You can apply for a research degree at various points in the year.

  • October admissions:  Closing date for applications — 1st May, notification of decision — 1st July.
  • January admissions: Closing date for applications — 1st October, notification of decision — 1st December.
  • April admissions: Closing date for applications — 1st January, notification of decision — 1st March.

To apply please visit the relevant programme pages:

Please note the following documents must be uploaded as supporting documents:

  • A single research proposal of approximately 2,000 words is required unless you are applying for a funded studentship which has a specified project. (Only one research proposal is permitted.) Please use our proposal template for this.
  • Two references on headed paper. At least one referee should be able to comment on your academic / professional ability.
  • Applications that do not include references and / or a research proposal will be rejected as will applications that include multiple research proposals.
  • Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to provide evidence of the required English Language proficiency e.g. IELTS or TOEFL certificates which must be uploaded as supporting documents.
  • Evidence of qualifications e.g. degree certificates and transcripts must be submitted at the time of application.
  • If you are applying for a PhD direct and you hold a relevant Masters degree you should submit as a supporting document an outline of the title and content e.g. an abstract of your Masters degree and one of your referees should be an independent academic referee who can comment on your performance on the Masters degree.
  • If you are applying for a PhD by Publication please submit your proposed publications as a supporting document.

Your research application will initially be considered by two members of academic staff who will make recommendations to the Research and Innovation Group (RIG) Lead and Faculty Research Degrees Committee (FRDC). The reviewers will consider the quality of the research proposal and its match to the research interests and themes of the relevant RIG. In the case of PhD applications, the proposed original contribution to knowledge will also be considered.

If the reviews are positive, you will be invited for an online interview. This will be conducted by your proposed supervisory team.

If your application is successful, you will be issued with an offer letter.

You will need to formally accept your offer to confirm your place.

Please note it may take up to six weeks for a decision to be made on your application.

Should you wish to enquire about the status of your application, please contact the Graduate School.