uk phd application deadline

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We advise all applicants to apply as early as possible after thoroughly researching our courses, the funding available, and the University as a whole.

Apply by whichever deadline comes first

Applications open in early September and there are two deadlines you need to consider :

• Course deadline
• Funding deadline

You must apply by whichever deadline comes first . This will depend on the course you have chosen and your funding status. If your application (including supporting documents) is not submitted by the relevant deadline, it will be withdrawn. All application deadlines are 23:59pm (midnight) UK time on the stated date.

Course deadlines

All courses have a deadline and applications cannot normally be considered after this date.

To find the deadline for your course, and details of which supporting documents need to be submitted at the same time, check your course entry in the course directory . 

You should not wait until the day of the deadline to submit your application or supporting documents, as there is no guarantee that places will still be available. If a course closes early, the course directory will be updated accordingly.

Occasionally, deadlines for some subjects may be extended, so you might still be able to apply even if the original deadline has passed. You should check the course page for updates. 

Funding deadlines

Funding deadlines vary according to your chosen course and funding source. There are three main funding deadlines that relate to the three academic terms.

Check the  course directory  to find out which funding deadline applies to you (they appear in the sidebar of every course entry).

See  Applying for University funding for funding deadline dates and further information.

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How to apply for a PhD

We are looking for ambitious, talented and motivated students. You'll have the passion to make new discoveries, the drive to test new theories, and the willingness to go above and beyond.

PhD Open Evening

Find out about the essentials of PhD study on our Falmer campus on Monday 21 October from 5pm - 8:30pm.

Our PhD open evening will give you the opportunity to:

• find out how to apply for and fund a PhD

• hear from our academic staff in a panel discussion on research degrees

• meet current PhD students and hear their experiences

• get advice on student support, and career development.

Book your place

How do I apply?

To find out more about our degrees see our PhD degrees . You apply using our postgraduate application system.

Choose your PhD

Sussex is the perfect place to find a postgraduate research course that allows you to follow your passion and develop your research interests.

• a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil). There are more than 50 degrees to choose from
• full-time or part-time PhDs
• all courses start in September and some courses offer additional entry points in January or May
• the opportunity for research students registered elsewhere to visit Sussex . For more information see our handbook .-->

Distance learning may be available for some PhD courses. Before applying, you should check whether this mode of attendance is supported for the PhD you wish to undertake with the relevant School.

Find out more about our PhD degrees

Check our entry requirements

Our specific entry requirements are listed with each PhD degree .

You also need to meet our general entry requirements, usually an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1) or equivalent international qualification.

You may also be required to have a Masters qualification.

If you are an international student, you need to meet our English language requirements , or successfully complete our Pre-sessional English course .

You may also be asked to attend an interview.

Find out more about our entry requirements for UK applicants

Find out more about our entry requirements for international applicants

Choose a research topic or project

If you apply for one of our funded projects or to a research centre or group you will normally be asked to provide a statement explaining your suitablility for working in that area.

If you wish to propose your own area of research, you need to decide on a research topic and you will normally be expected to write a research proposal. Some areas may only require a summary of academic interests and they will use this to match you to potential supervisors. Before applying check the requirements for your subject area .

Find a supervisor

If you are joining a funded project at Sussex, you will already have a supervisor allocated to you.

If you are proposing your own research topic , you can find a supervisor to support and advise you.

If you think you have found a potential supervisor who matches your research area, check their online profile for indications of their doctoral supervision capacity. If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them to check their availability for supervising you

You can either ask a member of our faculty to be your supervisor if you think they have the expertise to support you or we will match you with a supervisor during the assessment of your application. If you ask to be supervised by a particular member of faculty, this will be considered but not all such requests can be accommodated.

Apply to Sussex

You apply directly to Sussex using our postgraduate application system .

You can apply for up to three postgraduate courses. If you are applying for more than one degree, you must submit a research proposal/statement specific to each area of study you apply for.

You must submit the following documents when you apply:

• research proposal/research statement
• summary of academic interests (this is optional depending on the subject area you are applying for)
• degree certificates and transcripts. If the originals are not in English, certified translations must be provided
• your English language qualification, where applicable
• two academic references – including one from your most recent university. Or you can provide contact details for your referees and we will email them.

Follow our tips for applying to Sussex

Find out about our admissions policies

Deadline for applications

You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January and May.

The recommended deadline for applications are:

International applicants: Three months before course start date Home/EU applicants: One month before course start date.

PhD applications received after these deadlines may be considered, but we cannot guarantee you will be able to commence your studies at your requested entry point.

Where you are applying for funding or scholarships, check the deadlines for your application. In some cases, you may need to have an offer from us before you can apply for funding.

Check fees, funding and support

We have a number of PhD funding and scholarship opportunities.

If your application is successful, you will have your fee status assessed . If your fee status is unclear, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire . If you disagree with the outcome of your fee status assessment, you can appeal .

Fees information is listed with each PhD degree

Receiving an offer

We will notify you through our postgraduate application system if we decide to offer you a place .

Your offer may include conditions – for example, completing your undergraduate or Masters degree with a certain grade or meeting our English language requirements .

If you are an international student studying a certain science- or engineering-based course you must apply for Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance after you receive your offer.

Find out about ATAS clearance on the Student Hub .

If you decide to accept our offer, you can notify us using the postgraduate application system .

You can still accept your offer even if you have not yet secured funding. However, you should have funding in place when you start at Sussex.

Confirming your place

If your offer is unconditional, we may still need to verify your qualifications .

If your offer is conditional, you should send in your results by email as soon as they are available, so that your place can be confirmed.

If you are unable to take up your place, you can request to defer your entry to another available entry point (up to a maximum of 12 months).

If your application is unsuccessful and you are not sure why, you can request feedback .

Before you start at Sussex

You will be sent information about joining us in the months before you start your research.

For most students, the registration process is completed online. Registration opens in:

• early September, if you are starting at Sussex in September
• December, if you are starting at Sussex in January
• early April, if you are starting at Sussex in May.

If you are an international student and you need a visa to study in the UK , you complete most of the registration process online. To register, you need to attend in person, so we can take a copy of your passport and visa.

You might also be interested in:

• student support
• applying for accommodation
• visas and immigration information on the Student Hub .

• Postgraduate
• PhD and Professional Doctorates

How to apply

How to apply for a phd.

At NTU we offer opportunities for self-funded, part-funded and fully-funded PhDs, as well as Professional Doctorates. How you apply differs slightly depending on the type of Research Degree you are applying for.

Preparing a PhD application

You can either apply for one of our PhD projects or submit your own proposal.

Our advertised projects will list the supervisors and how the PhD will be funded. If you are proposing your own project, you will need to find a supervisor and secure your own funding.

On the PhD application form there is a section for your research proposal. When applying for an advertised project, the title has already been developed. The research proposal section of your application should therefore focus on your understanding of the project’s significance and impact, along with the approach you would take.

In all cases, we recommend you discuss your research ideas with a potential supervisor before submitting your PhD application.

Ready to apply now? Head over to our application portal .

