Tackling real-world issues
The School of Arts and Creative industries is an ideal place to undertake MRes research. You will join a small, vibrant and diverse group of MRes students and will be supervised by academics of international standing. Our research students often work together organising conferences, assisting academics in editing academic journals and publications and leading research-related events and symposia.
Our applied research tackles real-world issues and encompasses a wide variety of methodologies and approaches, including practice-based research, empirical work on audiences and cultural institutions, as well as theory-driven analysis. We offer supervision in a variety of fields and we welcome diverse projects. 80% of our research was awarded 3* out of 4* for impact – ‘very considerable impacts in terms of their reach and significance’ – by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.
There are two Research Centres in the department reflecting distinct areas of specialism – Centre for the Study of Networked Image and Centre for Research in Digital Storymaking. Our academic members of staff are active researchers, working at the cutting edge of research in many different aspects of performance and theatre, curation, museum studies, cultural policy, networked cultures, photography, film and journalism.
We offer MRes supervision in a range of subject areas, methodological approaches and theoretical approaches, including practice-based research.
Take full advantage of the proximity to London's cultural quarter by attending professional workshops, gaining temporary employment and participating in research events.
Elephant Studios: multi-million pound studio facilities at the forefront of digital technologies and multimedia practice for creative students.
Hone your networking skills and boost your employability by attending guest lectures and participating in live briefs and collaborations with industry professionals.
We offer MRes supervision in a range of subject areas, methodological approaches and theoretical approaches, including practice-based research.
We welcome proposals in all areas of research relevant to the School, but are particularly interested in applications which relate to one or more of the following:
Research students benefit from engaging with highly qualified academic staff and become a vital part of our dynamic research culture. If you choose to study with us, you'll find our School a positive and creative place to research, discuss, create and reflect. See what our PhD student Lozana Rossenova says about her experience here.
The Borough Road building is the home of our School and the hub of our activities. It's a bright, open and flexible collection of spaces reflecting how we explore film, theatre and media. You'll study alongside a community of experts, who are active in academic research and cutting-edge practice.
How do we support you?
You'll receive support from our School and LSBU Doctoral College, which is the LSBU's hub for all doctoral activity. The LSBU Doctoral College provides training, facilities and support services to enable you to perform at your best during your studies. All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through a monthly methodological module run by The School of Arts and Creative Industries.
Presenting your work
Over the course of your MRes you will have the opportunity to share your work and network with other researchers, speak at conferences and workshops and visit or host researchers from elsewhere. Our School holds an annual summer school, run by the Centre for the Study of the Networked Image and regular PG seminars, which give you the opportunity to present your work in a supportive atmosphere and discuss shared readings.
ModeFull-time | Duration1 year | Start dateJanuary; April; September | Application code4720 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
ModePart-time | Duration2 years | Start dateJanuary; April; September | Application code4721 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Need further information? Call us on 0800 923 8888 to discuss entry requirements.
Applicants for a Research Degree programme at LSBU are usually expected to have:
You will be required to attend an interview with your potential supervisor, in person or by telephone, prior to an offer being made.
Select country here:
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
£5010
Tuition fees for home students
£17600
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
UK fee: £2505 | International fee: £8800 |
AOS/LSBU code: 4721 | Session code: 1PS00 |
UK fee: £2505 | International fee: £8800 |
AOS/LSBU code: 4721 | Session code: 1PS10 |
UK fee: £2410 | International fee: £8450 |
AOS/LSBU code: 4721 | Session code: 1PS20 |
UK fee: £2505 | International fee: £8800 |
AOS/LSBU code: 4721 | Session code: 2PS00 |
UK fee: £2505 | International fee: £8800 |
AOS/LSBU code: 4721 | Session code: 2PS10 |
UK fee: £2410 | International fee: £8450 |
AOS/LSBU code: 4721 | Session code: 2PS20 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £17600 |
AOS/LSBU code: 4720 | Session code: 1FS00 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £17600 |
AOS/LSBU code: 4720 | Session code: 1FS10 |
UK fee: £4820 | International fee: £16900 |
AOS/LSBU code: 4720 | Session code: 1FS20 |
The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.
At the LSBU Doctoral College we are committed to supporting and developing professional researchers who are driven to make a difference. We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations - and when they're available we'll publish notices on the LSBU Doctoral College site.
Mode Full-time | Duration 1 year | Start date January; April; September | Application code 4720 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Mode Part-time | Duration 2 years | Start date January; April; September | Application code 4721 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.
Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
When applying, please attach an outline of your research proposal (approximately 1,500 words).
Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, experience and the research proposal to decide whether your research interest is something that could be supervised at LSBU.
There will also be an interview either by telephone or at the University. If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:
We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.
A research degree will equip you with many transferable skills. The self-discipline, the demand for clear analytical thinking, and the ability to turn criticism of others work into something constructive of your own, all constitute a unique training for almost any kind of career. The excitement and satisfaction of finding new facts, a new idea, or a new way of looking at something can be highly rewarding.
Many of our successful PG students have been appointed to full time lecturing posts both in the UK and internationally. We are also proud that many of our MRes and PhD students choose a career in the public sector and industry, working as curators or leading educational departments in major cultural organisations. Read about our alumni Zeta and her work in the industry here.