to supervisor availability.

We are particularly interested to hear from those who would like to work within areas such as:

• art practice and learning
• children’s literature and education
• curriculum policy and practice
• social justice and education
• race, politics, and education
• progressive pedagogies
• multilingualism
• global education
• education governance
• education policy
• early years education
• comparative education
• educational research ethics as situated practice

The Department of Educational Studies  has about forty home and international research students. Many of our research students are also practising professionals carrying out research related to their work. Students study either full-time or part-time.

Students become members of the Department’s Research Centres  and they're encouraged to contribute along with staff and other visiting scholars to their seminar series and to the Department’s rich research culture. Additional facilities for research students are provided by the  Goldsmiths Graduate School .

The Department of Educational Studies also participates in two prestigious Doctoral Training Partnerships (please see the Funding section below).

Have a look at our student profiles and their research topics .

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Vally Lytra .

Programme aims

To help you:

• Identify appropriate issues of educational significance for your enquiry
• Select appropriate methods and methodologies by which to investigate these
• Appreciate the epistemological and technical assumptions that underpin this choice
• Design and execute a well-founded enquiry
• Analyse and interpret findings with accuracy, rigour, and originality
• Identify the practical and professional implications of educational enquiry
• Pursue doctoral training and development and achieve socially impactful research
• Build connections with postgraduate alumni working in HE as well as in a range of employment sectors

We ensure that you’re supported by highly qualified supervisors who you work with to a mutually agreed timetable and maintain regular tutorial contact throughout your research. An induction and research training programme is provided and you’re normally expected to follow this. There is an annual appraisal of your progress, and every effort is made to ensure good communication between yourself, your supervisors, and other relevant members of staff.

You’ll join a vibrant research community with many opportunities to lead and engage in work-in-progress seminars, research clusters, the annual postgraduate conference, create your own research communities, and get support for writing for publication.

You’ll have additional support from the  Graduate School , where there’s a lively programme of interdisciplinary seminars, as well as core research training to support your studies. The Graduate School also has its own virtual research community, running in parallel to the physical School and providing online seminars and research training programmes.

All MPhil and PhD students and academic staff are invited to research seminars run by the Department’s three Research Centres: the  Centre for Language, Culture and Learning (CLCL), the  Centre for the Arts and Learning and the Centre for Identities and Social Justice . In addition to academics from inside and outside the University, research students also have an opportunity to contribute to seminars on work in progress.

In addition to the facilities available in the Graduate School, the Department has good facilities for research students including a study room.

Thesis and viva voce.

What our students say

Klaudia matasovska.

My PhD supervisors are well-established experts in their field and very supportive, and they have guided me on my PhD journey very effectively.

My research topic

Having enjoyed my MA Education: Culture, Language and Identity at Goldsmiths, I began my PhD in 2021. My research is about LGBT+ inclusion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). As a former SEN teacher, I realise the importance of addressing LGBT+ inclusion in the context of classrooms with pupils with SEND. I am looking at the challenges and barriers for educators and school leaders in charge of implementing effective steps to address inclusion in SEN school settings. You can learn more about my research activities on my website .

Choosing the doctoral programme

My good relationships with members of the Department of Educational Studies , which started to be built during my MA studies, naturally inspired me to do my PhD at Goldsmiths. My PhD supervisors are well-established experts in their field and very supportive, and they have guided me on my PhD journey very effectively. Furthermore, the department has also supported me financially via a bursary . This has been very helpful to me as a full-time student. I have also been very supported by my PhD programme convenor who is a very experienced scholar.

My time at Goldsmiths

I really embrace having the opportunity to practise my presentation skills via the Work in Progress seminars, and also the PGR (postgraduate research) conferences for us PhD students where we can present our research to the university community. This enhances our confidence when it comes to public speaking, which is an important skill to have for any academic. In addition to this, we are always encouraged to engage in critical thinking and in meaningful discussions related to education.

Advice for future students

I would encourage students to network with others in the academic community as much as possible. This is good for enhancing your skills as a scholar, as well as for gaining opportunities to collaborate with others and learn from more experienced academics.