Preparing a Professional Doctorate application

If you are applying for a Professional Doctorate you don't need to find a supervisor, but you will need to produce a research proposal. Read your course page carefully as this details advice on what to include. You will need to outline how your research topic will be applied to your professional practice. If you are thinking about studying part-time, contact the Doctoral School and course leader for advice on whether a part-time PhD or Professional Doctorate would be best for you.

Learn more about Professional Doctorates at NTU

Can you do a PhD without a masters degree?

Applicants for PhD should normally hold a first or upper second-class honours degree of a UK university or an equivalent qualification, or a lower second-class honours degree with a master’s degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

An applicant not meeting the certificated requirement may be considered on merit using evidence of ability and background knowledge in relation to the proposed programme of research. Professional experience, publications, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment are taken into consideration.

When to apply

Our PhDs have four intakes per year and Professional Doctorates have two. Here's the application deadlines for the available start dates:

Nottingham Business School: October is the only intake for PhD projects in NBS.

DPsych Professional Doctorate

Other Professional Doctorates

The steps below outline the application process. When you're ready, click the relevant button at the bottom of the page to be taken through to our PhD application system. There are different applications depending on the type of Research Degree you are applying for, so read the description carefully.

If you have any questions, contact the Doctoral School .

Step 1: check the entry requirements

Before you start your application, make sure you read and meet the entry requirements.

• PhD: you should normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. We also accept a lower second class honours degree with a Masters degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
• Professional Doctorates: you will be well-qualified in your chosen field and will normally have a related Masters degree or equivalent qualification, together with sufficient professional experience in the relevant field.
• English language requirements: if English isn't your first language, you will need an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections (writing, reading, listening and speaking). Find out more about the English language requirements for undertaking research at NTU.

Full details on criteria for doctoral study at NTU can be found in the Quality Handbook Section 11 - Research Degrees.

Step 2: register and create an account

Click on "Start your application" when you've read this guide, to be taken to our application channel . Here you will create an account and begin your application.

• Select ‘Not registered yet? Sign up here’ and create an account with a username and password.
• You don’t have to complete your application all at once –  keep your login details safe so you can log back in whenever you want.

Step 3: fill out an application

Our Research Degree application channel is developed and hosted by the company SurveyMonkey and your data will be collected by them. Work your way through the application form, making sure you:

• upload evidence of your qualifications (if you have them);
• provide details of English language qualifications if English is not your first language;
• fill in your proposed supervisor, academic school or research centre alignment, if you know this;
• provide a summary of your proposed research topic (maximum 250 words);
• complete your research proposal (maximum 1,500 words or 500 words for Science and Technology). Read our guide on writing research proposals ;
• write your personal statement (maximum 500 words), detailing your previous experience, interest in your research topic and the skills that will enable you to deliver the project successfully and on time.

Step 4: add referees

Provide the names and contact details of two referees (this cannot be your proposed supervisor). We accept references that arrive after your application.

Step 5: add any additional documents

Upload any additional documents that support your application. This includes:

• Certificates and transcripts: you'll need to make sure the actual or (provisional) grade, grade point average or mark percentage is included. These should be translated into English if required. If you have not finished your current course, indicate this clearly on your application form and provide evidence of your pending degree, such as an up-to-date HEAR report or a provisional transcript.
• English language requirements: if English is not your first language, upload any documents that evidence how you meet the NTU English language requirements for undertaking postgraduate research. If you are submitting an IELTS report, make sure the date of the test is not older than two years.
• Professional experience: include any relevant certification of professional experience, publications, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment.

Step 6: equal opportunities data

We are firmly committed to a diverse and inclusive research culture that is characterised by fairness and equality of opportunity for all. We are actively seeking applications from groups that are currently under-represented in research.

Any data that you provide in this section will not be used in the assessment of your application, but is a requirement of the application process.

Step 7: review the terms and conditions

View information about the Terms, Conditions and Regulations that applies to offers made by the University.

Step 8: submit your PhD application

Review your application carefully and when you are ready click 'review and submit'.

NTU Doctoral applications

Apply for a PhD project, self-funded PhD proposal or a Professional Doctorate. Open to UK and International candidates throughout the year.

Information for research applicants

Phd opportunities.

Discover our PhD opportunities that drive innovation and delivers real-world impact. Browse our PhD projects, or submit your own proposal.

Professional Doctorates

Make an impact with world-leading and award-winning research at Nottingham Trent University.

How to write a research proposal

Your research proposal is the most important part of your doctoral application. Get our advice on how to write yours.

Find a PhD supervisor

Your supervisor will be a subject expert and able to provide support throughout your PhD. Look through our staff directory and find your new mentor.

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Finding and Applying for a PhD

The process of applying for a PhD is different to other university courses. In this section you'll find out how to apply and where to find a PhD.

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How to apply for a phd.

PhD applications are different to other university degrees. You don't apply in the same way as you do for other courses.

When applying for a PhD there are two main options:

• you could be the successful candidate for an advertised position
• you could propose your own research project to a university

Application rules and methods vary for each university. Make sure to check for the institution you are interested in.

You can apply for more than one PhD, but the number you can apply for in a year will vary between different universities.

You'll normally need to submit a tailored research proposal or personal statement for each application.

You can also apply to different universities. This may improve your chances of getting onto to a PhD.

Entry requirements

Each PhD will have specific entry requirements. Applicants should always check the specific entry requirements online before applying.

You will usually need at least an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1). International students will need an equivalent international qualification. For some PhDs you may need a Master’s qualification, and you may need to attend an interview.

International students may also need proven language ability. This will vary across institutions. Check what level your university expects before applying.

When to apply for a PhD

Application timings will depend on when your term start date is. Many research degrees start in September. Some will begin in January or May. Some PhD positions and funding opportunities are available to apply for year-round.

However, most UK PhD application deadlines are between late December and mid-January.

This is because of deadlines set by UKRI Research Council funding bodies. Most students will begin work on their application in the autumn. Completing an application and/or writing a research proposal will take time. We recommend you don’t leave it until the last minute!

UK applicants will usually need to apply at least one month before the course start date. International applicants will often need to apply at least three months ahead.

External organisations may also have different deadlines for funding applications. You will need time to research your funding options. Make sure you know how long the funding application process takes.

Finding an advertised PhD

Most universities will advertise PhD opportunities in their website. You can check the websites of any universities that have a relevant department.

The following external websites also advertise PhD opportunities:

• Postgraduate Studentships.co.uk

Writing a research proposal

For an advertised PhD, you won't usually need to submit a research proposal. The broad aims and objectives for your PhD will already be set.

If you're choosing your own research topic within a university's PhD programme, you will need to write a proposal.

Research proposals need be persuasive. Potential supervisors and funders will need to believe your work is worth supporting.

A research proposal usually:

• is between 1,500 and 3,000 words long
• needs to have a clear, original, precise, interesting research question
• explains the relevance and value of your proposed research
• describes the data or source material your research requires
• outlines the methods you will use to answer the research question
• states what you hope to discover at the end of your research

Check any guidelines offered by your chosen institution. These can vary and include word limits, suggested structure etc.

We offer feedback on applications for postgraduate study but can’t do so for research proposals. We advise seeking guidance from a prospective supervisor or other academic related to your chosen field, before submitting your proposal.

