London is now the academic capital. The city is more than just a place to explore. The academic standards here have attracted the attention of multiple international students to pursue graduate degrees here; one such is Phd. Pursuing a Phd in London has its perks, such as reputed universities, exceptional learning experiences etc.
The Phd programs offered at the top Phd in London universities are diverse. This means that the courses here cater to every student's interest globally. So, if you’re looking to pursue Phd programs in London, this blog covers everything you need to know to get started.
An Overview Of Phd In London
To help you get started about Phd in London, let’s first understand what to expect when applying for Phd programs in London:
Type of Universities |
Public University |
Course Duration |
Three years |
Universities for Phd |
Imperial College London, University College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, King’s College London, Queena’s Mary University London, etc. |
Type of Phd Program |
Full-time, Part-time |
Phd Specializations |
Phd in Child Health, Chemical engineering, Science communication studies, Film studies, German, Environmental economics, Regional and urban planning, etc. |
No. Of Phd universities in London |
39 |
Why Study Phd In London?
To make a confident investment, you must first analyse what benefits you are receiving from it. You know that London is a better place to choose when it comes to academics, but what makes it worth the investment? Here are five reasons:
- Study From QS-Ranked Universities- London is home to the best Phd universities. These universities are ranked on the QS-World university rankings of 2023. Due to their demand on this list, most international students consider them for their postdoctoral studies. A few are Imperial College London ( Ranked 6), UCL (Ranked 8), etc.
- Home To Top Brands- Another great reason to choose London for Phd studies is their career hub. Almost all of the top brands’ main headquarters are in London. To name a few are Tesco, McDonald's, BBC, etc. This allows international students to learn from the best minds and work with them.
- Networking Opportunities- Students can also benefit from networking in London. Looking closely, you can see many local businesses surrounding you. You can engage with them and try to build your skills accordingly. Apart from this, engagement can also lead to networks that can help you find your ideal job.
- Student-Friendly City- Lastly, London is a student-friendly city. The nightlife, the places to visit, the bookstores, etc. are all great entertainment options for international students to study and live well here.
Suggested: Comprehensive guide to pursuing Phd in Uk
Top 5 Phd Universities In London
multiple Phd universities in London cater to the Phd interest of students globally. These universities are highly ranked, offer a diverse range of Phd courses in London, etc. Thus to help you make the right choice, here are the top universities to pursue Phd in London:
- Imperial College London
- University College London (UCL)
- King’s College London
- London School of Economics
- Queen’s Mary University of London
Imperial College London
Imperial College of London is one of the highly chosen universities to pursue Phd studies. The university offers a diverse range of Phd programs, and each of the programs is designed to provide students with the right knowledge and skills required.
Type |
Public University |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
6 |
Course Duration |
3 years |
Course Offered |
Phd in Bioengineering, Computing, Materials, Chemistry, Lifesciences, etc |
Average Tuition Fees |
£16,000-£41,000/year |
Location |
London |
University College London (UCL)
UCL is another popular university to pursue Phd studies. In fact, the university has a diverse range of Phd programs offered, including creative topics such as film, literature, education, etc.
Type |
Public University |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
8 |
Course Duration |
3 years |
Course Offered |
Phd in Cybersecurity, Dutch, Ear Insitute, Education, Film Studies, etc |
Average Tuition Fees |
£21,000-£47,000/year |
Location |
London |
King’s College London
King’s College London is another popular study destination to pursue Phd programs in London. They offer full-time and part-time programs catered to the interests of students accordingly.
Type |
Public University |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
37 |
Course Duration |
3 years |
Course Offered |
Phd in Engineering, Creative Writing Research, Geography, Clinical Psychology, etc |
Average Tuition Fees |
£22,000- £27,000/year |
Location |
London |
London School of Economics
London School of Economics is another great choice to pursue Phd studies in London. They offer five Phd programs that are focused on Economics, Geography and Environmental studies.
Type |
Public University |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
56 |
Course Duration |
3 years |
Course Offered |
Phd in Economic Geography, Geography and Urban Studies, Environmental Economics, etc |
Average Tuition Fees |
£20,928/1st-year |
Location |
London |
Queen’s Mary University of London
Lastly, Queen’s Mary University of London is the top five choices when considering to pursue Phd from London. This university also offers a diverse range of Phd programs as well as an insightful learning experience.
Type |
Public University |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
125 |
Course Duration |
3 years |
Course Offered |
Phd in History, Law, Politics, Medicine, Film, etc
|
Average Tuition Fees |
£20,000- £50,000/year |
Location |
London |
Eligibility Criteria To Pursue Phd Programs In London
To apply to the top Phd colleges in London, international students should meet the set eligibility criterias. These criterias can differ based on the university choice. However, there is standard requirement enquired by all, such as:
- A Bachelor’s and Masters Degree
- English Language Proficiency Test
A Bachelor’s and Masters Degree
International students should have completed an undergraduate and Masters degree from an accredited university, and with reference to the program they wish to pursue Phd from. It is important students score a good grade in both to increase their chances of getting accepted at their dream Phd university in London.