South East London experience

I like studying in South East London because of its vibrant diverse character and the lovely academic community that is part of this area.

Jessica Boyd

I chose the Education doctoral programme because I was aware of the forward-thinking, innovative and social justice focus that the university had.

My research topic

I work in initial teacher training and my research topic looks at Culturally Relevant Pedagogy. This study aims to understand the ways in which teachers in England take into account the cultural identity of their students in their planning and teaching.

I chose the Education doctoral programme because I was aware of the forward-thinking, innovative and social justice focus that the university had and I could see that my research ideas would complement the work that the Education department were already focused on.

I enjoy discussing research critically with my supervisors. No two conversations are the same and I always come away from discussions feeling both challenged and valued.

Do it! Goldsmiths is so forward-thinking and has impact at the heart of all of the various activities. You naturally meet so many different types of people at university and it's a great way to discover more about yourself and those around you.

Goldsmiths is also located in such a vibrant area of London, you'll never run out of interesting things to do.

Sam Holdstock

The relationships I had built with members of the Education faculty during my MA made Goldsmiths' doctoral programme the natural choice.

Having greatly enjoyed my MA in Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths, I began my PhD in 2019. My research explores the role that Interactive Fiction might be able to play in the secondary school English classroom, with a particular focus on classroom talk and dialogue. However, I am also exploring the role of the teacher-writer, and some of the experimental works I have developed for use in the classroom can be found on my website .

The relationships I had built with members of the Education faculty during my MA made Goldsmiths' doctoral programme the natural choice. My PhD supervisors are knowledgeable, inspirational and supportive, and they have helped me to refine and develop my thinking a great deal. Moreover, the Department of Educational Studies has also supported me financially by means of a bursary. This has been enormously helpful, and I have felt well-supported throughout my PhD so far.

I particularly enjoy the opportunities for discussion that the programme offers. The Work in Progress seminars, Saturday school series and supervision sessions I have attended have been hugely stimulating. It is always interesting to hear about the research of my peers and to discuss all things Education with a group of like-minded, critical and curious individuals.

I would encourage students to embrace and explore the range of opportunities and expertise that are available - you never know where the next exciting, inspiring or interesting idea will come from.

I am enjoying studying in South East London because it is near where I live and work; I feel close to the academic community I have joined, and this community does not feel detached from the rest of my life.

Entry requirements

You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) a taught Masters in a relevant subject area. 

You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification ) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study .

Fees, funding & scholarships

Annual tuition fees.

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

• Home - full-time: £TBC
• Home - part-time: £TBC
• International - full-time: £TBC

If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office , who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment .

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page .

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments.

Funding opportunities

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities . If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

ESRC/SeNSS studentships

Fully-funded ESRC studentships are available via the South-East Network for Social Sciences (SeNSS) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), a consortium formed of 10 leading UK Universities, all of which are engaged in cutting-edge social science research and training.

A number of past and current students on this programme have been awarded SeNSS studentships.

For information about ESRC/SeNSS funding please, visit the ESRC studentships section .

AHRC/CHASE studentships

Fully-funded AHRC studentships are available via the Consortium for the Humanities and the Arts South-East England (CHASE) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), a consortium of nine leading UK institutions offering additional professional development opportunities including the enhancement of media skills and placements overseas or with arts organisations.

For information about AHRC/CHASE funding please, visit the AHRC studentships section .

How to apply

You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system. 

Before submitting your application you'll need to have: 

• Details of  your education history , including the dates of all exams/assessments
• The  email address of your referee  who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
• Contact details of a second referee
• A  personal statement  – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online

           Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement

• An electronic copy of your educational transcript (this is particularly important if you have studied outside of the UK)
• Details of your  research proposal  (please also see below guidelines)

You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.

Before you apply for a research programme, we advise you to have a look at the staff research interests to see if Educational Studies is the right department for you and whether a member of staff matches your research interests.

The University of London requires that students have two supervisors. Nominating supervisors in your application indicates that you have a good grasp of your research and helps us to direct your application to appropriate members of staff and in determining a good match between your research and the Department.

