MPhil/PhD Business and Social Sciences (Distance Learning) at Kingston University

Programme overview

Research degrees at Kingston are programmes of independent study supervised by research-active staff, culminating in a thesis defended in a viva voce examination. Students may register for MPhil with progression to PhD; admission is provisional and confirmed after the first year.

Faculty: Faculty of Business and Social Sciences | Duration: Part-time distance learning | Study mode: part-time, online (distance learning) | Intake: October, March | Location: Kingston upon Thames, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

You carry out an independent and original research project, supported by a programme of research training (workshops, seminars, guest lectures and symposia). The MPhil thesis is about 20,000 words (healthcare, science and engineering) or 40,000 words (other subjects); the PhD thesis about 40,000 or 80,000 words respectively.

Career pathways

Research degrees lead to academic, consultancy or commercial careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

PhD: a postgraduate masters degree or a first/upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed research; MPhil: a 2:1 or equivalent. Equivalent professional experience may be accepted. English language: Academic IELTS 6.5 overall (7.0 for Kingston Business School, with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in other elements).

Domestic applicants: GBP 2,619 a year (2026/27). Research degree distance-learner (part-time) annual tuition fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 9,000 a year (2026/27). Research degree distance-learner (part-time) annual tuition fee. Source

Intake: October, March

Duration: Part-time distance learning

Apply through the official page: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/research/research-degrees

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