FAQ - Frequently asked questions

• How do I apply?

The notes, guidance and application forms can be downloaded here

Or a hard copy may be requested by emailing: research@londonmet.ac.uk

or by writing to:

The Research and Postgraduate Office
London Metropolitan University
Room AB1-26
Tower Building, North Campus
166-220 Holloway Road
London N7 8DB

• What is a proposal?

The Research Proposal is a very important part of the application. The proposal will help us to understand your research interests and determine whether we have sufficient expertise in the area to provide adequate supervision for your project. It will allow us to assess the potential of the research project and will serve as an indicator of your ability to undertake doctoral studies. The initial proposal you submit will not commit you to an irrevocable course of research but rather it will serve as a foundation for further developing the research. More information about writing a proposal can be found here

• How much are the fees?

The current fees can be found here

• When can I start?

There are two points of entry during the year.  For application deadlines please see here

• How do I register?

After a successful application, the first step is enrolment. Upon successful enrolment, students work on their research proposals in preparation for registration. Research students (part-time and full-time) on MPhil/PhD programmes should submit an application to register their research project approx. six months after enrolling.  Research students are expected to register within 12 months of enrolment. The RD1 registration form can be found here.

RD1 Registration Form for DProf, MPhil & PhD

Research students should also submit an ethics application to their Faculty's Research Ethics Review Panel. Projects must have ethics approval before collecting primary data.

• What is distance learning?

Distance learning involves spending part of each year at London Met and part of the year away from the University, probably in your country of residence. Supervisors and students keep in regular contact through face-to-face meetings as well as through email and other electronic means.

• Can I do an online PhD?

A PhD is unlike an undergraduate or taught Masters degree. For an MPhil/ PhD, the student must conduct original, independent research. How this is done will depend on the area of research and the methods agreed with the supervisors. Some of the research and employability skills training may be undertaken on-line.

• What research areas/subjects are available?

London Met offers a wide range of subject areas. A good place to start looking is to consult the Faculties and Research page here to find out about the research being undertaken and look here to find research supervision at London Met. Through these pages, you can contact staff members whose research interests are complementary to yours.

• What is the Researcher Development Programme?

The Researcher Development Programme provides a range of training and development opportunities for research staff and postgraduate research students at London Metropolitan University. Courses are available for all levels of experience from established and advanced researchers to new researchers. The courses are designed to support researchers in developing a full range of transferable professional, personal, research, and career skills and knowledge. More information can be found here

• How often should I meet my supervisor?

The pattern and timing of meetings should be arranged and agreed between the student and their supervisor(s). Generally, if you are a full time student, you can expect to have 44 hours of contact per year with your supervisor and 22 hours per year if you are a part time student. These hours may take the form of face-to-face meetings, email correspondence, and reading and commenting on written material.

• What is the difference between an MPhil and a PhD?

The MPhil and the PhD are both research degrees. They are awarded by the University after the successful presentation of a thesis based on an original piece of research completed under the supervision of University staff.

Students generally register for an MPhil degree and then apply to transfer to a PhD.

To obtain a PhD the candidate is expected to investigate a topic and make an original contribution to knowledge. Research at MPhil level should represent an extension of existing knowledge, although the demands of originality and sustained enquiry are less than those for a PhD.

• How long will my studies take