The following websites offer advice on putting together a research proposal:

• How to write a great PhD research proposal – advice from find a PhD.com
• Guidelines for producing a Research Proposal (PDF: 42KB) – guidance from Newcastle University
• How to write a successful research proposal – tips from Prospects

Some universities provide examples of research proposals for specific subjects. These include:

• The Open University - Social Policy and Criminology
• University of Sheffield - Sociological Studies
• University of Sussex
• University of York - Politics

Finding a PhD Supervisor

You will need to begin by identifying universities that offer the specialism that you want to research.

What is a PhD Supervisor?

A PhD supervisor is an academic who to uses their expertise to support you with your project. They should have interest in your project and provide regular feedback on your work. Each person's supervision experience depends on their university, department, and personal preferences.

An advertised funded PhD will usually have a supervisor allocated. If you want to propose your own area of research, you will need to write a research proposal and find a supervisor.

Your supervisor will:

• play an important role in your PhD. They should support you from starting your research to submission of your thesis
• have responsibilities towards you and your project. They will meet to discuss your work
• read drafts of your work
• respond to emails and other forms of contact, though this might not be immediate
• be an expert in your academic field. They will have recognised research experience, and relevant publications. They may have supervised other students working on related subjects

Your supervisor won’t be an expert in your exact topic. If they were, you couldn’t research it as an original PhD.

Some universities formalise these commitments in a research degree handbook. Other universities leave the specific details to the student and supervisor to arrange.

How to find a supervisor

Some universities have a database that you can search for supervisors. This can be helpful if you want to propose your own research topic.

Otherwise, your university may match you with a supervisor during your application assessment. Sometimes they will use a summary of your academic interests to match you to a supervisor.

It is possible to request supervision by a particular member of academic staff. Be aware that the university will consider this but may not accept your request. Carry out research to find a potential supervisor who matches your research area:

• start by shortlisting of two to three potential supervisors
• explore their research history
• find out more by looking in the reference sections of academic text books
• search for articles in research databases and academic blogs

You can check academics online profiles to find out about their doctoral supervision capacity:

• If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them to see if they will supervise you.
• when you contact your potential supervisor, explain your research interests.
• show how you feel your research proposal matches their expertise

It may also be possible to study your PhD by distance learning. This would mean you’d learn online, and your supervisor meetings would be virtual.

Find out more about finding a supervisor below:

• What to expect from a PhD supervisor
• Choosing your PhD supervisor | Prospects.ac.uk

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How to apply for a research degree

Our guide to applying for a postgraduate research degree. Find out what steps to take, the documents you'll need and how to write a strong proposal.

Research degrees application guide

If you choose to study a doctoral degree with us, you can:

• propose and develop your own research, which you lead with the support of a supervisory team 
• apply to join a research project designed by the university’s academics
• enrol on a professional doctorate

This advice focuses on submitting a proposal for your own research project.

When you’re proposing your own research project, it’s your responsibility to create a coherent and credible proposal for original academic research. It’s important to understand the process, and what makes a good application.

Proposing a doctoral research project

To give you the best chance of success, it’s important to follow these steps in this order — doing this will save you time and help you make the best impression.

• Choose your research subject area .
• Check you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Discuss your proposal with a potential academic supervisor - you can find contacts in the research subject area pages .
• Develop your proposal with the support of your proposed supervisory team.
• Submit your proposal, along with any necessary supporting documents using our research degree application form .

If you’re applying from outside of the UK, visit our application guidance for international students.

Entry requirements

Academic qualifications.

You normally need a first or upper second class (2:1) honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

English language requirements

International students must show a high standard of English language ability. To check what you need, visit  English language requirements.

Successful application tips

How to make a successful research degree application.

Our top tips for making the best possible impression when proposing a research project for your doctoral degree:

• Find the right supervisor — make sure your proposed supervisor is suitable for your specialism
• Consult with your prospective supervisor — show evidence of the conversation with them when putting together your proposal
• Communicate your thesis topic clearly — indicate clear aims and objectives, key research questions to be answered and the research methods you’ll use
• Show you understand the existing research — investigate your proposed field and position your own study in the context of the existing work in the area
• Show the value of your research — explain why you chose your proposed research topic and why your work will be distinctive and contribute to the development of the field
• Show independent thinking — demonstrate the ability to understand the key elements of your detailed area of work
• Highlight your skills — describe how any training or experience is relevant to your proposal
• Identify resources —list the resources you think you’ll need for your project
• Consider the broader context — research around your area of study and know the key sources that are available to you

Application essentials

Documents you’ll need to apply.

When you are ready to apply online, you’ll need to submit your application with the following documents:

• your research proposal
• two letters of reference, of which one must relate your most recent academic qualification
• a copy of your passport
• qualification transcripts and certificates, with English translation for non-UK qualifications
• proof of English language proficiency where relevant

If you're ready to apply, follow this link.

Application deadlines

There are no current application deadlines. 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about how to apply or the status of your application, you can email [email protected] .

Related information

Explore the degrees we offer, our research culture and supervisory expertise. Browse by subject area.

Postgraduate research degrees

How to apply for a doctoral degree as an international student.

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How to apply for a research degree

Once you’ve found a PhD project or decided on your own proposal and spoken with a potential supervisor, you can apply using our online application system.

Prepare your application

The online application form takes about 30 minutes to complete. 

Typically when you apply, you’ll need:

• your personal details
• how you plan to fund your studies
• project title
• supervisor name (you should speak to the supervisor before applying)
• 2 academic references from your most recent place of study
• an academic transcript of your undergraduate degree showing modules and marks achieved
• an academic transcript from your Master's degree showing modules and marks achieved if you have already graduated
• undergraduate degree certificate and Master's degree certificate (if you have already graduated)
• English language qualification (if required)
• CV (also referred to as a resume)
• personal statement
• research proposal (if you are planning your own project or if it states you need to provide it)

Apply as early as possible if you need to secure a UK visa or if you are applying for funding or sponsorship. Deadlines for research funding are usually at least 6 months in advance of the start date. 

Some projects will have a different application procedure. This is usually the case when the project is funded by a doctoral training partnership.

Steps to apply

• Check that you meet the entry requirements and confirm the key dates either on the project page or with your potential supervisor.
• Write a personal statement including your motivation for the project, your relevant skills and experience, and how it supports your future goals. Keep this focused and concise.  
• Have supporting documents ready to attach to your online application.
• Register for an account then complete and submit the online application form. You’ll be able to save and review your application before submitting it.  
• Check you have received our email confirming we've received your application. We usually send this straight away.
• Use your account login details to track the progress of your application.

Ready to apply?

 for questions about applying, please contact our faculty  graduate  schools:,  arts and humanities: .

 Email: [email protected]        Phone: +44 (0)23 8059 7433

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 Email: [email protected]       Phone: +44 (0)23 8059 3782

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 Email: [email protected]      Phone: +44 (0)23 8212 6501

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How do I apply for a PhD?

What does a PhD involve?

A full-time PhD with us involves a three year research project. Research students embarking on a PhD programme will normally be enrolled provisionally for that degree. Confirmation of PhD enrolment will be considered within 18 months (for full-time students) or within three years (for part-time students) once evidence of good progress is established. Students have one, sometimes two, supervisors, plus a small Thesis Advisory Panel.