You should not contact supervisors directly . The Director of Postgraduate Research will contact supervisors after receipt of your application.

Guidelines for writing a research proposal

A good research proposal is required if you are interested in studying at MPhil or PhD level at Goldsmiths. It should indicate the topic that you are interested in and your experience and understanding of the area. The proposal forms a basis for discussion if you are interviewed and is important in helping us decide the supervisory support needed.

Whatever topic that you choose to research there will be a considerable investment of time and energy on your behalf. In view of this you need to consider carefully what you want to find out, whether the work is important to you and will sustain your interest and commitment over a number of years.  Please also refer to  our information on writing a research proposal.

The proposal should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words long. Although the exact form may vary according to what you intend to do, you should aim to include the following:

• Title This may only be a working title but it should clearly indicate the field of study and your research focus within it.
• Introduction This should outline the general field of study and why you regard researching a particular aspect of this to be important. It is helpful to indicate how your own experience has led you to the particular research questions that you are asking and why you think you are in a good position to carry out the research.
• Main research questions State clearly what you aim to find out. Try to make your research questions sufficiently focused so that they can be adequately addressed within the time and the resources that you have available.
• Reviewing the literature You need to show that you are aware of the main debates and issues relevant to your study. Key contributions in the literature should be cited and commented upon and the links with the work that you intend to do must be made explicit. Try to make clear what is already known in the immediate area and indicate how your work will add something new and distinctive to what already exists.
• Methodology You are asked to provide a brief overview of your intended research approach. For example, empirical research may draw on observation, interviews or document analysis that can be described qualitatively or quantitatively. Whichever approach you use it must be clear how any data or practice will help you answer your main research question. You need to show that you are aware of the different methods and analyses that you could use and provide a brief rationale for those most suited to your research. Indicate details such as where you will carry out your work, others who may be involved, over what period of time, and whether you will be able to obtain permissions or access needed.
• Ethical issues   Briefly indicate any particular considerations that might arise regarding issues such as protecting your participants from harm, and respecting their autonomy and privacy. 

When to apply  

We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following January or September.

Students on this programme are eligible for SeNSS and CHASE funding. If you wish to be considered for SeNSS/CHASE funding, you need first to apply to the Department for a place on the MPhil/PhD in Education and have been offered a place on the programme by 5pm on Friday 2 December 2022.

Selection process 

Once you have submitted your application, it goes to Goldsmiths central admissions department and is subsequently sent out to the Department of Educational Studies for a first-pass review.

Successful candidates are invited to a remote interview. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we are not able to offer feedback on unsuccessful applications. 

If you have specific questions about the application process, contact Dr Vally Lytra, Director of Postgraduate Research, v.lytra(@gold.ac.uk) .

Find out more about applying .

Find out about the staff in the Department of Educational Studies and their research interests .

http://www.gold.ac.uk/educational-studies/research/  

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Department of Education

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Programme Leader:   Dr Sally Hancock

The PhD in Education is available to be studied in 3 modes: part-time, full-time, and  distance learning

In order to apply for a PhD place, we ask that you first submit an application form.  We cannot accept a CV or any other documentation in place of a formal application.  When you apply for a PhD place, you must submit a research proposal about 1,500 words in length. More information about the PhD application and admissions process can be found on the How to apply and FAQ  pages . Apply now for the PhD in Education

The PhD in Education is designed to enhance specialised knowledge through academic study and research.

The programme aims to enable students to gain a solid grounding in research methodology, and to successfully carry out a substantial piece of academic research.

Our PhD research students in recent years have come both from the United Kingdom and from many overseas countries. Many of our overseas students have chosen to conduct studies which involve collecting fieldwork data in their home country. Proposals to conduct a study which involves collecting fieldwork data overseas are welcomed.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a good honours degree or a master's degree (MA, MSc or MEd) in a relevant discipline although candidates with other evidence of ability to succeed at PhD level will also be considered.

If English is not your first language, we do expect you to be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency.  The minimum requirement for PhD in Education is IELTS 7.0 withno less than 6.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  For further information please see  English language requirements .

Information on the application procedure can be found at the  University postgraduate pages .

