Studying for Research Degrees

Research Environment

Research is crucial to the culture of intellectual enquiry within London Metropolitan University and to the quality of our teaching. It underpins the University's consultancy work, and many of our relationships with London's communities, businesses, industries and public bodies stem from active involvement and collaboration in research.

Studying for MPhil or PhD

MPhil and PhD study is self-directed. Students are allocated a supervisory team composed of a Director of Studies and normally two other supervisors. These are allocated on the basis of the candidate's application, research topic and interview.

Research Skills Training

Students also undertake a programme of Researcher Development Training and are encouraged to gain additional skills and knowledge in research methodologies relevant to their work by studying some of the University's postgraduate taught modules, where approved by the Director of Studies. Masters-level modules begin in September and February each year.

About MPhil and PhD degrees

The degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 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

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.

Modes of Study

MPhil and PhD are offered in full and part-time mode. Students may also study while resident abroad, provided suitable local support and facilities are available. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisors here, and are normally expected to spend an average of six weeks a year at London Metropolitan University.

Duration of Study

As a self-directed programme of study, the length of time it takes to complete varies and depends also on your mode of attendance

Students have a minimum and maximum period of registration which is calculated in months. For example from the table below, a part-time student on the MPhil with Transfer to PhD would have a minimum registration period of 36 months and maximum registration period of 96 months