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Innovative, internationally recognised research PhD research

Join the vibrant, diverse and intellectually invigorating community of MPhil/PhD researchers at Birkbeck

MPHIL / PHD Programmes
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PhD research


Help with your application

How to apply

Read our guidance on how to apply for a MPhil/PhD at Birkbeck.

Research funding

Read about the funding opportunities available for MPhil/PhD researchers.

Find a supervisor

Over 90% of Birkbeck academics are active researchers and we offer high-quality supervision.

How the supervisory relationship works

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

Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS)

The Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS) offers support and training to MPhil/PhD researchers.

Fees and payment

Find the fees for your MPhil/PhD and see the ways you can pay.

Birkbeck's inspiring research

Our internationally recognised research spans nine faculties and is strengthened by cross-disciplinary collaborations and partnerships.

Find out more

Research impact and initiatives

Public engagement

We are committed to making our world-leading research publicly available. Find out how we disseminate our researchers’ knowledge and discoveries.

Research Excellence Framework

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a nationwide assessment of the quality of university research. In the 2021 REF, 83% of Birkbeck’s research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

Research centres and institutes

Discover our specialist research centres and how they encourage collaboration and multidisciplinary thinking across Birkbeck's faculties and schools.

More about Birkbeck

Life at Birkbeck

On our central London campus, you'll find a friendly student community along with a range of services to support you through your Birkbeck journey.

Visit us

Meet our staff, students and get to know our campus at an open evening or campus tour.

Accommodation

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

International students

Birkbeck brings together people from all over the world. Our students and tutors come from over 125 different countries. Get help if you are an international student.

Studying for a PhD at Birkbeck

Gabriella and Ajitesh share their experiences of completing their PhDs at Birkbeck. Ajitesh completed a PhD in Psychology while working full-time as Head of Research at Sky, and Gabriella combines her PhD in Criminology with teaching at the College.

Find out about the Birkbeck Graduate Research School
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Birkbeck named among the world’s top universities in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

The QS subject rankings provide students with information on institutions that are excelling in over 50 subjects and five faculty areas; and are informed by over 16 million academic papers as well as the views of more than 150,000 academics and 200,000 employers.
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Blog

Pre-trial detention and its overuse

Catherine Heard, director of the World Prison Research Programme, at the Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research at Birkbeck discusses pre-trial imprisonment.