Apply now for the PhD in Education

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Looking for funding?

Use our scholarships search tool to look for available scholarships. Also explore our latest funded PhD vacancies .

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. 

It normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is also possible to undertake a PhD part time, over five to six years.

The main activity of a PhD is to carry out an original research project under the direction of one or more supervisors, to be written up as a thesis.

Different routes to achieving a PhD

There are a number of ways to achieving a PhD at Imperial:

• by undertaking a course of study based on your own research proposal
• by joining a research project that comes with funding attached (known as a studentship)
• by combining it with Master's study in an integrated route that typically lasts four years

Pursuing your own research idea

To search for PhD opportunities based on your own research proposal you first need to identify a research group within Imperial whose area of expertise best matches your idea.

Use the links below to search the different PhD opportunities within our academic departments, centres and institutes. This includes information about current studentships and often guidance on finding a supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach means our expertise often spans departmental boundaries – and so do our courses – so you may find opportunities in an unexpected area of the university.

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We have six Global Challenge institutes, which were created to address some of society's biggest challenges.

If you have an idea for a PhD that falls within the remit of one of our Global Challenge institutes please contact them directly to discuss before making a formal application.

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Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies | Imperial College London-Technical University of Munich

We have recently formed  a strategic partnership in education, research and innovation  with the Technical University of Munich, one of Germany’s most international and entrepreneurial universities, producing highly ranked research, like Imperial, in science, engineering and medicine.

As part of the partnership, Imperial and TUM have launched a 'Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies' with the aim of co-developing cross-disciplinary clusters of PhD students who will have access to world-leading academic supervisors and state-of-the art facilities at both institutions.

The first round of the programme will focus on the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Robotics'.

Find out more about the Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies and apply

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Business School MPhil/PhD

Middlesex university.

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,300 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,150 per year (UK)

PhD Drama, Theatre and Performance

University of roehampton.

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,711 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD/MPhil Electrical and Electronic Engineering

City, university of london.

• 2 years Full time degree: £6,360 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £3,180 per year (UK)

SOAS University of London

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK)

Epidemiology and Population Health PhD

London school of hygiene & tropical medicine, university of london.

• 4 years Full time degree: £6,740 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £3,370 per year (UK)

Business PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Kingston university.

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Business Research PhD

The greenwich business school, university of greenwich.

• 1.5 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 2.5 years Part time degree: £2,536 per year (UK)

Philosophy PhD

Royal holloway, university of london.

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

Mphil Phd School of Business and Law

University of east london.

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,740 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,870 per year (UK)
• Independent Research- Core
• View all modules

PhD Drama and Performance (Practice as Research)

University of essex.

• 4 years Full time degree: £9,375 per year (UK)
• EA998-8-FY East 15 Acting School - Research- Core

Resource Efficient Future Cities PhD

Brunel university london.

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,355 per year (UK)

Human Sciences PhD

London south bank university.

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,892 per year (UK)

Scandinavian Studies MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,930 per year (UK)

PhD Intelligent Games and Games Intelligence

Queen mary university of london.

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Computer Science PhD

University of west london.

• 4 years Full time degree: £3,995 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,000 per year (UK)

Doctor of Philosophy - MPhil / Phd

London metropolitan university.

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,500 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £3,250 per year (UK)

PhD/MPhil Economics

• 2 years Full time degree: £5,110 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £2,560 per year (UK)
• Econometrics
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics

PhD in Anthropology and Sociology

Public health and policy phd.

1-20 of 605 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• Royal College of Music
• Warburg Institute, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• London School of Theology
• King's College London, University of London
• Royal College of Art
• Imperial College Business School
• London Film School
• Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London
• Birkbeck, University of London
• London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
• Imperial College London
• Hult International Business School
• Amity University [IN] London
• Institute of English Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• Institute of Cancer Research, University of London
• University of London Worldwide
• Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• Architectural Association School Of Architecture
• London School of Commerce

Related Subjects:

IOE - Faculty of Education and Society

Take your research knowledge and skills to the next level with a world-leading centre

IOE's impactful research leads the world in education and related social science. It informs our doctoral programmes, supporting the largest cohort of education students in the UK.

