The University offers several research degree programmes. Please see individual programmes for further information:
If you are interested in a particular research area or working with a particular member of academic staff, it is often worth discussing your research ideas with them before submitting an application.

  • An upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree or a Masters qualification. We also consider candidates from non-traditional academic backgrounds where they demonstrate they have equivalent level of skills and experience.
  • An IELTS score of 6.5 overall with minimum of 5.5 in all bands (or an equivalent level in other approved English tests English Language Requirements - University of South Wales). We also accept a UK undergraduate degree (for research masters) or a UK Masters degree (for doctoral level).
  • Applicants from the following countries / territories or those that have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of these countries / territories do not need to provide evidence of English: Student visa : Knowledge of English - GOV.UK

Other research criteria:

  • Academic reviewers are content with the quality of the research proposal and its fit with the themes of the Research and innovation Group.
  • Satisfactory references have been received.
  • You have been interviewed by the proposed supervisory team and have demonstrated the motivation and potential to complete on time, awareness of the University’s ethical guidelines.
  • Any specific needs have been considered and where the need for additional support is identified this is provided or reasonable adjustments are made.
  • There is supervisory capacity and expertise to supervise you.
  • There are adequate resources within the Faculty.

Investigating potential supervisors is an important part of the application process for postgraduate research. You need to work with academics who are interested in your research area and will be supportive of you in your research degree.  

Explore our Research and Innovation Groups to find academics conducting research in your area of interest. Once you've identified potential postgraduate research (PGR) supervisors, reach out to them to discuss your research proposal and ideas. Engaging early with your potential supervisor is key to shaping your postgraduate research journey and aligning your interests with their expertise.

A research proposal must be submitted unless you are applying for a funded studentship which has a specified project. Please use our proposal template for this. To have the best chance of success your research proposal should be on a topic that matches the themes of one of our Research and Innovation Groups.

Your proposal will be no more than 2000 words and will enable the reader to obtain a clear understanding of the research you plan to undertake and the context.

Essentially, the reader will be given answers to the questions “what?”, “why?” and “how?” i.e. what is the research, why is it being undertaken, how is it going to be conducted.

In the case of PhD, the expected original contribution to knowledge and the planned form of submission e.g. thesis, portfolio or publication, must be clear. Where the planned submission involves creative work, this should also be highlighted.

You should also indicate whether you have considered any potential ethical issues associated with your proposed project.

A typical proposal will contain:

  • A statement as to the nature of the submission e.g. thesis, portfolio or publication (in the case of PhD), and whether the submission will include any creative work or other outputs.
  • An introductory section which sets out the research question and/or the context in which the research sits. This should include a brief description of relevant previous work with key literature references, or information sources if appropriate.
  • A statement of aims and objectives
    Information about the work that is going to be undertaken including the planned methodologies and why they have been chosen.
  • A provisional project plan or Gantt chart is useful.
  • A statement outlining the likely contribution and impact of the work to the field of study.
  • A list of key references.

The above layout is not meant to be prescriptive and different disciplines may structure proposals differently which is perfectly understandable and acceptable.