English Language Proficiency Test
International students should prove their English language skills. Thus, writing and clearing the English proficiency tests are mandatory to do the same. Here are the popular exams undertaken and the score required, IELTS- 7.5, TOEFL ibt- 100, PTE- 7.5.
Admission Process For Phd Courses In London
To successfully meet the admission criterias for Phd colleges in London, you need to follow a simple admission process. Ensure you meet the following steps:
- Identify which are the Phd universities in London
- Email the Phd supervisor if you wish to study from a particular individual
- Submit a research proposal based on the Phd program chosen
- Check the chosen universities' entry requirements
- Fill the online application form
- Write and clear any entrance exams in UK
- Submit all relevant documents before the application deadline
- Attend any interview if scheduled by the university
- Once accepted, apply for UK student visa and arrange for funds
Documents Required For Phd Colleges In London
To complete your eligibility criterias, international students should send in a set of supporting documents. Ensure you check the list below:
- All official transcripts
- CV/Resume
- Research Proposal
- Filled in online application form
- Statement of Purpose
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of English Language requirements
Cost Of Studying Phd In London
To study at Phd universities in London, you require to calculate the complete costs to arrange for your fundings. Two aspects contribute to the cost of studying Phd in London: tuition fees and the cost of living.
Let’s learn about each of them one by one:
Tuition Fees
The Phd in London Fees differs based on the university and program chosen. For each program, the fees can be different. Thus to give you an overall picture, the Phd in London fees are between £16,000- £50,000/year for a full-time basis. Most of your fees will be half of the full-time ones for students who wish to opt for part-time.
Cost of Living
To survive in London, international students require a minimum of £1500/month. The expenses can vary accordingly, such as the type of accommodation chosen, which area in London you’ll live, where you dine? and above all, your lifestyle choices.
Suggested: Total cost of studying in UK for international students
Scholarship Opportunities For Phd In London
To pursue Phd in London for international students, calculate the cost factors. As seen above, there are multiple aspects that contribute to the complete study of a Phd program here. Thankfully, with Phd scholarships London, monetary stress can take a step back.
The perks of availing of scholarships are receiving funding that can support students with financial needs. From covering core costs such as tuition fees, living expenses, etc, to offering grant money during the study period, scholarships make it convenient for international students to pursue Phd here.
Here is an overview of scholarships to pursue Phd in London:
Scholarships |
Amount/Covers/Grants |
Gates Cambridge Scholarship |
Pursue Phd program at University of Cambridge
Covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, etc |
Imperial College London President’s Phd Scholarship |
Pursue full-time and part-time Phd programs at Imperial College London
Covers tuition fees and other relevant expenses |
The Royal Society Grants |
Pursue Phd program from top research institutes in Uk |
|
£300,000 (total scholarship amount)w |
Carnegie Phd Scholarships |
Pursue Phd studies from Scotland’s top institutes
Provide financial aid to academically performing students |
Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in Humanities |
Pursue Phd in Humanities from top universities or colleges in UK
Offers £22,000 stipend which covers tuition fees, training, and research expenses. |
Suggested: View more scholarships to study in UK for international students
Career Opportunities After Phd In London For Indian Students
After you complete the courses for Phd in London for Indian students, it’s time to step into the professional world. UK believes that the contributions of the Phd holders can impact their economic growth. Thus, plenty of job opportunities here offer an impressive salary package.
To help you understand better, here is an overview of job profiles and salary figures after Phd in London:
Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary |
Cheif Executive Officer |
£ 86,113 |
Neurosurgeon |
£ 98,458 |
Research Scientist |
£ 37,342 |
Postdoctoral Research Associate |
£ 30,432 |
Quantitative Analyst |
£ 57,886 |
PR Opportunities After Phd In London
You’ve now completed your Phd programs in London and have graduated from the top Phd colleges in London, what next?
Apart from being a good academic choice, London is also home to well-established brands such as HSBC, Unilever, etc. This demand has led most international students to consider settling down permanently in London.
So, how can you get a PR after your Phd in London?
- Students need to complete their academic studies by scoring good grades
- Students should apply for the Graduate Route visa in order to apply for the UK stay. For Phd students, the stay is available for up to 3 years.
- During the three-year stay, Phd students should find a job or find ways to enhance their current skills.
- In order to apply for a PR in London, UK, students should have completed five years of professional experience. This means once your three years are completed, students can apply for a Tier 5 visa where they can work for another two years here.
- Once five years are completed, students need to then apply for an ILR visa (Indefinite Leave to Remain). It is better to find an ILR job as well.
- Ensure you meet all PR requirements such as good grades, no criminal records, exhibited ethical behaviour, and passed the English and life knowledge Test.
- It takes a minimum of six months for your ILR visa to be processed. Once done, you’ve received PR and are eligible for all rights of the country.
Wrapping Up….
Phd in London for Indian students provides a golden opportunity to study in a globally recognized educational system. London has been more than just a popular tourist destination. Today, multiple international students pursue various degree programs, such as Phd in this city as it is a prominent destination for academic and career development. Thus if you wish to explore more about Phd programs in London and more, speak to our Yocket counsellors today.