PhD research

Birkbeck is one of the world’s leading research universities. Discover more about our vibrant, intellectually challenging and exciting research culture.

We welcome applicants from all educational backgrounds and we encourage those without traditional qualifications to apply. We will consider your knowledge and work experience alongside your qualifications.

Over 90% of Birkbeck academics are active researchers and we offer high-quality supervision by world-leading scholars in a wide range of subject areas.

Find out about sources of funding, including government loans, Research Council studentships and Career Development Loans.

Once you've found the course that's right for you, here's what to do next to get your place at Birkbeck. We can give you the advice and support you need.

Discover more about how MPhil/PhD supervisions work and what you and your supervisor can expect from one another.

With government loans for undergraduate and postgraduate study, fantastic financial support packages and flexible payment options, there’s never been a better time to study at Birkbeck.

Most of our students live in private accommodation, but we also offer student accommodation and access to the professional services of the University of London Housing Services.

There are lots of ways to come and visit us and meet our staff and former students, including Open Evenings, Open Days and guided campus tours. Discover more here.

Birkbeck welcomes students, staff and visitors from across the European Union and further afield. Find out everything you need to know about Brexit and making an application to Birkbeck.

Birkbeck is an open, outward-facing and socially engaged university, committed to making our world-leading research publicly available. Find out how we disseminate our researchers’ knowledge, expertise and discoveries.

Discover more about Birkbeck’s specialist research centres, which work across our schools and departments, encouraging collaboration and multidisciplinary thinking.

Birkbeck offers a unique combination of evening study and a matchless central London location, right in the geographic and academic centre of the city, giving you exceptional opportunities.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a nationwide assessment of the quality of university research. In the last REF (2014), 73% of Birkbeck’s research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

There is nowhere better to study than London and Birkbeck is at its geographic and academic heart. Find out everything you need to know about coming to study here.