Applications are now open

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. 

Sign up for regular updates about our programmes, events and news

Information about our doctoral study programmes can be found below:

Professional Doctorates

For those with a suitable psychology background wishing to become an educational psychologist:

• Professional Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology DEdPsy

Since 1997, our EdD (Doctor of Education) has provided a route into practice-based research for professionals working in education to engage in part-time doctoral research while working in a professional context. EdD students follow taught courses with a cohort of fellow-practitioners prior to undertaking extended research in practice contexts.

• Culture, Communication and Media EdD
• Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment EdD
• Education, Practice and Society EdD
• Learning and Leadership EdD
• Psychology and Human Development EdD
• Social Science EdD

We offer routes into research that can be taken full-time or part-time, and face-to-face or by distance learning. There are two forms of MPhil/PhD:

1) For those who already have a master's degree with appropriate research training

Face-to-face.

• Culture, Communication and Media MPhil/PhD
• Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment MPhil/PhD
• Education, Practice and Society MPhil/PhD
• Learning and Leadership MPhil/PhD
• Psychology and Human Development MPhil/PhD
• Social Science MPhil/PhD
• Education MPhil/PhD

2) For those with a bachelor's degree or a need to have suitable research training

• Culture, Communication and Media with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
• Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
• Education, Practice and Society with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
• Learning and Leadership with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
• Psychology and Human Development with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
• Social Research with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD

Want to develop your skills first?

If you would like to develop your social science research skills prior to undertaking doctoral study, or simply want to secure a qualification in social science research without completing a doctorate, you may be interested in:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Research Methods (PG Dip)
• Masters in Social Research (MRes)

These programmes provide initial routes into research. Both the MRes and the PG Dip are standalone qualifications in research and also provide routes to further postgraduate research study on the MPhil/PhD or the EdD.

The impacts of our research on the wider world have been recognised in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Key highlights and impact case studies

Areas of expertise

Disciplines of education Exploring early years to workplace and lifelong learning, as well as children and families, health and wellbeing, and international development.

The organisation and improvement of learning Investigating factors that lead to tangible improvements in learning taking into account broader social, cultural and historical contexts.

Curriculum, culture and knowledge Appraising the relationship between knowledge, learning and culture in educational environments.

Children, families and early learning Examining early learning and education for children in families and formal institutions.

• Longitudinal and social research Studying the long term impact of education and skills in employment, health, social and other outcomes through statistical and quantitative research.

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UCL named University of the Year

IOE named World Number 1 for Education in QS subject rankings

UCL Scholarships and funding

IOE Scholarships and funding

Information for international students interested in studying in London at UCL

Equity, diversity and inclusion: our commitment

Meet our students

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MPhil/PhD Programmes

There are over 400 research students at the Institute who come from a range of backgrounds including psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work and basic sciences.

Our MPhil/PhD programme allows students to carry out research in any of our 14 departments and in a wide variety of areas;  from molecular genetics and biology, to neuroscience, neuroimaging, clinical research studies, psychological studies and new treatments; from longitudinal studies to clinical trials, bio statistics, epidemiology and health services research and transcultural studies. 

Please see their departmental webpages and online prospectus entries to see research options/areas currently being undertaken:

Is a PhD for me?

Our PhD students come from a variety of backgrounds, with a variety of qualifications and experience. Take a look at the following information and recent/current student profiles, to find out whether a PhD is right for you:

King's College London says:

• All candidates should usually possess the normal minimum entry qualifications for registration prescribed in the King’s  Core Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Degrees . This is normally a 2:1 in a relevant field. 
• Candidates should possess an adequate level of English competence. Candidates for whom English is not the first language will be required to provide proof that they possess an adequate level of English competence . The minimum level accepted is an IELTS score of 6.5. Grade C or above in GCSE English is also acceptable. Candidates must also satisfy their appointment panel of their competence. 

The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) says:

• It is useful to have a Masters degree, or related work experience in your chosen area of interest.  

