To apply for the MPhil or PhD, you should normally have:

• An Honours degree at 2:1 or above in a relevant subject from a UK university, or
• An equivalent overseas qualification that we recognise as comparable to a UK Honours degree.

To apply directly for the PhD, you would normally hold:

• A Master’s degree from a UK university, or
• A Master’s degree from an overseas institution relevant to your proposed research area and including formal research training,

However, applicants with a strong undergraduate degree (normally a 2:1 or above) and clear evidence of research capability may also be considered, subject to the suitability of the proposal and supervisory expertise.If you do not meet the standard entry criteria, we may still consider your application. We will take into account the nature of your proposed research and may ask for evidence of:

• Relevant professional experience
• Research or professional practice at postgraduate level
• Publications
• Reports or other written work

You should upload any supporting documentation alongside your application to help us assess your suitability for postgraduate research.

To apply for a PhD or an MPhil, please email the following documents to ResearchUnit@bnu.ac.uk:

• a completed Application Form
• a Research Statement (Download Research statement template)
• degree certificate(s) and transcripts for your ‘higher education’ studies - as in point 4 of the application form guidance notes
• a scanned copy of your passport
• if applicable: evidence of any previous research outputs, where relevant to your application

Please note: attached files must be named clearly and correctly for easy identification of the documentation (for processing purposes). If this is not done, it may result in your application being returned.

Applications are considered two times during each academic year. The current application deadlines and associated start dates are as follows:

The Research Degrees Admissions Panel reviews all applications and decides whether to invite candidates for interview. The Panel aims to provide an outcome within 8 to 12 weeks of receiving a complete application. Successful applicants will receive confirmation of their start date as well as details of their induction programme.

Research Tuition Fees for 2026-2027 are as follows:

Please note: the fee is due annually (set up upon each enrolment) 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 may 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 Gov.uk website.

• For further information about research degrees at BNU please contact ResearchUnit@bnu.ac.uk

Funding Your Postgraduate Research

Postgraduate research students draw on a variety of funding routes to support their studies. Below is an overview of common options, including self-funding, external schemes, employer sponsorship, and Vice-Chancellor's Studentships.

Many postgraduate researchers choose to finance their studies independently, often through savings, family support, or part-time work. Part-time postgraduate study can also be a flexible option for those wishing to continue professional development alongside academic research.

At Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), we are committed to supporting impactful and innovative research. Each year we offer the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Studentship Awards, a highly competitive scheme providing four fully funded PhD studentships. These awards support pre-defined research projects that reflect BNU’s 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 applicants

How to Apply

You are required to submit a Vice Chancellor’s PhD Studentship Funding Application form which is posted with the opportunities above for one of the advertised projects, in addition to the standard application requirements.

Government Research Councils

The UK has seven Research Councils offering highly competitive awards at both Master’s and Doctoral levels. Funding allocations each year are limited, and awards are made on strict eligibility and academic merit criteria. Further information is available via Research Councils UK. Eligibility generally includes being an EU national and holding, or expecting to hold, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree.

State funding for postgraduate study is limited, but support may be available for certain professional pathways. Teacher training in England and Wales may offer financial assistance (see the National College for Teaching and Leadership for details), and students entering social work or specific health-related programmes may be eligible for an NHS bursary, with further information available via Directgov.

A wide range of charities, foundations, and trusts offer grants or bursaries for postgraduate study. Some are tailored to specific subjects or demographic groups, while others have more general eligibility criteria. Although most provide partial rather than full funding, they can still make a meaningful contribution to overall costs. Opportunities can be explored through the Prospects website.

Where a postgraduate qualification aligns with workplace development, some employers may support or fully sponsor study. In some cases, this may include a service agreement requiring the student to remain with the organisation for a specified period.

Some PhD studentships are co-funded by employers who have an interest in the research topic. Applicants may also find opportunities through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). These typically run for two years, allowing graduates to work on strategic industry projects while being jointly supervised by the University.

