The School gives postgraduate research students the chance to learn from the best academic minds and industry experts. You’ll be studying n an environment that positively encourages students to think beyond the boundaries of traditional disciplines. Our academic staff has the skills and experience to bring out the best in your Ph.D. or MPhil research. Their expertise is based on our strong suite of taught postgraduate qualifications: from our Master of Business Administration (MBA) to Master of Law courses such as International law and financial markets.

Mphil Phd School of Business and law
Modules
Ph.D. Via Mphil
The most popular course is the Ph.D. via MPhil. A Ph.D. is an original and distinct contribution to the knowledge of the field of study. It is often essential for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in industry or commerce. Ph.D. research can be carried out in all subject areas. All Postgraduate Research students are supervised by at least two research-active staff. Your supervisors will support your program of research through regular meetings and reviews. The Ph.D. via MPhil course normally takes a minimum of 36 months (full-time) 60 months (part-time) to complete. Students enrolled in the full-time mode of study will transfer from the MPhil to a Ph.D. usually at the two-year stage or equivalent for part-time study. At the end of your Ph.D., you will be required to submit an 80,000-word thesis, summarising your research. You will then have to undergo an oral examination (a viva) on your thesis.
Mphil
The Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) is a Master’s level research degree program that takes a minimum of 24 months (full-time) 48 months (part-time) to complete. All Postgraduate Research students are supervised by at least two research-active staff. Your supervisors will support your program of research through regular meetings and reviews. At the end of your MPhil, you will be required to submit a 40,000-word thesis that outlines your research findings. You will then have to undergo an oral examination (a viva) on your thesis.
Ph.D. Direct
A Ph.D. direct is aimed at postgraduate students who already have an MPhil (Masters of Philosophy) or MRes (Masters by Research) qualification and takes a minimum of 36 months (full-time) 60 months (part-time) to complete. All Postgraduate Research students are supervised by at least two research-active staff. Your supervisors will support your program of research through regular meetings and reviews. At the end of your Ph.D., you will be required to submit an 80,000-word thesis, summarising your research. You will then have to undergo an oral examination (a viva) on your thesis.
Ph.D. Via Publication
The publication route to a Ph.D. is mainly intended for UEL postgraduate students or staff, based on their published academic output. Each application is considered separately on its own merits.
Research Proposal
Research proposals give us a better understanding of the area you want to study for an MPhil, Ph.D. via MPhil or Ph.D. Direct course. You don’t have to follow a predetermined structure when writing your proposal, but it’s a good idea to include a title that describes the aims and scope of your research, and information on how your ideas fit in with the research interests of UEL. Other important elements include relevant academic literature, how your research will advance knowledge in this area, and a possible methodology. You should also include a timescale for your research.
Key Facts
Requirements
- Applicants for a Ph.D. via MPhil should have either a first-class or upper second class honors degree from a UK Higher Education Institution, or an overseas qualification rated as equivalent.
- The minimum requirement for a research degree is an IELTS Academic English score of 7.0 overall (minimum of 6.5 in all components). This should normally have been gained within the past two years.
- If you have relevant research or work experience, but no degree, you can still be considered for admission. You will need to discuss your experience with the relevant School, and provide the names of two academic referees familiar with your academic work.
- If you are applying for a research course from outside the UK, you may be able to apply for split-site study arrangements, where you carry out part or all of your research outside the UK.
Duration options
Full-time, 3 years
Part-time, 2 years
Start date
September
Fees and Applying
EU/Home – Tuition Fees:
- Full-time: £5,420 UK
- Part-time: £2,710 UK
International Tuition Fees:
- Full-time: £14,460
- Part-time: £7,230



