Education - PhD & MRes Master of Research - MRes

As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community. Explore the staff, facilities and more at the Centre for Education and School Partnerships. A member of staff, expert in your chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme.

Why Education at LSBU?
2nd for graduate prospects in Education in London (Sunday Times League Table 2020) and top 3 for career prospects amongst London universities (Guardian University League Tables 2020).

The Participatory Autism Research Collective (PARC) started at LSBU.Research Excellence Framework (REF) awarded 75% of our research 3* out of 4* for 'environment' - quality that is defined as conducive to producing research of international excellence.
Advantages of an MRes / PhD
Undertaking an MRes or PhD means making an original contribution to knowledge. They are distinct from a taught Masters in that your final output will be an extended dissertation or creative project relevant to your field of interest, rather than module-based coursework and exams.

You can complete an MRes in one year or part-time over two years, as opposed to a full PhD which can take up to five years. Students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.

The School also offers a Professional Doctorate in Education, which consists of two years taught classes, followed by three years independent research.

Employability
Research skills development
All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through frequent research seminars.

When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant Masters courses available within the School and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.

In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers.

Transferable skills
A research degree will equip you with many transferable skills. The self-discipline, the demand for clear analytical thinking, and the ability to turn criticism of others work into something constructive of your own, all constitute a unique training for almost any kind of career. The excitement and satisfaction of finding new facts, a new idea, or a new way of looking at something can be highly rewarding.

Attending conferences
Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences to meet leading scientists in their fields and to present their research findings. The progress of all research students is formally monitored by the University's Research Degree Committee.

Employability Service
We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.