How to apply for a Research Degree

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You can study for a research degree in any field of study for which the University is able to provide appropriate academic supervision. Through our 10 research institutes, we are able to provide a wide range of specialist topic areas, across different postgraduate awards.

Before you apply

Before you make your application, pin down your choices and carry out some checks.


MA/MSc by Research

Master's by Research programmes provide an opportunity for independent study within a structured academic environment.

The research programme which is agreed with the supervisor will be designed to provide an effective training in research methods within the discipline area selected.

MA/MSc by Research students enrol for one year full-time or two years part-time. The assessment is by submission of a thesis followed by a presentation and oral examination.

MPhil/PhD

Following registration, a research student with the support and direction of the supervisory team will establish the detailed programme of study.

Students will register onto the MPhil course, with the possibility of transfer to PhD.

Students undertake two Progression Point assessments during their study. These are aimed to help students to complete their research degrees successfully and on time and are designed to align with the need to compile a thesis for final examination and to simulate the final examination processes. The assessments rest on the submission of substantial written documents and a short Viva Voce examination. The documents contain material that will be needed for the final thesis. Upon successful completion of the second Progression Point, the student will transfer to the PhD.

This process of formal scrutiny provides both quality assurance of the postgraduate research degree progression and effective formal academic feedback for the research student at critical stages in the course of their study.

Timings for the academic progression of part-time students will be longer and will vary depending upon the nature of the agreed commitment.

Professional Doctorates

Professional Doctorates are practice-based research degrees.

The University currently offers the following Professional Doctorates:


Find your area of interest within Research topics – while you’re there, explore the institute you will be joining.


Find out more about our fees including any additional costs beyond the degree fee itself.

Find out more about postgraduate funding options, including our 20% tuition-fee discount for ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ alumni (including those who attended the University of Luton and DMU).


For MSc/MA by Research, a good Honours degree (2:2 or above) is required in the appropriate subject.

Applicants for other research-degree awards should have a good Honours degree (2:1 or above), or a Master's degree or equivalent in the relevant subject area.


Part-time study is available on most of our research degrees if you are a UK (home) applicant. Find out if your degree is offered part time by consulting the relevant course page (see below).

Due to UKVI regulations, we are unable to accept students who require a Tier 4 student visa onto our part-time programmes.


If you are a staff member, please read the Staff PGR policy [PDF] before you apply.

Ready to apply?

Application deadlines for March 2025 intake:

  • International/EU applicants - 1st December 2024
  • UK nationals - 2nd January 2025

Please note that if you submit your application after the deadlines stated above, your application will be processed for the following available intake.

What do you need to submit as part of your application?

Here is a checklist of documents and information you will need to submit through the application portal so please ensure you have these ready for uploading. Please note we may reject your application if all of the mandatory documents listed below are not submitted.

  • Proposal (2000 word max) – Go toÌýproposal guidance for details on what this document should include
  • Curriculum Vitae (or resume)
  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of your Certificate or Transcript of highest qualification
  • If you are an International applicant:
    • A copy of English language qualifications
    • Copies of any additional immigration related documentation

To apply for a programme, click the button below for your chosen award and research institute. This will take you to the course page of the programme, where you can select your preferred options such as starting month, full-time or part-time (where available) and click the Apply now button to submit your application.

Please ensure you read about all of our Institutes and the research topic areas they can support. Please submit your proposal to only ONE institute after you have decided which institute your topic area sits within. Please DO NOT submit the same proposal to several institutes as we will only process it for one institute.

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