Some UK doctorates have adopted the USA pattern of a taught course plus a shorter thesis; these are mostly called EdDs not PhDs. York does not at the moment offer an EdD in Education.

Applying for a PhD

What are the starting dates for phd programmes in the department of education.

The normal starting month is September (start of semester 1). In exceptional cases, you may start in January. To explore this option, please talk about it with your prospective supervisor and the PhD administrator during the application process.

When should I apply for the PhD programmes in the Department of Education?

You can apply at any time during the academic year up until mid-June, but please note that the application is competitive and there are three sessions of selection panels, late January, late March and late June . You will need to have applied and have been interviewed ahead of one of those panels in order to be accepted onto the PhD programmes.

• Applicants interviewed before 31 December will be considered in the January panel. This is also the departmental deadline for ESRC White Rose scholarships.
• Applicants interviewed before 15 March will be considered in the March panel. This is also the deadline for Departmental Scholarships (subject to availability).
• Applicants interviewed before 15 June will be considered in the June panel. 

If you apply after mid-June, you may not be offered a place until the next admissions year. Please consult with your prospective supervisor and the administrator during the application process if you are in this situation.

Is there an application fee?

Are there any grants.

Yes. There are government funded ORS grants, university scholarships and sometimes department scholarships. All have deadlines and all are highly competitive. Look at Scholarships for further details on funding opportunities.

What does the admissions process look like?

 The selection process is made up of 4 formal steps:

• Central preselection 
• Departmental preselection
• Interview with supervisor
• PhD committee final decision

Below is a more detailed description of the application and selection process, broken down into more steps. If you have any questions, or if your specific circumstances mean that it is impossible for you to follow these steps, please email [email protected] .

Given you fulfill basic requirements, your research idea is what matters most . What are you interested in? Why? Have you identified a gap in a research area? Has this intuition come from practice? Once you have a clear idea of what you would like to research, here's what your application process is likely to look like:

1) Try to identify a supervisor in our department who could supervise your project

You might want to look at our Research Centre pages , staff pages and the Education Department PURE page . This should help you get a sense of whether your research interests would be a good fit for our department or not.  

Before applying, you may email prospective supervisors in the department directly. Please note that they are not obliged to reply to you until you have formally applied for the PhD programme .

2) Apply formally for the PhD programme, with a full proposal and required documentation

You will find plenty of information about what a research proposal should look like on our FAQ page .

3) Your application will now be reviewed by central admissions

At this stage, if it fails, it is because basic entry requirements are not fulfilled.    If your application is accepted at this stage, then...

4) Your application will then be reviewed by PhD programme leaders

At this stage, the most common reasons for an application being rejected are:

• your project is not aligned with anyone's research expertise here. It does not necessarily mean your proposal is not of good quality! It is not in your interest to be supervised by someone who does not have the expertise, so do look for a better fit elsewhere.
• there is someone in the department who could supervise your research project, but they are currently at maximum capacity for PhD supervisees. Supervisors cannot take too many PhD supervisees at one time, so they sometimes have to regretfully decline good applications.

If your application is accepted at this stage, then...

5) Your prospective supervisor will contact you to arrange an interview

At the interview (which is likely to be online), there will be your prospective supervisor and another researcher, who may or may not be in your research area.

The interview will be conversational and relaxed, but it is a formal part of the selection process . You will doubtlessly be asked to talk about your proposal, to give an idea of your familiarity with the field, to justify your planned methodology, etc. It is perfectly normal at this stage to be unsure about what your PhD will look like exactly, so don't worry about emitting doubts or asking for your interviewers' opinion about your planned methods.

The two interviewers will also use this opportunity to evaluate your overall profile as a potential researcher with us, including personal and contextual characteristics. You should feel absolutely free to ask them questions about the Department and what it would be like to work with us.

At the end of the interview, it is quite common for interviewers to ask candidates to revise and resubmit their proposal. This helps them assess the candidate's receptiveness to feedback and should not be taken as a sign that your proposal isn't good.

Following the interview, your prospective supervisor will let you know whether or not you have passed this stage of the selection process.    If your prospective supervisor supports your application after the interview, then...

6) Your application will be considered at the next PhD committee

• Applicants interviewed before15 March will be considered in the March panel. This is also the deadline for Departmental Scholarships (subject to availability).
• Applicants interviewed before 15 June will be considered in the June panel.

The committee reviews all applications supported by supervisors, and makes a final decision acceptances. You will be notified after the panel whether or not an offer is made to you.

If you accept our offer, then...

7) Thank you, and congratulations!

We will be very pleased to welcome you among our research community when you join us! 

Should I mention a potential supervisor in my application?

Yes, please - it is very helpful to you and to us if you can mention a member of the academic staff in the Department whom you've identified as having relevant expertise and interests. Your application has far greater chances of being considered if you mention a potential supervisor among our staff and if your proposed research project fits their area of expertise.

Should I approach this potential supervisor before applying?

You may, although there is no guarantee they will reply. But if your project truly is aligned with their interests, and they have capacity to take on new PhD supervisees, they will probably reply encouragingly. Not getting a reply is not a sign that you would not obtain a place if you applied, so feel free to apply anyway and mention their name.

What are the main reasons for rejecting applicants outright in your department?

Provided you meet the basic requirements, the main reason for outright rejections is lack of supervisor capacity. This means either that there is no one in the department who has the expertise and interests to support you through your PhD journey, or that there is someone, but they can't currently take on a new supervisee because of other commitments.

Being rejected is disappointing, but the most important thing for you as a PhD researcher is to find a supervisor somewhere who has the expertise and capacity to help you. We would not be able to offer the same quality of supervision if we admitted all candidates, even self-funded, and even excellent, who want to do projects we cannot support them with.

Writing a research proposal

Whose job is it to find a research topic.

Yours. Occasionally, researchers advertise PhD studentships to investigate specific topics, but these are rare. In 99% of cases, you have to find a topic. We have a page of Research Project Ideas , aligned with staff members' interests; but you can also come up with your own research project and apply with us - if there is expertise and interest in our department for the type of study you're projecting to do, you have a chance to get in. 

Can I develop my MA dissertation or an assignment?

Yes. And you can reference your MA dissertation in your PhD thesis, just like any journal article or book. However, the PhD must be a genuine development with fresh data; you cannot submit the same data or the same words for two degrees.

Do I need to write a proposal before I apply?

Yes. We cannot consider your application without a research proposal. Your proposal is a key part of your application; the better it is, the more likely you are to be accepted and the better your research will be. Although you will continue to develop it and work on it for several months after you start the PhD, you still need to prepare a good proposal at the application stage.

Most proposals are about 1,500 words in length. Format it like an MA assignment: word processed, double spaced on A4, a footer with your name and the page number, subheadings in bold, all references in a consistent style. Make certain that your English is accurate. Remember, your proposal is your major vehicle for demonstrating to us or other universities that you are intelligent, can think in a research-oriented way, are able to read critically and are likely to complete a thesis successfully in 3-4 years (full-time).

What does a research proposal look like?

