PhD research

We offer expert supervision in over 40 subjects areas and specialisms.

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.

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.

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

The Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS) offers support and training to Birkbeck's vibrant community of MPhil/PhD researchers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Built on years of research by Birkbeck scholars, the new initiative aims to reshape academic publishing by offering a more sustainable and equitable open-access model for journals around the world.

12 February 2025, 18:00 to
10 December 2025, 14:00

Birkbeck Main Building, Malet Street
Book your place

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