PhD and MPhil degrees

**David Poultney,** **Abstract tiles by Kehkashan Khalid, MA Visual Arts: Fine Art Digital, Camberwell College of Arts, 2019**

Discover a PhD or MPhil awarded in any subject area at UAL with qualified and inspiring research supervision.

Join UAL's vibrant community of researchers. We offer theoretical and practice-based research programmes, leading to an MPhil or PhD.

There are currently over 250 research students at UAL who enjoy full access to all our College resources as well as student training and support.

Jump to:

Degree overview
How to apply
Fees and funding
Careers and alumni

Degree overview

A programme of self-directed independent study with the support of an experienced supervisory team.

PhD degrees are doctoral level awards which are the highest level of academic degree. A PhD is awarded following successful completion of a research project and thesis which offers a significant new contribution to knowledge in the chosen subject area.

An MPhil is a postgraduate research master's degree which is awarded following completion of a research project and thesis.

Read the Research Handbook and Regulations 2021/22 (PDF 1MB) for full details on a postgraduate degree and our facilities.

Length of study

Please note, students who need a visa to study in the UK must study full-time.

Full-time

PhD: 2-4 years
MPhil: 15 months - 3 years

Part-time

PhD: 3-8 years
MPhil: 2-6 years

Choose a College

All of our Colleges and the Creative Computing Institute (CCI) offer practice based research programmes and you will have a home UAL College or Institute that supports your programme.

Take a look at our College research interests to help you decide which one to apply to:

Camberwell College of Arts

Research interests include:

Design curation
Design theory and practice
Painting
Drawing
Printmaking
Global Photographies

Central Saint Martins

Research interests include:

Graphic narratives
Museum studies
Popular music
Art collection
Production
Philosophy

Chelsea College of Arts

Research interests include:

Graphic design communication
History of art and design
Archival studies
Museology
Curating
Fine art

London College of Communication

Research interests include:

Graphic design
Media and communications
Film and moving image
Sound art
Photography and photojournalism

London College of Fashion

Research interests include:

Digital production
Sustainability
Psychology
Curation
Fashion
Design

Wimbledon College of Arts

Research interests include:

Theatre archives
Costume design
Scenography
Performance
Theatre

Creative Computing Institute

The UAL Creative Computing Institute (CCI) offers research opportunities and a public platform to explore computer science and creative computing.

Research centres

Finding a research centre may help you decide on a College. They operate across UAL and provide a focus for excellent research in areas of strength. Once enrolled, you can discuss membership of a Research Centre with your Director of Studies.

How to apply

Step 1: Check entry requirements

Qualifications

Minimum entry requirement is an upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

However, a master's degree in an appropriate subject is considered to be a particularly valuable preparation for the academic and intellectual demands of an MPhil or PhD.

In some instances, applicants without the minimum academic requirement may be considered for a place if they can demonstrate appropriate alternative qualifications, relevant professional experience, or previous research.

Teaching experience is not a requirement for applicants, the quality of your research is the most important element of your application.

English language

If English is not your first language, you will need to meet our English language requirements by providing one of the following:

A recent UAL-approved English Language Test (ELT) - such as IELTS 7.0 with a 7.0 in writing and with no other component score lower than 6.0, or an equivalent test score - check the English language requirements webpage to see which other English language tests the University accepts;
Recent MA degree (Distinction only) in a majority English-speaking country;
Successful completion of UAL's Presessional Academic English Programme.

Your qualification needs to have been awarded no more than 2 years prior to your enrolment date.

You can apply before you receive your English Language Test or MA certificate. If you are offered a place, you will need to show your qualification before enrolment.

Requirements for distance learning overseas online applicants:

In addition to meeting the standard academic and language eligibility requirements, applicants to the distance learning overseas online mode need to demonstrate that they:

can successfully conduct their research with the resources available to them at their distance learning place of study;
have access to appropriate IT facilities, so that they can engage in supervision and training from their distance learning place of study:
have the necessary time, commitment, and appropriate attitude toward distance learning online study

Students on this mode do not hold Student Visa so cannot enter the UK for the purpose of study or access UAL physical resources or buildings. Distance Learning Students have access to online resources available to all PGR students.

Step 2: Draft a research proposal

Your research proposal is the most critical component of your research degree application. It will form the basis for discussion at your interview, and if your application is successful your proposal will also be used as the starting point for the Registration process.

Use the personal statement section of the online application form to tell us anything you couldn't express in the rest of the application within a 500 word limit.

Step 3: Find a supervisor

You must have a full draft of your research proposal ready before you approach a potential supervisor.
If you know the name of a potential supervisor and have your proposal ready, you can contact them – find their contact details on our A-Z of UAL Staff Researchers.

Step 4: Apply for a PhD or MPhil

Start an application by selecting the College or Institute and research programme you would like to enter. You may only apply to 1 research degree.