Your research proposal is a key part of your application; the better it is, the more likely you are to be accepted and the better your research will be. Although you will continue to develop it and work on it for several months after you start the PhD, you still need to prepare a good proposal at the application stage. We will not hold you to doing exactly what you say in your proposal. However, your proposal needs to give us a clear idea of your thinking about the research topic: in particular, when, where and how you plan to collect your data; and what relevant reading and research you are aware of. A research proposal should be about 1,500 words in length.

Please make every effort to match your proposal to the research expertise of our staff closely. Familiarize yourself with the areas that our staff are willing to supervise. See  https://www.york.ac.uk/education/our-staff/academic/

Your proposal is more likely to succeed if you name a preferred supervisor on your application.  Your proposal must strongly align with their research interests.  The Department will only consider applications for ESRC or Departmental studentships if they align closely with staff interests. See  https://www.york.ac.uk/education/postgraduate/phd/research-projects

Your proposal should address these questions:

Our questions Comments Does your topic fit the PhD Programme? Make sure you apply for the right PhD programme. Read the guidance on the different PhD programmes offered by the Department carefully. What do you want to research? A working title A general topic area and main aim of the study Why? Is there a serious problem or gap? You need to demonstrate that there is a genuine gap in the literature. A PhD needs to be a genuine original contribution to the area. What benefit would your research bring?  How does the problem relate to relevant theories (of education, language or psychology)? What are your research questions? One or more answerable research questions. What aspects are new, different, innovative? Give an overview of the literature in the specific area you want to contribute to. This section is an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have immersed yourself well in the relevant literature, and that you have identified a gap that your research would address. How do you plan to carry it out? Give a brief research design Explain your proposed methods: sample, data collection methods, methods of analysis, location for the study. How will you plan your time? Give an outline timetable of the work. Can you do it? Indicate what relevant experience you already have in key areas. State what training needs you might have. Consider whether your plans for data collection and your timetable are feasible. Please make sure that your proposal is of the highest possible standard of academic English writing. The process of selecting PhD applicants is very competitive. You can find samples of successful PhDs at https://www.york.ac.uk/library/ You can find guidance on how to write a proposal here: Dunleavy, Patrick.  Authoring a PhD: How to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation . Palgrave Macmillan, 2003. Verschuren, Piet, Hans Doorewaard, and Michelle Mellion.  Designing a research project . Vol. 2. The Hague: Eleven International Publishing, 2010.

Do my BA/BSc or MA/MSc grades matter?

Yes. A PhD is exciting work, but it is also hard work. You have to work independently and you have to read difficult books and articles, as you have to be able to work seriously with the details of theories and research methods. Your MA/MSc assignment grades are one piece of hard evidence, as is your dissertation grade. Grades are by no means everything, but you do need to show us that you have learned during your previous degrees to cope reasonably easily with high-level academic work.

Does my English matter?

Yes. A normal UK PhD is about 80,000 words long; about four to six times the length of a Masters dissertation. It is also on open access internationally. All the chapters have to be very detailed, closely argued and cross-referenced. The thesis therefore needs to be in good and correct English. It will be hard to write even if English is your first language. If English is a second language, you need to show us when you apply that you can write academic texts in reasonable English, and your English level will be one of the criteria we use to make a decision on whether to accept you.

Who should I use as referees?

Two people who have known you in different ways. Assuming you have an MA, one should be your supervisor, or a module tutor who is familiar with your assessed written work. If you have worked in education, commerce or industry, then the other could be an employer. The aim of the second referee should be to tell us how reliable, hard-working, honest you are, plus whether you have the drive to work independently.

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Application process

How to apply to Imperial

Apply online through My Imperial . 

• You can apply for up to two courses in an academic year.
• The majority of doctoral students start at the beginning of October.
• We welcome doctoral applications all year round though some academic departments and research projects/schemes restrict applications to particular times of the year, either due to funding requirements or because they want to admit students together as a cohort. 

Finding a supervisor

All applicants should identify the research area (and if appropriate, specific research project) and department in which they wish to work. You should also check with the department in advance whether you need to identify a supervisor before you apply. If you do then you should include details of the person who's agreed to supervise you in your application. Read more about finding a supervisor .

Find out more about the process

 If you've already applied to Imperial and are holding an offer of a place then please see our  offer holders section .

How to apply

Choosing a course.

Get advice on choosing a doctoral course at Imperial.

How to choose a course

Our entry requirements

Learn more about our academic and English language requirements.

General entry requirements

Find a supervisor

Many of our departments require you to find a supervisor before you apply.

How to find a supervisor

Research proposal

Your supervisor may ask you to formalise your idea as a research proposal.

Application references

You will need to provide the details of two referees on your application.

An interview is an important part of selection for doctoral study.

Choose a course

Application reference

Writing a research proposal

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Applying for a PhD

Considering applying for a PhD? Explore our advice below and see what sort of things you need to consider – from finding a supervisor to drafting a research proposal – we've got tips and advice to help you begin your PhD journey at Queen Mary.

One of the most important things to do before filling out an application is to find a good match with a supervisor or existing research group. Most Schools advise that you make contact with a supervisor via email before submitting an application. If you're applying for entry via a MRes programme, then this is not necessary.

To learn more about our PhD programmes, check entry requirements and find the applications forms, select your subject from the drop-down menu below. 

If you applying to come as a visiting/associate student for part of your PhD, you need to apply via this page  https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/associate/  

Step 1: Identify a research match

Before submitting an application, we encourage you to contact a potential supervisor via email. When you write to them, they will be looking for certain things to ensure you are a suitable PhD candidate and will consider the following:

• Is the proposed project suitable for PhD study?
• Do you have the academic strength to complete your project?
• Can the project be completed within the required time?
• Do they have the relevant knowledge to supervise your project?
• Can the School/Institute support your project and do they have the facilities and resources?

If you cannot find the research area you are looking for, or have any queries about the application process, you can either contact the School or our  fill out an enquiry form and our PhD team will be in touch.

Step 2: Review our entry requirements and funding

Entry requirements

Typically, the minimum entry requirement is an UK upper second class honours degree (2:1). Some Schools/Institutes require a first class honours degree and/or a masters degree. If your qualifications are not from a UK university, Queen Mary also considers recognised equivalent qualifications from accredited overseas institutions and equivalent professional qualifications. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.

If English is not your first language, please check your programme's English language requirements . You do not need to meet this at the point of application. You may provide evidence of your English level at a later date.

Funding You should ensure that you have a realistic plan to secure sufficient funding to complete the research and writing-up process within the normal time period. This is usually three to four years for full-time programmes, and six to seven years for part-time programmes. Many of our PhD students are funded by Queen Mary or one of the Doctoral Training Programmes. Studentships cover your tuition fees and normally include an allowance towards living costs. Studentships are advertised on our School/Institute websites, our Postgraduate Research Studentships page ,  Jobs.ac.uk and Findaphd.com . Read more about PhD funding at Queen Mary.

Step 3: Prepare a research proposal

If you are applying for an advertised project, you may not need to submit a proposal. But if you are proposing your own project idea you will and this is a key part of your application. 

Before submitting your application, it is likely that you will need to revise your proposal several times. Whilst your potential supervisor will help you do this, it is important that you present them with as clear a proposal as you can when you first make contact with them.

