The PhD target timeline is three or five years to thesis submission - depending on whether you choose full or part-time – plus an additional year for assessment and ratification.
Research degrees
The ideal stepping stone to doctoral research that develops knowledge and experience.Make real world impact
Become an expert in your subject with transferable skills including self-discipline, analytical and critical thinking. Plus, you'll have the ability to turn criticism of others' work into something constructive of your own.
Why study with us?
Research degrees at London South Bank University (LSBU) are highly competitive due to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and impactful research. With a focus on applied research and practical solutions, LSBU cultivates researchers who make meaningful contributions to their fields and society.
Being situated in one of the world's leading academic and cultural hubs, our university location offers unparalleled access to a wealth of resources, including libraries, archives, museums, and research institutions, enriching the research experience. Additionally, proximity to numerous industry headquarters and organisations facilitates collaborations, internships, and networking opportunities, enhancing the relevance and impact of research projects.
At LSBU, we offer a dynamic research environment supported by world-class facilities, renowned academic staff, and strong industry partnerships. Our research programs are designed to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges.
Explore Our Courses
At LSBU we offer the following postgraduate research degrees through our LSBU Doctoral College. These degrees are designed to help you become an innovative and critical expert in your chosen field:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Professional Doctorates in a range of areas including:
- Education Doctorate (EdD); and
- Health and Social Care
- Masters by Research, MA (Res) or MSc (Res)
More information on specific degrees and their entry requirements is available on our Course finder.
What is the structure and timing of a Research degree?
The formal output of these research degrees is normally a thesis or collection of written papers (depending on the programme of study). The outcome of your degree programme will be decided by examination, comprising two parts. The first is an initial assessment of your written work; the second a viva voce oral examination, which will consider all aspects of your research and your written work.
Your thesis will set the context of and current and past developments in your chosen research area. It explains your original ideas, the methodology you have selected, your evidence and analysis, and your review and final conclusions. Importantly, the thesis will set out your original contribution to knowledge, which is the basis for your degree. You will be guided by a supervisor or supervisory team, depending on the course, who will support your development, provide technical expertise and challenge your thinking.
Professional Doctorate
A Professional Doctorate requires extra time for the initial taught modules in the first two years. Following these, the research element of the programme will take between three and five years until submission of your thesis.
Master by Research
The Master by Research programmes normally take between one to two years to thesis submission depending on whether you choose to study full-time or part-time.
How will I be supported in my research?
Your progression is assessed by a series of School Panel Reviews that act as a gateway for progression to the next stage, forming an important part of the learning process for both students and supervisors.
This means gaps in knowledge, skills or research development are identified early, so there is time for you to improve and get support where needed. The Panels also give you practice in presenting and defending your research, so you can be confident you will perform well in the final viva voce examination.
Our supportive systems at LSBU Doctoral College ensure you stay on track with your research project.
Contact Louise Thompson, the LSBU Doctoral College, for further information.
LSBU PhD Scholarships
LSBU’s PhD Scholarships fund UK domiciled and international students through three routes to undertake PhD research in Psychology; Sports and Exercise Sciences; Nursing, Health, and Social Care; Law; Social Sciences; Engineering; Built Environment and Architecture; Business; and the Arts and Creative Industries. The Scholarships provide an opportunity to work with leading researchers and receive advanced education, supervision, mentoring, civic engagement, networking opportunities and industry engagement.
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