Graduate School
Graduate School
Welcome to the Graduate School page at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). I am delighted that you are considering joining our vibrant research community. At BNU, we take great pride in providing outstanding support, resources, and a dynamic research culture. Our Graduate School has been nationally recognised—ranked 1st for resources, research culture, community, progression, responsibility, and support, and 3rd in overall postgraduate research student satisfaction (PRES 2024). This accolade reflects our deep commitment to both our students and the pursuit of innovative research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and addresses real-world challenges. At BNU, we are dedicated to providing a supportive and inspiring environment where researchers can thrive, develop their expertise, and make a meaningful impact. We value each student’s journey and are here to guide and empower you every step of the way. I warmly invite you to explore the opportunities available and discover how your research can drive positive change and shape the future.
Dr. Anahita Malek
Head of Graduate School
Associate Professor of Creative Industries
About Our Graduate Research Degrees
BNU welcomes applications for research degrees across a wide range of disciplines, including: Nursing, Health and Wellbeing; Art, Design, Performance and Environment; Business, Management, Aviation and Security; and Higher Education.
We offer two types of research degree, Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). You can study for a research degree full-time or part-time. If you’re a full-time student, we expect you to spend at least 37 hours a week on your research, for at least 45 weeks of the year.
Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
To receive a PhD, you have to research a topic that we have approved and present a written thesis at an oral examination. Your work should be an original contribution to knowledge, or an original application of existing knowledge. Your thesis should be up to 80,000 words and demonstrate a sound knowledge and critical appreciation of the discipline.
Master of Philosophy (MPHIL)
You can take the MPhil as a standalone qualification or as your first step towards the PhD. When you’re moving on to PhD level we ask you to reach a specific point in your MPhil studies.
To receive an MPhil, you’ll carry out research through independent supervised study. At the end of your studies you’ll present a thesis of up to 40,000 words and take an oral examination.
Vice-Chancellor's Studentships
We offer four fully funded Vice-Chancellor’s PhD studentships annually, based on pre-defined research projects. The selected projects will be announced on our website and on in April 2025. Recruitment will be project-based, so if you’re interested, please keep checking for updates.
To apply for the MPhil, or the MPhil with the chance to transfer to the PhD, you should have:
- An Honours degree of 2:1 or above in a relevant subject from a UK university, or
- A qualification which we recognise as being equivalent, such as an Honours degree awarded overseas.
To apply directly for the PhD, you should have:
- A Masters degree awarded by a UK university, or
- A Masters degree from a university overseas which is appropriate for the research you'd like to do, and which included training in research and the delivery of a research project.
If you don't meet the entry criteria, we could still consider you for a place. We’ll take into account the nature and scope of the work you’d like to do and might ask you for evidence of:
- Professional experience
- Appropriate research or professional experience at a postgraduate level
- Publications
- Written reports.
You should present this evidence and any supporting documentation along with your application.
| Mode of study | MPhil | PHD | PhD (direct) |
| Full-time | 12 months (minimum) 24 months (maximum) | 30 months (minimum) 48 months (maximum) | 24 months (minimum) 48 months (maximum) |
| Part-time | 24 months (minimum) 48 months (maximum) | 60 months (minimum) 96 months (maximum) | 48 months (minimum) 96 months (maximum) |
To apply for a research degree, send the following by email to ResearchUnit@bnu.ac.uk.
- a completed application form
- a research proposal
- scanned copies of qualifications (or supporting documentation)
- a scanned copy of your passport
Applications are considered three times during each academic year. The following application deadlines and start dates are as follows:
| Application deadline | Start date |
| 16 September 2024 | 1 February 2025 |
| 13 January 2025 | 1 May 2025 |
| 2 June 2025 | 1 October 2025 |
The Research Degrees Admissions Panel decides whether to invite the applicant for an interview. All applicants are informed of the outcome of their application.
Successful applicants are informed of their start date and induction programme.
Research Tuition Fees for 2024-2025 are as follows:
| PhD/MPhil | 2024/25 |
| Full Time study | |
| Home | £4,800 |
| Overseas residents | £14,600 |
| Continuation of registration | £250 per quarter until completion |
| Part Time study | |
| Home | £2,800 |
| Overseas residents | £7,300 |
| Continuation of registration | £250 per quarter until completion |
Bench fees
For research proposals requiring extensive use of specialised University facilities, the University may quote a bench fee in addition to degree programme fees in a range up to £4,000 per year This will be determined before registration.
- Fees will increase annually in line with the indicative fee levels set by Research Councils UK.
- Details of Government loans to support Master's and Doctoral study can be found on the .
- For further information about research degrees at BNU please contact ResearchUnit@bnu.ac.uk
At Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), we are committed to advancing research that makes a meaningful impact on society and enhances our educational offering. As part of this commitment, we are proud to offer the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Studentship Awards—a prestigious annual scheme supporting four fully funded PhD studentships. These studentships are awarded for pre-defined research projects that align with our key research priorities and areas of expertise.
Funding and Eligibility
Full-time tuition fees covered for up to three years
Annual bursary of £15,000 for three years
Open to both home and international students
ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ
To apply for a BNU PhD studentship, you must submit an application for a specific research project. The selected projects will be advertised each year in April on our graduate school website and LinkedIn page—keep an eye out for updates.