Tips for writing a strong research proposal include:

• Formulate a precise, interesting research question; this may take the form of a hypothesis to be tested, or a more open-ended inquiry.
• Establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking. Is there a knowledge gap?
• Outline a clear and practical methodology which enables you to answer the research question, and to describe and evaluate any data or source material you will draw upon.
• Suggest what you hope to discover at the end of your research and what new areas it might open up.
• Demonstrate that your research will not take longer than three years.

Check the specific requirements (e.g. word count) on the School/Institute webpages.

Step 4: Gather your documents and apply online

To get to the online application form, select your research area from the list above. You will then be able to select an online application button specifically for your start date (e.g. Semester 1, September 2021).

Each application should include the following:

• A completed application form
• Transcripts for all higher education studies - this includes any undergraduate and postgraduate study
• Proof of English language ability for overseas applicants from non-English speaking countries
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Your research proposal
• A one-side A4 statement of purpose. This should set out your previous academic or other experience relevant to the proposed research; why you wish to undertake this research at QMUL; your previous research or professional training and what further training you think you will need to complete a PhD; and what ethical issues you will need to consider in undertaking this research.
• Two references. At least one reference must be from an academic referee who is in a position to comment on the standard of your academic work and suitability for postgraduate level study. Where appropriate, a second referee can provide comment on your professional experience.

Note: If you don't yet have your final degree certificates or proof of English then you can apply and upload these missing documents at a later date. Include all the information you can at the time of applying.

We will contact your referee(s) by email to supply a reference. However, a scanned colour copy of a reference provided on paper can also be provided either at the point of application or in response to the reference request email your referee will receive.

If your referee emails your reference to us we can only accept it if it is sent from a university or company email address (ie not Hotmail, Gmail etc). Paper reference forms should be endorsed by an appropriate official stamp or on institution/company letterhead. Alternatively, if your referee has agreed to provide an open reference letter, you can scan this and upload it in the upload document section of the online form.

What about international applicants? International applicants are welcome to contact one of our authorised local representatives if they feel they need assistance in submitting their PhD application. Our representatives can help you apply, ensuring you submit all of the requisite documents whilst also supporting you through the immigration process. To find your local Queen Mary representative, see our country/region specific information .

Step 5: What happens next?

Once processed, the School/Institute may get in touch with you directly to discuss your application and arrange an interview. Those not short-listed for interview will receive a rejection message via the applicant portal.

The entire process from the submission of your application, to an invitation to discuss further, interview or decision, typically takes between six to eight weeks. But if you applying for advertised funding, this Schools will not look at your applications until the deadline has passed. If you need a decision by a given deadline in order to apply for external funding, please make this clear in your application.

Admissions Policy

You can download and read our Admissions Policies on the Policyzone.

Can I apply for more than one programme of study? You may apply for a maximum of two taught programmes or one taught and one research programme at QMUL. If you are applying online, you will need to submit two applications. Please note: although you may apply for two programmes, under QMUL regulations you can only study for one qualification at a time. If you receive offers for both programmes, you will be required to accept one and decline the other.

Is there a deadline for receipt of applications? There is no fixed closing date for applications but you should remember that decisions on applications will be made as quickly as possible. Students seeking financial support from Research Councils or other award giving bodies are asked to apply as early as possible and make it clear in their application the Research Council deadline. Additionally students applying for QMUL Studentships are reminded that their applications must be in line with Research Degrees Office deadlines.  Please see our  Postgraduate Research Studentship page  and Postgraduate Research Deadlines page .

Is there an application fee? No, QMUL does not charge an application fee.

Is my qualification recognised? Our International Office has a list of countries/regions for which we have published admissions information online. Please see our international students section. Alternatively we use UKNARIC to check the equivalency of international and European qualifications: www.naric.org.uk What happens after I submit my form? All complete applications will be considered by Admissions Tutors. Providing you have included all the required documentation, we aim to inform you of a decision on your application within six to eight weeks of receipt. Please note this can vary during peak application times (January – April).

Where can I find out more about English language requirements? Read more about our English language requirements  page .

Is there any help for applicants with disabilities? Queen Mary University of London has a dedicated Disability and Dyslexia Service which offers advice, support and guidance for disabled students, including those with mental health difficulties and specific learning difficulties (eg dyslexia), from the point of application through to graduation. This advice covers issues such as agreeing to the provision of reasonable adjustments, as well as accessing external sources of funding and support, such as the Disabled Student’s Allowance. Our Disability and Dyslexia Service is represented at the various open days held across the year, but if you would like to discuss any aspects of support, you can contact the service at any time to request an appointment, either in person or over the phone. Fill out our online form or contact us on the details below: Web: www.dds.qmul.ac.uk Tel: +44(0) 207 882 2756 Email: [email protected]

How to apply for a PhD in the UK

Applying for a phd is not quite as daunting as you might think. a postgraduate student recruitment officer from the university of sussex shares his tips for putting together a phd application.

Ben Osborne

There are many different reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD – to move into an academic role at a university, to continue studying a subject you are passionate about or to further your career. 

Whatever your motivation, many students are now choosing to pursue a PhD abroad. This guide will help you understand how to apply for a PhD at a UK university and answer any questions you might have around doing PhDs.

Download your Study Abroad Guide for FREE!

How to apply for a phd.

Application rules and methods vary for each university. The number of courses that you can apply for in a year will vary. For example, at the University of Sussex , you can apply for up to three postgraduate courses per year using the postgraduate application system.

If you are applying for more than one degree, you must submit a research proposal/statement specific to each area of study you apply for.

You can also apply to different universities to improve your chances of being accepted to a PhD course of your choosing. 

What qualifications do I need?

Each PhD will have specific entry requirements and you will also need to meet a university’s general entry requirements.  This may be an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1) or an equivalent international qualification. For some PhDs you may need a master’s qualification, and you may be asked to attend an interview.

International students may also be required to prove language proficiency. This will vary across institutions so do check what level universities expect before starting your application. 

Applicants should always check the specific entry requirements in a university’s online prospectus before making an application.

When should I start applying?

This will depend on when your term start date is. Most research degrees will start in September but some courses offer additional entry points in January or May.

You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January and May, and the deadlines for applying are usually one month before the course start date for UK applicants, and three months before for international applicants.

If you’re applying for funding from an external organisation you’ll need to be aware that they may have different deadlines for the funding application. So give yourself plenty of time to research your funding options, and ensure you know how long the application process takes. 

Many universities offer a number of funded PhD opportunities and PhD scholarships for UK and international students, and it’s always worth investigating funding routes such as research councils and other organisations, both in the UK and overseas.

In some cases, it may be possible to study a PhD by distance which means you’ll be able to learn online and have virtual meetings with your supervisor.

If this is something you would be interested in doing you should check before applying whether your university can accommodate this option. 

Nine things to know before doing a PhD Starting a PhD during the pandemic Studying for a part-time PhD: the challenges and the benefits Is it possible to do a three-year PhD as an international student?

How should I look for a supervisor?

Usually if you are applying for a funded project, or to a research centre or group, you will normally be asked to provide a statement explaining your suitability for working in that area, and if successful you will be allocated a supervisor.

If you wish to propose your own area of research, you need to decide on a research topic, and you will be expected to write a research proposal. In some cases you may only be required to provide a summary of academic interests and this can be used to match you to a researcher that suits you.