EU and International students should check the list of equivalent grades for international qualifications . Please contact the  Health Schools Admissions Centre  for further enquiries.

If you wish to study full time:

• You will be expected to submit your thesis within 3 years.
• You are permitted to work part time, but students are expected to work on their PhD for 35 hours a week and we encourage any part time work to be agreed with your supervisors.

If you wish to study part time:

• You will be expected to submit your thesis within 6 years. 
• You are allowed to submit your thesis early (as early as 4 years) but this must be agreed with your supervisors and other conditions apply. Please contact the  Postgraduate Research Team  for more information.

The current fees for the 2022/2023 academic year are:

• Full time Home = £7,050 per year
• Full time Overseas = £26,640 per year
• Part time Home = £3,525 per year
• Part time Overseas = £13,320 per year

If you are a member of staff at the IoPPN you may be eligible for a discount on fees. Please contact the  Postgraduate Research Team  for more information. 

Please note that tuition fees are subject to an annual increase of up to 5%. For more information, see the Fees webpage.

Students can start in either October (when most students start), February or June. 

Students who are being funded by an external source should check whether there are any limitations on start dates.

If you are not able to self fund your PhD studies, then you will need to find funding from another source. 

The IoPPN offers a number of full time studentships on an annual basis, funded by the Institute itself, and partly by the Medical Research Council. These studentships offer students full payment of tuition fees for 3 years and a monthly tax free stipend for living. These studentships are for set projects. 

Individual academics and departments also offer full time fully funded studentships, on an ad hoc basis, if they receive funding themselves. These are also usually for set projects.

All funded studentships are advertised on our Studentships webpage.

If you have your own project in mind and would like to find funding, browse these links:

• Centre for Doctoral Studies Funding Database
• Research & Development Office
• Research grants office
• Medical Research Council
• Economic and Social Research Council
• British Council
• Government Loans

For more information on funding at Kings, please see the  Funding  webpage.

Student Profiles

Students take classes together in their first year and all have offices on the same floor, which makes it a very social and friendly place to study. It also means that students researching different areas of psychiatry, psychology, neuroimaging, and genetics are in constant contact, which helps to broaden your exposure to research. 

Students and staff alike are always keen to get involved in collaborative projects, whether small or large, allowing students to explore areas of interest outside those strictly relevant to their PhD. 

The PhD itself is usually very independent, driven by the student's own ideas and interests. These collaborations often also extend beyond the Centre, allowing for research and conference opportunities abroad. 

All in all, it's a great place to be!

I wanted to understand how pioneering brain imaging could lead to new ways for diagnosing the condition, and as a result, I applied for a PhD with Dr Andy Simmons at the Department of Neuroimaging. 

As a PhD student, the Institute has provided outstanding research facilities for postgraduate education and the provision of college organised training courses for personal development and teaching has been fantastic. 

I have enjoyed this experience so far, and benefited from excellent supervision in a friendly and stimulating research environment. 

The IoPPN has great research facilities and I'm really pleased that I have had the chance to study here.  

With Psychosis Studies being one of the larger departments at the IoPPN, I've found there are always lots of opportunities to attend relevant talks and seminars, including weekly Psychosis Studies meetings with internal and external speakers.

I am really enjoying being a student here and one of the best things is that you can create your own opportunities.  I set up a problem-based learning group to help students gain a greater understanding of magnetic resonance imaging, including the physics and basic analysis. They have been really well attended and the group has grown considerably since it was first stated.  I have also had the opportunity to be the student representative for Psychosis Studies and be a mentor to some MSc students too.

When I graduate, I would like to continue working in research as a post doc, working my way up the academic ladder to professor.

The Next Steps

• The Application Process
• Funded PhDs
• Contact the Postgraduate Research Team
• Covid-19 study update
• LISS CASE funded PhD studentship
• Our research
• Our connections
• Diversity & inclusion

© 2024 King's College London | Strand | London WC2R 2LS | England | United Kingdom | Tel +44 (0)20 7836 5454 

PhD Handbook

Phd In London: ...

