Research degrees

We offer a wide range of research qualifications, including Master's by Research, Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorates. All our research students (PGRs) are based within a relevant faculty, and also benefit from further research support from the Doctoral College which provides the skills and support that they need.

All our PGRs will automatically be members of the Doctoral College –an inclusive, global community of BU postgraduate research students. The Doctoral College is there to help you in the different aspects of your life as a PGR. It offers support through every stage of your degree, as well as helping you feel part of the research community, offering a range of activities and events with which you can become involved, such as the Annual Postgraduate Research Conference.

Postgraduate research brings with it a different set of challenges to those encountered during taught and undergraduate study. For this reason, the Doctoral College offers the Researcher Development Programme which consists of workshops, specific skill sessions, and online resources designed to encourage your independent learning and develop your research skills.

The Doctoral College is also responsible for making sure best practice is shared across all our faculties, so that every student benefits from the latest thinking and the newest approaches to study. In short, it's there to make sure you have the best possible experience while you’re at BU.

If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS (Academic) qualification or equivalent. See each courses website for details.