If you are proposing your own research topic, there may be a research database at your university that you can search, or your university will match you with a supervisor during the assessment of your application. It may be possible to request supervision by a particular member of faculty – this will be considered but not all requests can be accommodated.

If you do find a potential supervisor who matches your research area, check their online profile for indications of their doctoral supervision capacity. If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them directly to check their availability for supervising you.

It is a good idea to draw up a shortlist of two to three potential supervisors, and take an in-depth look into their research history. You can also find out more about your potential supervisors by looking in the reference sections of academic textbooks and searching for articles in research databases and academic blogs.

When you contact your potential supervisor, it is important to tell them something interesting about yourself, and explain your research interests and how you feel your research proposal matches their expertise.

How do I write a research proposal?

If you are proposing your own research you will need to write a strong proposal that formulates a precise, interesting research question, and establishes the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking.

You’ll need to make sure your proposal describes the data or source material your research requires, and outlines a clear and practical methodology that enables you to answer the research question and that states clearly what you hope to discover at the end of your research, and what new areas it might open up.

The precise content and structure of your research proposal will depend on your subject area, and the University of Sussex has some helpful resources on our website to guide you through the process.

How long does the application process take?

Completing an application and writing a research proposal may take some time and should not be left until just before the application deadline.

It’s not easy to give a definite idea of how long it takes to hear if your application has been successful, as it will depend on when the application is made and the nature of the specific PhD, and you would need to meet any conditions contained within the offer before you can start the PhD.

What are the associated costs?

There won’t typically be an application fee for PhDs but there are tuition fees. If a university does charge application fees they will usually be between £50-£100.

The tuition fees for students studying in the UK are set by UK Research and Innovation . Fees for international students are £18,975 for non-lab-based subjects, and £22,975 for lab-based subjects per year.

You’ll also need to factor in living costs, but there are a number of funding routes you can apply for to help with this. As well as PhD scholarships and funded research projects there are research council awards, PhD loans for those eligible, and various organisations to which international students can apply for funding, such as The Gen Foundation and Open Society Foundations.

It’s important to be aware of the costs involved, but it’s also worth remembering that the educational, career and personal benefits of PhD study can be worth it.

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• PhD Applications - Information, Guidance & Advice

PhD Applications

PhD applications are different to other university courses. For one thing, you won’t be applying to a course.

We’re here to help you through the PhD application process. We've explained how PhD interviews work (and previewed some of the questions you might be asked). We've also looked at common postgraduate entry tests and provided some advice on eligibility criteria for doctoral research. The main thing to remember is that you’ll need to show that you’re the right candidate to fill an advertised position, or complete a research project that you designed and proposed yourself.

In the UK, most PhD application deadlines are between late December and mid January. This coincides with the deadlines set by UKRI Research Council funding bodies. Most students will begin work on their application in the autumn. Although less common, many PhD positions and funding opportunities are still available to apply for year round.

Outside of the UK, PhD applications may be accepted for both the autumn and winter intake. As well as the below, you can check out our advice for international students , as well as country-specific guides and language tests , which you will need as part of your PhD application.

All that's left is to wish you good luck. So... good luck!

Ready to find a PhD?

Use our course search to filter PhD opportunities by topic, keywords, location and funding.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Understand what a successful PhD research proposal needs to include and how to go about writing one for your project application.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

What actually happens at a PhD interview? And how should you prepare for yours? Read our top tips.

Some PhD applications require students to write a personal statement (also known as a statement of purpose) outlining their background, goals and academic interests.

What questions will you be asked at a PhD interview? And how should you answer? Find out with our handy guide.

Applying for a PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) often works a little different to other subjects. Here's everything you need to know about applying for a STEM PhD.

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PhD Education / Application and selection

Year of entry: 2025

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How to apply

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 20 January 2025.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2025 entry: 30 June 2025

Advice to applicants

Before you start your application, you should:

• Develop your own research proposal and project title.
• Find a supervisor by browsing our academics' profiles, and reach out directly to discuss if they are interested in supporting your research.
• Consider how you plan on funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor.

When you submit your application, you must include each of the below required documents:

• A 1,500 word  PhD research proposal. Times New Roman, Font 12 (exclusive of references). Please state the word count on page 1 of the document. If over length, the submission will be returned to you.
• A copy of your Bachelor's academic transcript and certificate.
• A copy of your Master's academic transcript and certificate. If your Master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
• If you have completed more than one Bachelor's or Master's degree, please provide evidence for each. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation. If your weighted average mark or GPA is not included on these documents, please also include an official document from your university verifying this information.
• An up-to-date academic CV summarising your academic record, employment history, publications and highlighting experience demonstrating your research potential.
• The names of two academic referees, including one from your most recent institution. Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following the submission of your application form. You may wish to notify your referees to submit their references promptly, as this is part of the review process.
• A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.

Interview requirements

As part of the offer making process applicants will be required to undertake an interview assessment. This may be in the form of an in-person interview, or video call.

The interview is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the broad topic area, the viability of your proposed research and its intellectual contribution, alongside the fit of your project with the supervisory team. You also may be asked to identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research, and discuss how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance.

The interview panel will consist at minimum of your primary supervisor and an independent interviewer.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard programme entry criteria for that year of entry.

In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen programme.

UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES)

PhD Application Process

Guidance on applying for a PhD within the School.

Additional detailed information on the application form and other tips can be found on the U CL Application Pages within the Graduate Prospectus. 

Applications will open mid-October for the following September entry date. Please note that we accept applicants for September start dates only. 

We strongly encourage applicants to apply as soon as the application is ready and by end of July at the very latest. If you are applying for funding, you will need to apply earlier (usually early January depending on the funder) for external and internal funding schemes. Guidance on funding opportunities and deadlines can be found on our Funding page. 

Entry Requirements

You should normally hold a first or upper second-class honours degree or an equivalent qualification and hold a Masters (or international equivalent). In normal circumstances, we do not accept candidates without an MA degree. Those applying from overseas should have achieved high grades, especially in the modules or subjects relevant to their research, and should attach a certified official transcript to their application.

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of their capacity to research and write in English. In some cases, we may ask for an English language qualification as part of any offer conditions. 

Further details regarding entry requirements and English language requirements can be found at:  https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/english-language-requirements

Identify a Supervisor

Interested applicants should identify a member of academic staff with the appropriate specialization, and you should approach them well in advance of the application deadline (and any funding deadlines) to discuss their application. All staff and their research profiles are listed on the SSEES website:

• View A-Z of Staff Profiles
• View Staff Profiles by Subject Area

Guidance on contacting potential supervisors: 

Research Proposal

All applicants are required to submit with the application form a research proposal of 1,000 - 1,500 words. When approaching supervisors, you should have a draft version of this to send (at least 500 words). This will help them decide if they are able and willing to supervise your topic. We advise you approach supervisors plenty of time ahead of any funding deadlines so they can give advice on refining this ahead of an application if needed. Some guidance on writing a research proposal is given in the below document:

Once your proposed supervisor(s) has agreed to supervise you and you have completed your research proposal, you should formally apply via the UCL Online Portal. Please note any deadlines for funding and application requirements for certain funding schemes, as some may require earlier submission dates and additional documents ( See Funding pages )

Questions about the application process can be directed to the   Programme Administrator (Research and IMESS) .   Questions about potential supervision can be directed to the Head of Postgraduate Research ,  Dr Kristin Roth-Ey . 