Phd In London: A Comprehensive Guide To Phd In London For International Students

London is now the academic capital. The city is more than just a place to explore. The academic standards here have attracted the attention of multiple international students to pursue graduate degrees here; one such is Phd. Pursuing a Phd in London has its perks, such as reputed universities, exceptional learning experiences etc.

The Phd programs offered at the top Phd in London universities are diverse. This means that the courses here cater to every student's interest globally. So, if you’re looking to pursue Phd programs in London, this blog covers everything you need to know to get started.

An Overview Of Phd In London

To help you get started about Phd in London, let’s first understand what to expect when applying for Phd programs in London:

Why Study Phd In London?

To make a confident investment, you must first analyse what benefits you are receiving from it. You know that London is a better place to choose when it comes to academics, but what makes it worth the investment? Here are five reasons:

• Study From QS-Ranked Universities- London is home to the best Phd universities. These universities are ranked on the QS-World university rankings of 2023. Due to their demand on this list, most international students consider them for their postdoctoral studies. A few are Imperial College London ( Ranked 6), UCL (Ranked 8), etc.
• Home To Top Brands- Another great reason to choose London for Phd studies is their career hub. Almost all of the top brands’ main headquarters are in London. To name a few are Tesco, McDonald's, BBC, etc. This allows international students to learn from the best minds and work with them.
• Networking Opportunities- Students can also benefit from networking in London. Looking closely, you can see many local businesses surrounding you. You can engage with them and try to build your skills accordingly. Apart from this, engagement can also lead to networks that can help you find your ideal job.
• Student-Friendly City- Lastly, London is a student-friendly city . The nightlife, the places to visit, the bookstores, etc. are all great entertainment options for international students to study and live well here.

Suggested: Comprehensive guide to pursuing Phd in Uk

Top 5 Phd Universities In London

multiple Phd universities in London cater to the Phd interest of students globally. These universities are highly ranked, offer a diverse range of Phd courses in London, etc. Thus to help you make the right choice, here are the top universities to pursue Phd in London:

Imperial College London

University college london (ucl), king’s college london, london school of economics, queen’s mary university of london.

Imperial College of London is one of the highly chosen universities to pursue Phd studies. The university offers a diverse range of Phd programs, and each of the programs is designed to provide students with the right knowledge and skills required.

UCL is another popular university to pursue Phd studies. In fact, the university has a diverse range of Phd programs offered, including creative topics such as film, literature, education, etc.

King’s College London is another popular study destination to pursue Phd programs in London. They offer full-time and part-time programs catered to the interests of students accordingly.

London School of Economics is another great choice to pursue Phd studies in London. They offer five Phd programs that are focused on Economics, Geography and Environmental studies.

Lastly, Queen’s Mary University of London is the top five choices when considering to pursue Phd from London. This university also offers a diverse range of Phd programs as well as an insightful learning experience.

Eligibility Criteria To Pursue Phd Programs In London

To apply to the top Phd colleges in London, international students should meet the set eligibility criterias. These criterias can differ based on the university choice. However, there is standard requirement enquired by all, such as:

A Bachelor’s and Masters Degree

English language proficiency test.

International students should have completed an undergraduate and Masters degree from an accredited university, and with reference to the program they wish to pursue Phd from. It is important students score a good grade in both to increase their chances of getting accepted at their dream Phd university in London.

International students should prove their English language skills. Thus, writing and clearing the English proficiency tests are mandatory to do the same. Here are the popular exams undertaken and the score required, IELTS - 7.5, TOEFL ibt- 100, PTE - 7.5.

Admission Process For Phd Courses In London

To successfully meet the admission criterias for Phd colleges in London, you need to follow a simple admission process. Ensure you meet the following steps:

• Identify which are the Phd universities in London
• Email the Phd supervisor if you wish to study from a particular individual
• Submit a research proposal based on the Phd program chosen
• Check the chosen universities' entry requirements
• Fill the online application form
• Write and clear any entrance exams in UK
• Submit all relevant documents before the application deadline
• Attend any interview if scheduled by the university
• Once accepted, apply for UK student visa and arrange for funds

Documents Required For Phd Colleges In London

To complete your eligibility criterias, international students should send in a set of supporting documents. Ensure you check the list below:

• All official transcripts
• Research Proposal
• Filled in online application form
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of English Language requirements

Cost Of Studying Phd In London

To study at Phd universities in London, you require to calculate the complete costs to arrange for your fundings. Two aspects contribute to the cost of studying Phd in London: tuition fees and the cost of living.

