The School of Engineering has a strong culture of research and enterprise. London South Bank University (LSBU) is the top modern university in London for world-leading and internationally excellent research and Grade Point Average in General Engineering -Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.
REF also awarded 80% of LSBU's research into General Engineering the two highest quality ratings (4* or 3*) for 'impact' (research and significance).
A member of staff, an expert in the chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme. As a research student, you'll become part of our thriving academic community.
A PhD, by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge. A research degree is different from a taught course. Research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.
ModeFull-time | Duration3 years | Start dateJanuary; February; March; April; May; June; July; August; September; October; November | Application code9045 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
ModePart-time | Duration5 years | Start dateJanuary; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code9051 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
ModeDistance learning | Duration6 years | Start dateJanuary; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code9073 | 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 a good honours degree (2:1 and above) and a relevant postgraduate qualification, preferably a merit at Master's level. Please also supply two academic references as part of your application. You will also be required to show proof of all of your qualifications. If English is not your first language you will be required to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 at postgraduate level. You will be invited to an interview with your potential supervisor, in person or by telephone, prior to an offer being made.
If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you may need to apply to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for clearance from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) in order to study this course. ATAS certificate is a requirement for enrolment at the University, you will need one if you are an international student applying to study for a postgraduate qualification in the UK and it is now a requirement for every Visa application. Please note, an ATAS certificate is not needed for you to submit an application for a course at LSBU and to receive an offer.
You can find more information about whether you will require this via the FCO website and in our MyLSBU guide to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme.
The process for obtaining an ATAS certificate can take some time so it is important that you check whether you need one as early as possible so that you can make your application for the certificate to obtain it in good time. Failure to produce a valid ATAS certificate could result in delays to receiving your CAS or we may be unable to enrol you at the University.
The CAH code for this course is CAH10-01-03.
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: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 1DS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 1PS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 1DS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £4820 | International fee: £4820 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 1DS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £25290 |
International: £25290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 1PS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £2892 | International fee: £10140 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 1PS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 2DS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 2PS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 2DS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £4820 | International fee: £4820 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 2DS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £25290 |
International: £25290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 2PS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £2892 | International fee: £10140 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 2PS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 3DS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 3PS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 3DS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £4820 | International fee: £4820 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 3DS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £25290 |
International: £25290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 3PS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £2892 | International fee: £10140 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 3PS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 4DS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 4PS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 4DS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £4820 | International fee: £4820 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 4DS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £25290 |
International: £25290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 4PS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £2892 | International fee: £10140 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 4PS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 5DS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 5PS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £5010 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 5DS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £4820 | International fee: £4820 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: 5DS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £25290 |
International: £25290 |
UK fee: £3006 | International fee: £10560 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 5PS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £2892 | International fee: £10140 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: 5PS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
UK fee: £1240 | International fee: £1240 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: WUS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £1240 | International fee: £1240 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: WUS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £1240 | International fee: £1240 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: WUS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £26290 |
International: £26290 |
UK fee: £1190 | International fee: £1190 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9073 | Session code: WUS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £25290 |
International: £25290 |
UK fee: £1240 | International fee: £1240 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: WUS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £1190 | International fee: £1190 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9051 | Session code: WUS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £17600 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: 1FS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £17600 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: 1FS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £4820 | International fee: £16900 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: 1FS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £17600 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: 2FS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £17600 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: 2FS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £4820 | International fee: £16900 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: 2FS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £17600 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: 3FS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £5010 | International fee: £17600 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: 3FS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £4820 | International fee: £16900 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: 3FS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
UK fee: £1240 | International fee: £1240 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: WUS00 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £1240 | International fee: £1240 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: WUS10 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £16270 |
International: £54040 |
UK fee: £1190 | International fee: £1190 |
AOS/LSBU code: 9045 | Session code: WUS20 |
Total course fee:
* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
UK: £15650 |
International: £51890 |
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.
Bench fees are a standard part of the PhD fee structure at most reputable institutions and are in addition to the main course fees. They cover study related costs such as specialist equipment, study participant fees, research related travel, lab and research consumables, etc. The bench fee for the PhDs Engineering and Engineering and Built Environment Course fees + 5k lab-based; 2k ICT-based.
Mode Full-time | Duration 3 years | Start date January; February; March; April; May; June; July; August; September; October; November | Application code 9045 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Mode Part-time | Duration 5 years | Start date January; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code 9051 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Mode Distance learning | Duration 6 years | Start date January; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code 9073 | 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).
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.
When applying, please attach an outline of your research proposal or a project summary (up to 1,000 words).
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.
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
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 frequent research seminars.
When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant Masters courses available within the School and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.
In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers.
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.
Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and to present their research findings. The progress of all research students is formally monitored by the University's Research Degree Committee.