Key Contacts

Head of Graduate Research: Dr Kristin Roth-Ey ( [email protected]) Research Programme Administrator: Lana Smirnova ( [email protected] ) SSEES Admissions Office:   [email protected]

• Register your Interest with UCL

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We offer a unique experience to our graduate students, including the opportunity to work with leading academics and with world-class libraries, laboratories, museums and collections. The Graduate Admissions pages of the University of Oxford website are designed for those applying for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford during the 2024-25 academic year

Applications are now open for entry in 2025-26

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When to apply

Applications for entry in 2025/26 will open on 8 october 2024.

There is intense competition for admission; early applications have a greater chance of being successful and of meeting financial support/scholarship and visa deadlines.

Only a few programmes have deadlines by which you should apply – decisions are mostly made on a rolling basis, which means that a programme will close once all of the available places have been filled. You must therefore check the current availability of your chosen programme(s) and submit your application early to give yourself the best chance of obtaining a place.

Many scholarships, however, especially for research programmes, have early deadlines. See individual programme pages and the  fees and funding page  for details of particular deadlines.

Once we have received and processed your application, you should expect to wait an average of 8 weeks for a decision if you are applying for a taught master’s programme. Decisions for research programmes may take longer than this.

Your submitted application will be received and processed by the admissions team only once we have received a reference from each of the referees you nominate in your online application.

Research funding deadlines

Please note:  to be considered for LSE PhD Studentships or ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership Scholarships  (for 1+3 or +3 funding), you must submit your complete application, including ALL supporting documents, by the following deadlines 

• 1 December 2023 (Research programmes in the Law School)
• 14 December 2023 (MRes/PhD Economics)
• 15 January 2024 (first funding panel deadline including ESRC) *
• 25 April 2024 Final funding deadline

* Please note: to be considered for ESRC DTP Scholarships you must apply by the first funding panel deadline.

Applications received or completed after the deadline will not be considered for LSE research scholarships. We will always do our best to make sure that applications received just after the deadline reach the departments in time to be considered, but it is much better to plan ahead and submit early.

Please be aware that some departments only make submissions to the earlier funding panels, and earlier applications have more chance of being considered for funding - check individual programme pages for details.

Some programmes will continue to accept applications for places after these deadlines, however it may not be possible to consider you for LSE funding.

Remember that your submitted application cannot be considered until we have received a reference from each of the referees you nominate in your online application.

Previous applicants

If you are unsuccessful, or are unable to take up your place in 2024/5, you have until 16 November 2024 to reinstate your application to be considered in the next admissions cycle for entry in 2025/6. As long as you complete the reinstate form before the deadline, we will re-use the documents that you sent to us, including your transcripts and references. Please note that it is only possible to reinstate your application once, for the following cycle, so if you initially applied before 2024/5, you should start and submit a new application from scratch.

The reinstatement fee is £95.

Start dates

Our main taught master's (MSc/MA/MPA/LLM) programmes start in the autumn term (late September). Some programmes, particularly those in the Departments of Economics, Accounting, Finance and Management, require attendance at Summer School or introductory courses in the July-September months before the main programme begins. 

Executive master’s programmes start at different times of the year depending on their mode of teaching. Please see individual programme pages for details.

Research (MPhil/PhD) programmes usually start in September, but may additionally start in the Winter (January) and Spring (April) terms at the discretion of your department. See below for more information.

Research programme start dates

The options are  September  (Autumn),  January  (Winter), or  April  (Summer). 

All research courses accept applications for a  September  start. Only  some  departments accept students for January or April start dates. In general, starting in September is preferred. In your first year there are usually some taught elements, and starting in January or April may mean there are fewer options available. 

Please read the information below carefully before applying. 

To start in September for the following departments, please apply as normal No other start dates  are possible

• Accounting 
• Anthropology
• Economic History
• Gender Institute
• Geography and Environment
• International Development
• International History
• International Relations
• Management (all tracks)
• Media and Communications
• Methodology
• Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method : Because the Department imposes detailed coursework requirements on beginning research students and courses are all year-long commencing in Autumn, we do not normally admit research students except for a Autumn start. However the Department is willing to consider applications for starts at the beginning of either the Winter or the Spring terms in very special circumstances.
• Regional and Urban Planning Studies
• Social Policy
• Social Psychology  (may offer a January start date - please contact the Department)

For the remaining departments to start in  September, January,  and  April  please apply as normal

• Mathematics (No Summer/April start available)

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UK University Application Deadlines

Key dates for 2025 uk university entry.

Before beginning your application, familiarising yourself with key UCAS deadlines is important. Some universities ( Cambridge and Oxford ) and courses (medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry) have much earlier deadlines, and you must be fully aware of those that impact your application.

All UCAS deadlines for courses in the UK can be found below, but these are the key dates to become familiar with in the coming UCAS application cycle.

• 15 October 2024  - All Cambridge and Oxford university courses and most medicine , veterinary medicine and dentistry courses at all other institutions
• 29 January 2025  - Application deadline for the majority of undergraduate courses for domestic and international students on an equal consideration basis
• 30 June 2025  - Final application deadline for all undergraduate courses

If you miss the 29th January deadline, do not worry; almost all UK universities accept international applications up to 30th June. Speak to an SI-UK consultant to find out more.

2025 UK University Deadlines

The deadlines below are for students wishing to study in the UK starting September 2025.

• Deadline for Oxbridge applications to Oxford and Cambridge and most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry
• January 2025 entry begins
• Application deadline for the majority of undergraduate courses for domestic and international students on an equal consideration basis
• Final application deadline for all undergraduate courses
• Any applications received after June 30 are entered into  UCAS Clearing

UK University Deadlines FAQ

What do i do if i miss a deadline.

Don’t worry! If you miss your required deadline, you can still submit a UCAS application that will get the attention of universities via Clearing or in January, the second-biggest intake for UK universities.

How do I apply to universities in the UK?

Applying to UK universities is fast and straightforward with SI-UK. We can relieve the stress of applying alone by assisting with your university selection and ensuring you choose the right course.

Should I consider January entry?

The January intake is ideal for students who want to transfer courses, defer entry from September, or wish to start later in the academic year. Every year, over 10,000 courses are available for the January intake.

Is September the main intake?

September is the main intake in the UK each academic year. As seen above, the traditional deadlines apply to September start programmes.

What is the application deadline for bachelor's courses in the UK?

29th January is the year's first deadline for undergraduate study, with the latest deadline being the 30th June. The deadline for medicine and dentistry courses is 15th October.

What is the application deadline for master's courses in the UK?

Deadlines follow the same calendar as undergraduate study, but postgraduate deadlines vary. Contact an SI-UK consultant to find out the deadline for your desired course.

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Many Programs have earlier deadlines. Please check the program page for specific deadlines.

Graduate School Application Deadlines Complete applications must be submitted by the dates below:

Spring 2025

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Many programs have earlier deadlines.

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