Postgrad Solutions offers a series of bursaries across multiple subject areas, providing supplementary financial support to eligible postgraduate students.

Duration: Minimum 5 years, Maximum 8 years
Study Mode: Part-time (work-based)
Language: English

Application Deadlines:
6 April 2026 for a 1 September 2026 start
3 August 2026 for a 4 January 2027 start

The EdD is designed for professionals working across education, including teaching, leadership, policy, and support services, who are committed to advancing knowledge within their professional context. The programme combines structured taught study with independent doctoral research, enabling you to remain fully engaged in your professional role while developing as a scholar-practitioner.

The first two years consist of a taught phase delivered through weekly face-to-face sessions on campus. These sessions develop your capacity in academic writing, research design, critical thinking and methodological rigour, while fostering a strong academic cohort and shared intellectual foundation.

Years three to five focus on an original research project culminating in a 60,000 to 80,000 word thesis. Your research will be closely connected to your professional role and designed to generate practice-informed knowledge. This phase can be supported through flexible supervision arrangements, where appropriate, to accommodate professional commitments.

Throughout the programme, you will be supported by an experienced academic team whose expertise aligns with your research interests. Supervision is structured, developmental and tailored to ensure progression and successful completion.

Year 1, Semester 1

Making Sense of Education: Theory, Policy and Research
This module explores major educational theories and examines trends in education policy in the United Kingdom. You will critically analyse the political dimensions of policy and consider how policy frameworks shape educational practice and professionalism.

Assessment: 5,000 word report analysing the impact of a selected theory, policy or research approach on contemporary education.

Year 1, Semester 2

Introduction to Research Methods in Education
This module introduces key epistemological and ontological debates and their influence on research design. You will examine explanatory, interpretative and critical research approaches, and develop understanding of data collection, analysis and interpretation in close-to-practice research.

Assessment: 5,000 word literature review critically analysing contemporary empirical research in education.

Year 2, Semester 1

Exploring Contemporary Issues in Education
This module examines how societal developments, including economic pressures, government change and regulatory frameworks such as OFSTED, influence education in the United Kingdom. You will critically consider how educators and leaders respond to these evolving challenges.

Assessment: 5,000 word report analysing a contemporary issue and its influence on education in the twenty-first century.

Year 2, Semester 2

Advanced Techniques in Research Design
This module builds advanced understanding of methodological paradigms and innovative research design. You will explore action research, evaluation research, case study and ethnography, alongside the ethical, political and value-based dimensions of close-to-practice inquiry.

Assessment: 5,000 word research proposal aligned with your intended doctoral study.

Years 3 to 5

Doctoral Research Thesis
You will undertake an original research project directly connected to your professional context, culminating in a 60,000 to 80,000 word thesis.

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree. A Master’s degree is desirable. Relevant professional experience in an education-related field is essential. All applicants will be required to attend an interview conducted by at least two academic staff members, either remotely via Microsoft Teams or in person.

£2,500 per year

To apply for a Doctorate in Education (EdD), please email the following documents to ResearchUnit@bnu.ac.uk:

• a completed Application Form (in section 5 of the application form, please state that the degree applied for is a Doctorate in Education, EdD)
• a personal statement outlining your professional background, areas of interest within education, and your motivation for undertaking doctoral study 
• degree certificate(s) and transcripts for your ‘higher education’ studies - as in point 4 of the application form guidance notes. (Other supporting documentation may be submitted if available)
• a scanned copy of your passport

Please note: attached files must be named clearly and correctly for easy identification of the documentation (for processing purposes). If this is not done, it may result in your application being returned.

All applicants will be invited to attend an interview with at least two members of academic staff. This may take place remotely via Microsoft Teams or in person. 

We encourage early application, as places are limited and subject to academic approval. For further information, please contact the Graduate School at Buckinghamshire New University.