Research degrees

With over 400 research students and 400 academics across our institutes, we have an active and dynamic research community within the University.

The University has ten research institutes which focus the research output of University staff; increase and support research quality; and help communicate research achievements. Our research institutes have developed a variety of international research partnerships and work across disciplines to enhance the quality of our research and inform our teaching. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 results revealed us to be world-leading in multiple research areas.

OUR RESEARCH INSTITUTES ARE:

• Business & Management Research Institute (BMRI) • Centre for Research in English Language Learning & Assessment (CRELLA) • Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR) • Institute of Biomedical & Environmental Science & Technology (iBEST) • Institute for Health Research (IHR) • Institute for Research in Applicable Computing (IRAC) • Institute for Research in Education (IRED) • Institute for Sport & Physical Activity Research (ISPAR) • Research Institute for Media, Art & Performance (RIMAP) • Research Institute for Smart Cities (in partnership with IRAC)

LEADERS IN THE FIELD

Research and knowledge exchange sit at the heart of the University of Bedfordshire’s commitment to making a significant social and economic contribution to the local and national economy. We work closely with regional employers and these links with industry are reflected in the research profile of our institution. Our research subjects are broad in range and encompass everything from Parkinson's disease, organ donation and cyber stalking to COVID-19, smart city developments and much more.

BENEFITS OF A RESEARCH DEGREE:

• You can specialise in a particular research area that interests you • It provides an opportunity for independent study to develop your own ideas with the support and input of experts in the field • It is useful if you are considering a career in the commercial world where research is a key focus • It gives you ownership of a particular piece of research • It prepares you for a career in research and academia For more information on research degrees and our research institutes, please visit: beds.ac.uk/research