Let’s learn about each of them one by one:

Tuition Fees

The Phd in London Fees differs based on the university and program chosen. For each program, the fees can be different. Thus to give you an overall picture, the Phd in London fees are between £16,000- £50,000/year for a full-time basis. Most of your fees will be half of the full-time ones for students who wish to opt for part-time.

Cost of Living

To survive in London, international students require a minimum of £1500/month. The expenses can vary accordingly, such as the type of accommodation chosen, which area in London you’ll live, where you dine? and above all, your lifestyle choices.

Suggested: Total cost of studying in UK for international students

Scholarship Opportunities For Phd In London

To pursue Phd in London for international students, calculate the cost factors. As seen above, there are multiple aspects that contribute to the complete study of a Phd program here. Thankfully, with Phd scholarships London, monetary stress can take a step back.

The perks of availing of scholarships are receiving funding that can support students with financial needs. From covering core costs such as tuition fees, living expenses, etc, to offering grant money during the study period, scholarships make it convenient for international students to pursue Phd here.

Here is an overview of scholarships to pursue Phd in London:

Suggested: View more scholarships to study in UK for international students

Career Opportunities After Phd In London For Indian Students

After you complete the courses for Phd in London for Indian students, it’s time to step into the professional world. UK believes that the contributions of the Phd holders can impact their economic growth. Thus, plenty of job opportunities here offer an impressive salary package.

To help you understand better, here is an overview of job profiles and salary figures after Phd in London:

PR Opportunities After Phd In London

You’ve now completed your Phd programs in London and have graduated from the top Phd colleges in London, what next?

Apart from being a good academic choice, London is also home to well-established brands such as HSBC, Unilever, etc. This demand has led most international students to consider settling down permanently in London.

So, how can you get a PR after your Phd in London?

• Students need to complete their academic studies by scoring good grades
• Students should apply for the Graduate Route visa in order to apply for the UK stay. For Phd students, the stay is available for up to 3 years.
• During the three-year stay, Phd students should find a job or find ways to enhance their current skills.
• In order to apply for a PR in London, UK, students should have completed five years of professional experience. This means once your three years are completed, students can apply for a Tier 5 visa where they can work for another two years here.
• Once five years are completed, students need to then apply for an ILR visa (Indefinite Leave to Remain). It is better to find an ILR job as well.
• Ensure you meet all PR requirements such as good grades, no criminal records, exhibited ethical behaviour, and passed the English and life knowledge Test.
• It takes a minimum of six months for your ILR visa to be processed. Once done, you’ve received PR and are eligible for all rights of the country.

Wrapping Up….

Phd in London for Indian students provides a golden opportunity to study in a globally recognized educational system. London has been more than just a popular tourist destination. Today, multiple international students pursue various degree programs, such as Phd in this city as it is a prominent destination for academic and career development. Thus if you wish to explore more about Phd programs in London and more, speak to our Yocket counsellors today.

Frequently Asked Questions For Phd In London

How long is a Phd in London?

A Phd in London study duration is three years.

What are the part-time Phd courses in London?

There are multiple part-time Phd courses in London for international students to choose from, such as Phd in architecture, communications and media, archaeology, etc.

Can you pursue Phd in London with scholarships?

Yes, international students can pursue Phd scholarships London during their study period. These scholarships will provide the right funding opportunity to support students financially here. To name a few are the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Imperial College London President’s Phd Scholarships, etc.

What is another name for ‘Phd’ in London?

Doctorate of Philosophy is another popular terminology used to refer to Phd studies in London.

Can you get a Phd in London for international students?

Yes, the country is home to multiple Phd universities in London that offer a range of courses in this degree program. Students can pursue any course they wish and experience an advanced and enhanced learning experience from the best minds in the chosen study industry.

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