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University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU
To apply for a research degree, please make sure you fulfill the entry requirements and then complete the online research degree application form and upload your supporting documents.
You should have a good honours degree (2:1 or above) or masters degree or equivalent in the relevant subject area.
International applicants should be aware of our research degree English language requirements
Mandatory events, eg induction week, are compulsory and must be attended by all concerned.
The maximum registration date of a student represents the last point at which they may submit their thesis. Students who have not submitted their thesis by this date and who do not have an extension formally approved by the University Research Committee, will no longer be registered as a student of the University nor able to complete their award.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is a Government verification scheme for international students. Having an ATAS clearance certificate is mandatory for some postgraduate applicants who need Entry Clearance to study in the UK. If you are studying a course which requires ATAS clearance, this will be stated on your formal offer letter.
If you require an ATAS certificate you will need to apply for it before applying for your visa or extension of stay. The possession of an ATAS certificate for visas does not guarantee you a visa or extension of stay. However, applications will automatically be refused if you need an ATAS certificate and can not provide one.
Professional Doctorates are usually part-time, practice-based research degrees. The University currently offers a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), a Professional Doctorate in Health Research, Professional Doctorate in Children and Young People's Services (PDLCYPS), a Professional Doctorate in Media, Journalism and Television, a Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) and a Professional Doctorate in Osteopathy (BSU).
Both confer the title 'Dr' on a successful candidate, but the two qualifications are not the same. A PhD is a research-based doctoral programme which usually involves little or no taught element and is usually academic in nature. The aim of providing a Professional Doctorate programme is to produce a qualification which, whilst being equivalent in status and challenge to a PhD, is more appropriate for those pursuing professional rather than academic careers.
A CAS is a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies. It replaced Visa Letters in acting as support for a student to come to the UK to study, or, in the case of visa extensions, to continue their studies in the UK. Students will not be able to apply for a visa or visa extension without a CAS number.
If you are applying for a research institute proposal, you should expect to hear from the RGS within five working days. If you’re applying with your own proposal, you should receive a response within 15 working days. Please note that responses during University holidays and during August will be delayed.
We have three structured intakes per year for research degree students*. They are usually held in January, June and October each year.
*This does not include Professional Doctorates
When funding opportunities arise, these will be advertised on www.jobs.ac.uk, the RGS web pages and the main University web pages.
Please contact the Graduation Team on 01582 743826 or graduation@beds.ac.uk.
Please download and complete a ‘Data Request Form’. This can be sent to rgsoffice@beds.ac.uk once completed.
Please contact a member of the SID team for further guidance.
Please visit www.beds.ac.uk/research/rgs/fees for more details.
Please contact the RGS office rgsoffice@beds.ac.uk with your details and a member of the team will log a call with ISD.
Please complete a request form which can be downloaded from BREO. It needs to be approved by the research institute director who needs to authorise and complete the cost code. As there is a cost involved a clear case will need to be made to the director. The completed form needs to be returned to the Research Graduate School office (room E302 Park Square), who will submit it to Facilities.
Research students are expected to attend all mandatory training events. However with the exception of the first stage of the Professional Doctorate, there are no structured lectures.
